Top 10 Things To Do in April 2025

By: Sam Ornig 03/28/2025

Spring festivities are in full swing here in Lake County this April, with the opening of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, 5Ks and half-marathons for the running enthusiasts, springtime festivals celebrating the warming weather and so much more! Head outside with your family and friends and take advantage of all that Lake County has to offer this month.

Here are the top 10 things to do in April in the land of lakes.

1. April Festivals (All Month)

Spring has sprung in the Midwest, and Lake County is welcoming the budding flowers and warmer weather with festivals scheduled throughout April. From makers faires to Easter celebrations, family and friends can gather for fun and excitement throughout the land of lakes this spring. 

• Festival of Arts and Crafts at Lake County Fairgrounds (April 4-6) INFO»
• Tangled Forest Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds (April 4-6) INFO»
• Maker Faire Lake County in Grayslake (April 12) INFO»
• 8th Annual Kids Rank Ball at Hyatt Regency Deerfield (April 12) INFO»
• Easter Egg-Venture and Craft/Makers Market at Hawthorn Row (April 12) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (April 19) INFO»
• W.O.W. Women of Weight Conference at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield (April 24-27) INFO»
• Ladies Night Open House at Reclaimed Artisans in Libertyville (April 25) INFO»
• Fear No Art Festival at the College of Lake County (April 25-26) INFO»
• Earth Day Expo and Market at Hawthorn Row (April 26) INFO»
• Earth Day at the Adler Center in Libertyville (April 27) INFO»

2. Theatre in Lake County (All month)

Lake County boasts a dynamic theater scene, offering a rich tapestry of performances throughout the year. From classic plays to innovative new productions, theater enthusiasts can immerse themselves in captivating stories brought to life by talented local and touring performers in venues that range from intimate black box theaters to grand historic stages.

• MJ Live at Genesee Theatre (April 4) INFO»
• "Titanic The Musical" at Marriott Theatre (April 9-30) INFO»
• The Brit Pack at Genesee Theatre (April 10) INFO»
• "Our Town" at Deerfield's Caruso Theater (April 1-13) INFO»
• "Shapes of Emergence" at the Wayfarer Theaters (April 13) INFO»
• Play On!- A CLC Theatre Student Showcase: The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon in Grayslake (April 12-19) INFO»
• "A Jukebox for Algonquin" at Citadel Theatre (April 18-30) INFO»
• "The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy" at Genesee Theatre (April 19) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (April 19) INFO»
• Fear No Art Festival at the College of Lake County (April 25-26) INFO»

3. Easter Hoppenings (All Month)

Lake County is gearing up to celebrate Easter this April, with fun events like egg hunts, Easter Bunny visits, brunches and more! Join other Lake County community members in celebrating this spring holiday at the following events:

• Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop (April 5) INFO»
• Easter Egg Hunt at Canlan Lake Barrington (April 5) INFO»
• JJ Twig's Easter Egg Hunt in Waucona (April 5) INFO»
• A Special Visit With Caring Bunny at Gurnee Mills (April 6) INFO»
• Grayslake Easter Egg Hunt at Grayslake Central High School (April 12) INFO»
• Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Fox Lake (April 12) INFO»
• Bunny Bash at Gurnee Park District (April 12) INFO»
• Paulus Park Egg Hunt in Lake Zurich (April 12) INFO»
• Easter Egg-Venture and Craft/Makers Market at Hawthorn Row (April 12) INFO»
• Egg hunt Family Swim Night at Waukegan Fieldhouse (April 12) INFO»
• Spring Bunny Paint Social at Dandelion Art Gallery in Waukegan (April 12) INFO»
• Passover at Wildfire in Lincolnshire (April 12-13) INFO»
• Bunny Brunch at Lambs Farm (April 18-19) INFO»
• Easter Egg hunt at Canlan Libertyville (April 19) INFO»
• 27th Annual Eggstravaganza at the Waukegan Park District (April 19) INFO»
• Easter Egg Hunt at Zion Park District (April 19) INFO»
• Wauconda Bunny Hop at Phil's Beach (April 19) INFO»
• Easter Weekend at Perry's Steakhouse (April 19-20) INFO»
• Easter Brunch at Lambs Farm in Libertyville (April 20) INFO»
• Easter Brunch at Beelow's Steakhouse in Lake Zurich (April 20) INFO»
• Easter at Primo in Gurnee (April 20) INFO»
• Easter Brunch at Nolan's at Illinois Beach Hotel in Zion (April 20) INFO»

4. Camping in Lake County

Discover the peaceful charm of Lake County's campgrounds, where the wonders of nature are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re setting up camp along the calm shores of Lake Michigan or deep within the lush landscapes of a state park, these getaways promise a refreshing break from everyday life. 

• Illinois Beach State Park, with its expansive shoreline and a variety of recreational options, offers 244 campsites with electricity and modern conveniences. Opens April 1.  
• Chain O'Lakes State Park welcomes water lovers to enjoy its network of lakes and picturesque trails. Opens April 1.
• Fish Lake Beach Campground in Volo offers a family-friendly retreat with an array of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing and boating, creating lasting memories in a scenic and peaceful setting. Opens May 1. 

5. Golfing In Lake County

Enjoy a beautiful day on the green in Lake County. The land of lakes is home to 46 golf courses, all offering unique fairways and relaxing views of Lake County's beauty, from lush forests to peaceful open prairieland. No matter your skill level, you'll find the perfect course to enjoy a round of golf. Grab your bag and clubs and head out to Lake County's best courses this April to work on your golf game before summer.  

6. Tulip and Daffodil Festival at Richardson Adventure Farm

It isn't really spring in Lake County until Richardson Adventure Farm's annual Tulip Festival! Grab your family and friends and your camera and head to the Spring Grove farm, where you can view over one million tulips and daffodils over 10 acres of farmland. Each paid admission gets you one free tulip to take home (additional tulips are $2 each) — choose from over 75 different varieties! In addition to everyone's favorite spring flowers, Richardson's will also have food trucks, beer and wine for purchase and outdoor games available to play. 

7. Six Flags Great America Opens for the Season (April 18)

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Six Flags Great America, situated in the heart of the Midwest, in Gurnee, Illinois. Six Flags Great America promises an adrenaline-fueled experience with its impressive lineup of 18 exhilarating coasters, a dazzling nighttime parade and three dedicated children's zones. This year, Six Flags premieres its latest thrill coaster, the Wrath of Rakshasa, the steepest and most inverted dive coaster in the world! With speeds of up to 67 miles per hour and a heart-stopping 171-foot drop, Wrath of Rakshasa is every thrill-seekers dream. Dive into a summer of excitement—Six Flags awaits, ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

8. Running Events in Lake County

As the weather continues to feel more like spring each day, it's time to dust off those running shoes and get them ready for upcoming running events and the wonderful trails around Lake County.

• Sign up for the Bunny Wabbit Run in Libertville on April 19, with a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and 200 meter kids' dash, plus an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
• On April 27, Vernon Hills is hosting its annual Loop the Lakes 5K Run/Walk, with proceeds supporting the Vernon Hills Park District Scholarship Fund.

With over 200 miles of trails for running, hiking and biking, the land of lakes offers many opportunities for runners to get there fix, from Lake County's serene forest preserves to the "great" lakeside view at Illinois Beach State Park. Exercise, clear your head and enjoy the great outdoors in Lake County, Illinois! 

9. Lake County Libation Trail

Get ready to raise your glass and embark on a delicious adventure along the Lake County Libation Trail! Whether you're a beer enthusiast, wine connoisseur or spirit lover, this trail offers 28 unique stops showcasing the best locally-sourced brews, wines and cocktails. From frothy lagers and rich merlots to craft cocktails, there's something to satisfy every taste. As you visit participating locations, check in via your mobile pass; by visiting five or more stops, you'll be entered to win an exclusive bus tour with 95 WIIL ROCK, where you and up to 10 friends can explore your favorite breweries, wineries and distilleries. With over 20 stops offering tours, tastings and specialty drinks, you're in for a treat—from the iconic Mickey Finn's brewery to local vineyards in Antioch and Grayslake and eclectic distilleries like North Shore Distillery. So come sip, savor and celebrate Lake County’s finest libations!

10. #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest 

Get your cameras ready for the #LetsSnapLakeCounty photo contest! Showcase your best images of Lake County for a chance to win exclusive prizes and have your work featured in future tourism marketing materials. From your outdoor adventures and family moments to dining experiences and local events, we want to see your favorite #insta shots of the land of lakes. More details are coming soon; in the meantime, check out last year's #LetsSnapLakeCounty photo contest winners.

Check out more things to do this April.