Top 10 Things To Do in March 2025

By: Sam Ornig 02/28/2025

Lake County is thinking spring and celebrating the warmer weather with so many events this month! Enjoy live entertainment at concerts, theatre and other live performances scheduled in March. Breathe in the fresh air and take a hike, explore Lake County's lush forest preserves and practice your swing with a round of golf at a local golf course. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family and friends around the land of lakes at parades, celebrations and delicious buffets. No matter what you fancy, Lake County has an activity for you this month!  

Check out our Top 10 Things to Do in March and visit our calendar for more upcoming events.

1. Northern Illinois Boat Show (March 1-2)

Do these cold, gloomy days have you daydreaming of lounging on Lake County's many lakes this summer? It's not called the "land of lakes" for nothing. Get ready for summer and check out the Northern Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. The show features more than 50 of the top boat manufacturers, with over 200 new and used boats available at the best pricing. Whether you're shopping for bow riders, wake surf boats, cruisers, pontoon boats, or boat trailers, parts and accessories, there's so much to see at the largest boat show and sale in the area. 

2. March Festivals (All March)

As spring arrives in Lake County, celebrate the changing season with the community at one of the festivals and shows scheduled this March:

• Wauconda Winterfest 2025 (March 1) INFO»
• Northern Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake  (Feb. 27-March 2) INFO»
• 2025 Extension Master Gardener Seed Expo at the College of Lake County in Grayslake (March 8) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique Vintage Market at Lake County Fairgrounds (March 8) INFO»
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in Downtown Grayslake (March 15) INFO»
• The Orchid Show: India Blooms at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in (Through March 23) INFO»
• Lake County RV Outlet Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake (March 21-23) INFO»

3. March Theatre Shows in Lake County (Select dates throughout March)

Lake County is home to a lively theater scene, showcasing a wide variety of performances that engage audiences year-round. Whether it's community theater or professional shows, the local theaters in Lake County offer enriching experiences for both locals and visitors.

• "Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock" at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 2) INFO»
• Illusionist Rick Thomas at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 6) INFO»
• Ancient Aliens Live at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 21) INFO»
• "I and You" at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest (Through March 23) INFO»
• Michael Blackson at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 27) INFO»
• "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (Through March 30) INFO»
• "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (Through March 29) INFO»
• Improv Shows and Stand-Up Comedy at Improv Playhouse in Libertyville INFO»

4. Spring Breakout at the Great Wolf Lodge (All March)

Say goodbye to winter and take the family to Great Wolf Lodge for Spring Breakout! Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or for your spring break destination, Great Wolf Lodge guarantees fun family adventures and a perfect 84 degree temperature your entire stay. Activities include the Sunshine Dance Party, yoga storytime, character meet-and-greets, arts and crafts, spring games and an epic time at the waterpark. 

5. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Lake County (Select days throughout March)

Stay local and celebrate St. Patty's Day in Lake County at these events hosted by our local businesses and communities: 

• Make Your Own Glass Shamrock or Spring Flower at Patterson Glassworks in Mundelein (March 1-9) INFO»
• Leaping Leprechauns at Grayslake Park District (March 7) INFO»
• Clovers and Cookies at Rosewood Beach in Highland Park (March 12) INFO» 
• Shamrock Skate Night at Centennial Ice Arena in Highland Park (March 14) INFO» 
• St. Paddy's Day Ice Cream Social at Zion Park District (March 15) INFO»
• St. Paddy's Morning Pop-Up at Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove (March 15) INFO» 
• St. Patrick's Day at Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich (March 15) INFO» 
• St. Patrick's Day Party at Cuda’s in Antioch (March 15) INFO»
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in Downtown Grayslake (March 15) INFO»
• A Night of Irish Pub Tunes and Food at 129 Center Cut in Grayslake (March 15) INFO»
• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Launch Family Entertainment in Gurnee (March 14-16) INFO»
• St. Patrick's Day Irish Cuisine at Beelow’s Steakhouse in Lake Zurich (March 17) INFO»
• St. Patrick's Day Buffet at Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee, Timothy O'Toole's Pub Lake Villa and O'Toole's Libertyville starting March 10 (live entertainment March 15-17) INFO»
• St. Patrick's Day Parade in Lake Villa (March 15) INFO»

6. Maple Syrup Hikes at Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (March 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16)

What better way to spend an early spring day than hiking through Lake County's beautiful nature preserves and taste-testing local maple syrup... straight from the tree! Engage directly with nature at Ryerson Conservation Area's Maple Syrup Hikes in Riverwoods. Fit for anyone ages 4 and up, you will learn all about the science of how maple trees work and provide us with the delicious, sweet condiment we love to add to our pancakes and waffles. Hurry and sign up before registration is full!

7. Lambs Farm Opens for the Season (Saturday, March 22)

Alpaca, chickens and sheep — oh my! We can't baaaa-lieve that the Lambs Farm Farmyard is almost open for the season. Get ready for your favorite outdoor attractions at this Libertyville business, like the petting zoo, mini-golf course and carousel — opening day is Saturday, March 22. While you're visiting, be sure to stop by the Magnolia Cafe and Bakery for delicious handmade treats, stock up on goodies at the Sugar Maple Country Store and peruse through the Dogwood Garden and Pet Center for your future furry friend and all their necessities. 

8. Concerts in Lake County (Select dates throughout March)

Lake County boasts a dynamic entertainment scene, offering a variety of concerts and comedy shows that cater to diverse tastes and ensure a lively experience for residents and visitors alike.

• Ebony & Ivory at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove (March 1) INFO »
• KC and the Sunshine Band at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 7) INFO »
• Daddy Wasn't There at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove (March 8) INFO »
• Moonie and Broom at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest (March 8) INFO »
• Wind Ensemble Concert at the College of Lake County in Grayslake (March 9) INFO »
• Double Treble Dueling Pianos at Broken Earth Winery in Long Grove (March 15) INFO »
• Old Crow Medicine Show at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 15) INFO »
• DCB at 28 Mile Distilling Co. in Highwood (March 15) INFO »
• 48th Annual "Art of Jazz" Concert Series with Guest Artist Kristin Korb in Grayslake (March 16) INFO »
• Hello Again: Eric Gutman Sings Neil Diamond at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (March 17-18) INFO »
• Here Come The Mummies at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 20) INFO »
• Dustbowl Revival Presents: "A Laurel Canyon Retrospective" in Grayslake (March 22) INFO »
• An Evening with Emerson at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 22) INFO »
• New Orleans Songbook — A Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Production in Grayslake (March 23) INFO »
• Rollover at Patty Turner Center in Deerfield (March 26) INFO »
• Michael Cavanaugh: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John in Grayslake (March 28) INFO »
• Drew Wiegman Performs at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake (March 29-30) INFO »
• Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: The Last Encores at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 30) INFO »
• Dixon's Violin Live at Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest (March 30) INFO »

9. Golfing in Lake County (All March)

Fore-get about your winter blues and tee off into spring with a round of golf in the land of lakes. Lake County offers a rich and diverse range of golf courses. With scenic and challenging options, each course offers unique landscapes and playing conditions for golfers of all levels.

• Bonnie Brook Golf Course in Waukegan INFO »
• Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein INFO »
• Crane's Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort INFO »
• Greenshire Golf Course in Beach Park INFO »
• Hickory Knoll Golf Course in Lake Villa INFO »
• Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire INFO »
• ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park INFO »
• Veterans Memorial Golf Course in North Chicago INFO »
• Waukegan Park District in Waukegan INFO »
• White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills INFO »
• Steeple Chase Golf Club in Mundelein INFO »

10. Miller's Dog N Suds Opens for the Season (Tuesday, March 11)

Cool your jets — Miller's Dog N Suds is opening for the season on March 11! Step back in time at this a 50's-style drive-in, where car hops bring frosty mugs of homemade Root Beer, classic Coney Dogs and Texasburgers right to your car – no need to leave your seat! With shakes and malts made to order, it’s hard to resist a creamy treat from this Lake County staple. This eatery offers a nostalgic experience for all. Join them for opening day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. 

Visit our calendar to see more March events.