Things To Do This Weekend April 16-18, 2021
By: Kelli Smith 04/15/2021
Sip on suds all weekend long during the last weekend of our Lake County Libation Trail Check-In Challenge. Enjoy tasting the local vinos at Lake County's wineries or sip on speciality cocktails at the various distilleries.
To learn about the local breweries participating in our Lake County Libation Trail Check-In Challenge, click here.
Spring is blooming in more than one way. Refresh your garden and your closet this weekend to prepare for the summer months. Check out the beauty of local art and stallions in Lake County.
Here's this edition of the top 5 things to do this weekend in Lake County, April 16-18.
This weekend marks the final weekend of Lake County’s challenge of the year for individuals ages 21 and over. The Lake County Libation Trail Check-In Challenge has been running all week and ends this Sunday, April 18. Head to one of these Lake County breweries, distilleries or wineries this weekend to drink and support local! From brew pub drinking holes to classic vino localities to jumping into a dry martini, and everything in between, taste the variety and diversity the Check-in Challenge has to offer.
Enjoy the suds from 16 participating breweries including Bosacki’s Brewery and Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein, Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, Half Day Brewing Co. and Wright’s Brew and Bistro in Lincolnshire, Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing and Zümbier Brewery in Waukegan, Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich, Harbor Brewing Co. in Winthrop Harbor, Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake, Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville, Only Child Brewing Company in Gurnee, Ravinia Brewing Company in Highland Park, Side Lot Brewery, and Wild Onion Brewery in Lake Barrington. The Lake County Libation Trail features four participating wineries including Glunz Family Winery & Cellars in Grayslake, Lynfred Winery in Wheeling, Valentino Vineyards in Long Grove and Vigneto del Bino Winery in Antioch. Adult beverage drinkers can also indulge in spirits from three participating distilleries including Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich, North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks and Oppidan Spirits in Waukegan.
When arriving at a participating winery, distillery or brewery this weekend for your libations, check in using their mobile pass via indoor, outdoor visit or via carryout order at up to two participating locations and you'll be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win an overnight stay at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. To enter, patrons will text "CHEERS" to 224.706.1133.
Friday-Sunday, April 16-18; Hours and prices vary per location. Various breweries, wineries and distilleries in Lake County.
Observe the local art in downtown Waukegan at the April ArtWauk event. Painters, sculptors, muralists, photographers, jewelers, engravers and other creators crafting works of other art mediums will feature their creativity. The pieces are concocted by local and designers outside of the land of lakes. Many Waukegan galleries and establishment will highlight feature a series of different exhibits.Experience Dandelion Gallery’s “The Many Expressions of Skip Wiese.”, The exhibition dedicated to storied Waukeganite artist Leroy “Skip” Wiese, who passed away earlier this year was an influence and inspiration to many and created 10 paintings within the last four months of his life. Lake County Libation Trail partners Nightshade and Dark Pandemonium Brewing and Oppidan Spirits will serve delectable drinks for adults ages 21 and older as well as showcase a live painting by artist Shelly Johnson. Take in everything Waukegan Main Street has to offer with free admission and full access to a variety of galleries, eateries, shops and more.
Saturday, April 17;, 5 - 9 p.m. Free admission. Waukegan Arts & Entertainment District Downtown Waukegan, Genesee Street, Waukegan
Spruce up your garden with the annuals, hanging baskets and perennials at Didier Farms Greenhouse. The Lincolnshire acreage has called Lake County home since 1912 and is ready for its 109th year of serving green thumb Midwesterners. Since the cold season has finally come to a close, now is the perfect time to clean out the debris, get some new soil and start planting this year’s flowers. The century-old greenhouse also is highlighted by tropicals, vegetables, fruits and herbs to add to your backyard harvest. Didier Farms is open through late fall. Return to the Lincolnshire grounds in the summer for their savory farmstand and in the autumn for their legendary Pumpkinfest.
Friday-Sunday, April 16-18; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free admission. Didier Farms, 16678 Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire.
Out with the old and in with the new! The latest trends are in and Lake County’s mom and pop shops have all that you're looking for at the Historic Downtown Long Grove shopping event, Beauty and the Boutique. Stroll through charming downtown and stop in one of the nine participating businesses. Beauty and the Boutique is highlighted by exclusive deals, free demonstrations and giveaways. Say hello to spring by curing a sweet tooth, reviving your closet and learning about new beauty trends. Attendees that register for the event in advance will be entered to win $50 gift certificates for some of the participating stores. Attendees must check-in at the Visitor’s Center located at 308 Old McHenry Road to qualify to win. Patrons are encouraged to practice social distancing protocols. Stores will implement capacity limits.
Friday-Saturday, April 16-17;11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free admission. Historic Downtown Long Grove Visitor’s Center 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
Experience the Tempel Lipizzans for their Stallion Public Tour this weekend. Leave suburbia for a few hours, escaping to a serene country setting. Gaze at the stallions and their trainers while they go through the process of “dressage” training. This rare opportunity will leave you in awe as each beginner, intermediate and advanced trained horse gallops and dances past you, displaying each move they’ve been training to perform for several years. Not only will you have a meet and greet in their dwellings, VIP visitors can also take a trip to the Old Mill Creek breeding stables to say “hello” to their mares and foals. As you sit ringside in their arena, social distancing and mask mandates will be in place.
Saturday, April 17;10 – 11 a.m. Admission $15-$25. VIP Package: $300. Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek.
To learn more about the Lake County Libation Trail's sips that scream Spring, click here.
