Top 10 Things To Do in March 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 02/27/2026

Lake County awakens with a vibrant slate of activities designed to help you shake off the winter chill and embrace the arrival of spring. From the bright lights of our storied theaters and concert halls to the quiet beauty of our awakening forest preserves, the region offers a perfect blend of high-energy entertainment and outdoor serenity. Whatever your speed, Lake County is ready to help you make the most of every March moment.

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

1. SPRING SPLASHFEST AT THE GREAT WOLF LODGE (STARTING MARCH 5)

Spring arrives with a splash this year at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois, where families can trade winter coats for swimsuits during the resort’s Spring SplashFest. The seasonal celebration transforms the sprawling indoor resort into a springtime playground, anchored by its signature 84-degree indoor water park. No matter the weather outside, guests can float, slide and splash in climate-controlled comfort. Beyond the water attractions, Spring SplashFest layers in a lineup of themed activities included with a stay. Daily programming features the SplashFest Family Dance Party, morning Yoga Tails sessions for kids, spring-inspired arts and crafts and character meet-and-greets. Additional details, including booking information, are available through the resort’s website.

2. CONCERTS IN LAKE COUNTY (SELECT DATES THROUGHOUT MARCH)

As the winter chill begins to thaw, Lake County’s music scene heats up! From the James Lumber Center to Genesee Theatre, March offers a rhythmic bridge to spring for every local fan.

• Waukegan Symphony Orchestra at Waukegan High School (March 1) INFO »
• Victor Garcia Latin Jazz Quintet at Gorton Center (March 6) INFO »
• One Night in Memphis at Genesee Theatre (March 6) INFO »
• John Oates and the Good Road Band at Genesee Theatre (March 7) INFO »
• Thompson Square Live at American Place Casino (March 7) INFO »
• 49th Annual 'Art of Jazz' Concert Series at the College of Lake County (March 8) INFO »
• The Phil Collins Story at Genesee Theatre (March 8) INFO »
• Rendezvous Arts: Members of the St. Charles Singers at Gorton Center (March 13) INFO »
• Three Dog Night at Genesee Theatre (March 13) INFO »
• Irish Dinner and a Show with Kerien Burne at Lindy's Landing (March 14) INFO »
• Wind Ensemble Concert at College of Lake County (March 15) INFO »
• Ohio Players and Jazz Band at The Genesee Theatre (March 20) INFO »
• Bee Gees Gold: The Tribute at Genesee Theatre (March 21) INFO »
• Lake County Community Concert Association presents 'Cadillac Groove' at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (March 22) INFO »
• Elvin Bishop and Charlie Musselwhite Duo at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (March 27) INFO »
• Las Cafeteras at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (March 28) INFO »
• The Spinners and the Miracles at the Genesee Theatre (March 28) INFO »
• Bob Dylan at the Genesee Theatre (March 30) INFO »
• Various artists at Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville (Throughout March) INFO »

3. THE ORCHID SHOW: FEELIN' GROOVY AT CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN (THROUGH MARCH 22)

Peace, love and petals take center stage this spring as The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden, transforming one of the region’s most beloved winter exhibitions into a technicolor tribute to the 1960s and ’70s. Running through March 22, the annual orchid show invites visitors to rewind the clock and step into a floral fantasia where 10,000 vibrant orchids channel the era of bell-bottoms, lava lamps and road-trip dreams. Nearby, a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle appears ready to cruise down a Route 66 daydream, blending nostalgia with horticultural artistry in a way that feels both playful and transportive. This year’s retro twist adds a fresh layer of whimsy, offering a warm, colorful retreat while winter still lingers outside.

4. MARCH FESTIVALS (ALL MARCH)

Lake County features a blend of indoor culture and early spring celebrations this March. Discover your favorite spring festival:

• Northern Illinois Boat Show at the Lake County Fairgrounds (Feb. 26-March 1) INFO»
• Wauconda WinterFest (March 1) INFO»
• Women's International Celebration at the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie (March 5) INFO»
• Seed Expo at College of Lake County (March 7) INFO»
• Grayslake Antique Vintage Market at Lake County Fairgrounds (March 7-8) INFO»
• Art and Wine Event at the University Center of Lake County (March 13) INFO»
• 14th Annual GLMV Extreme Block Party Family Expo and Taste of the Towns (March 14) INFO»
• St. Paddy's Day Barket and Artisan Fair at Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa (March 15) INFO»
• Lake County Film Festival (March 20-23) INFO»
• ArtWauk in Waukegan (March 21) INFO»
• Festival of Arts and Crafts at the Lake County Fairgrounds (March 27-29) INFO»
• Elawa Farm's Winter Market (Throughout March) INFO»

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

Lake County brings a touch of the Emerald Isle to the suburbs this March. Beyond the parade, local pubs will feature live Celtic music, traditional dancers and festive menus to keep the celebration going through St. Patrick's Day.

• Lucky Leprechaun Hunt at Jewett Park (March 6) INFO»
• The Village of Antioch will host the 2026 Shamrock Jam and Shamrock Shuffle 5K fun run/walk, featuring Irish entertainment, food and activities at Sequoit Creek Park. (March 7) INFO»
• Make Your Own Spring Flowers and Shamrocks at Peter Patterson Glassworks (March 7-8) INFO»
• 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration in Grayslake (March 14) INFO» 
• Irish Dinner and a Show with Kerien Burne at Lindy's Landing (March 14) INFO» 
• St. Paddy's Day Barket and Artisan Fair at Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa (March 15) INFO»
• St. Patrick's Day(s) Celebration at O'Tooles in Libertyville and Gurnee (March 13-17).
• St. Patrick's Bingo at Station 51 in Antioch (March 18) INFO» 
• St. Patrick's Day Zumba (March 19) INFO»
• Join the vibrant St. Patrick's Day Parade in Lake Villa as the community comes together to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. TBA»

6. MILLER'S DOG N SUDS OPENS FOR THE SEASON (MARCH 12)

The familiar hum of engines pulling into parking spaces and the clink of frosted mugs will return March 12 as Miller’s Dog N Suds Drive-In opens its 2026 season. The original 1950s-style drive-in has been serving generations of families with carhop service, homemade root beer and a menu built on simple, time-tested favorites. Opening Day brings the promise of icy root beer poured into frosted mugs, coney dogs and Texasburgers delivered straight to parked cars, just as they have been for decades. Guests can stay in their cars for traditional tray service or settle into the picnic area to enjoy made-to-order shakes and malts. The Ingleside eatery operates seasonally, typically from early spring through late October, and has become a staple of warm-weather routines across Lake County.

7. MARCH THEATRE SHOWS IN LAKE COUNTY (SELECT DATES THROUGHOUT MARCH)

Lake County’s performing arts scene hits high gear this March with a variety of shows and experiences: 

• "Admissions" at Citadel Theatre Co. (Through March 15) INFO»
• "Spamilton: An American Parody" at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (March 1) INFO»
• "Clyde's" presented by James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (Through March 7) INFO»
• "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Marriott Theatre (Through March 15) INFO»
• Yo-Yos and Comedy with Mark Hayward at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (March 15) INFO»
• Colin and Brad: Asking for Trouble at the Genesee Theatre (March 19) INFO»
• Dirty Little Secrets at the Lighthouse at American Place Casino (March 28) INFO»
• Comedy Night at the Lehmann Mansion (March 28) INFO»
• Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Marriott Theatre (Through March 29) INFO»
• Improv Shows and Stand-Up Comedy at Improv Playhouse in Libertyville INFO»

8. For the Love of Pollinators at The Dunn Museum (Throughout March)

Art and ecology intersect this spring at the Dunn Museum, where a new special exhibition invites visitors to take a closer look at some of nature’s most essential contributors. For the Love of Pollinators, on view through May 31, blends visual storytelling with environmental science to spotlight the critical role pollinators play in both global and local ecosystems. Created in partnership with The Bee Collective, the exhibition explores how insects and other pollinating species sustain natural landscapes, food systems and biodiversity. While the honey bee often dominates the conversation, the exhibition shifts attention to native pollinators, many of which quietly support forests, prairies and gardens throughout Lake County. For the Love of Pollinators weaves together art, science and regional history, offering a timely reminder of the interconnectedness between people and the natural world.

9. NORTHERN ILLINOIS BOAT SHOW (Feb. 26-March 1)

The Northern Illinois Boat Show returns, turning the exhibition hall into a preview of summer on the water. The multi-day Grayslake show brings together more than 200 new and used boats under one roof, offering a comprehensive selection ahead of boating season. The show features vessels from more than 50 leading manufacturers, presented by local dealers who specialize in matching buyers with the right fit for Midwest waters. From sleek bow riders and family-friendly deck boats to ski, wakeboard and wakesurf models designed for performance. The Northern Illinois Boat Show offers a tangible reminder that warmer days are on the way. 

10. Visit the Easter Bunny (Throughout March)

Lake County families can hop into the holiday spirit this March as the Easter Bunny takes up residence at local malls, park districts and brunches:

• Visit the Easter Bunny at Gurnee Mills (March 6-April 5) INFO»
• Visit the Easter Bunny at Hawthorn (March 13-April 4) INFO»
• Grayslake Easter Egg Hunt (March 28) INFO»
• Egg-Citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast in Fox Lake (March 28) INFO»

Visit our calendar to see more March events.