Things To Do This Weekend September 14-16
By: Jack Nelson 09/13/2018
It's beginning to feel like autumn here in Lake County and we're feeling a little like this ?.
The top things to do this weekend September 14-16 are frightening, funny and festive. For all other events and activities happening this weekend, continue here.
The month is nearly half over but the fun isn't ending any time soon. Continue here to discover Lake County's Top 10 Things To Do in September 2018. Did you hear that Six Flags Great America announced their new coaster planned to open in 2019? Rumor has it that the new ride, Maxx Force, will break not one, not two, but three records! Learn more. »
Break out the Crock-Pot and let's get cooking with the top things to do this weekend September 14-16.
September just became more Spooktacular with the return of Six Flags Great America’s Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®. Coaster and Halloween-themed thrills by day, while zombies and ghouls take over the park at dark during the beloved fright by night. Prepare to be petrified around every corner as the six-week October 31 celebration features several haunted houses and scare zones to get you in the holiday spirit The Gurnee theme park presents a new haunt for the 2018 season: “Hell Fest.” Based on the new movie donning the same name (to be released on September 28.) “Hell Fest” leads visitors through a multi-room facility while being terrorized by the grasping arms of the undead, haunted by possessed dolls and tormented by masked statues that spring to life. Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® runs through October 31.
Saturday-Sunday; September 15-16; Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Various admissions. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
Craft brew connoisseurs will ‘hop’ to Gurnee this weekend for the fourth annual Legions of Craft Beer Fest. Attendees will sample suds and wines from over 35 renowned breweries and wineries. Sip on selections from Illinois breweries such as Tighthead Brewing Co., Wild Onion Brewery, Only Child Brewing, Harbor Brewing Co., Goose Island Brewery, Lagunitas Brewing Co and more. The Gurnee festival will feature several food trucks to conquer your hunger including BBQ’d Productions, Killer Zombie Dogz, Mothers Truckn Good Food, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Your Sister’s Tomato. The libations and fare are complemented by the live tunes from the GooRoos.
Saturday, September 15; 2-7 p.m. Admission: $50. Gurnee Mills Parking Lot E, 6170 Grand Ave., Gurnee.
Make a wish upon this star-studded weekend at the Genesee Theatre. Three of the largest names in entertainment will visit Waukegan for three days of comedy gold. Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian, Tracy Morgan begins the weekend with his razor-sharp wit and unfiltered humor on Friday. Morgan is known for “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock” and most recently, “The Last O.G.” The following day, comedy icon, Paul Rodriguez takes the historic theatre’s stage for an evening of side-splitting laughs. Rodriguez is ranked among the greatest stand-up comedians of all time by Comedy Central. Complete the chuckle weekend with talk show host, singer, actor and improv extraordinaire Wayne Brady. Celebrated for television shows “Whose Line is it Anyway” and “Let’s Make a Deal,” the five-time Emmy Award-winning Brady will provide a night full of hilarious, spontaneous wisecracks with heaps of audience interaction.
Tracy Morgan: Friday, September 14; 8 p.m. Paul Rodriguez: Saturday, September 15; 8 p.m. Wayne Brady: Sunday, September 16; 7 p.m. Various ticket prices. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
Summer is dwindling, but the party has only just begun in Lake Forest. Join Gorton Community Center’s End of Summer Block Party and Outdoor Movie this Saturday for an evening of family fun. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets to set up outside of the beautiful downtown Lake Forest center for a special viewing of “How to Train Your Dragon.” Skip your dinner plans for the evening as Smokin’ T’s Barbecue and Sauced Pizza is providing mouthwatering eats for purchase. Popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones for children and kids-at-heart alike will also be available. Arrive early as the critters from the Wildlife Discovery Center will be in attendance for a photo op and meet and greet. The box social is also highlighted by face painting, balloon art and live performances featuring Nouveau and the LoMastro Performing Arts Academy.
Saturday, September 15; 5:30-10 p.m. Free admission. Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest.
Ravinia Festival is staging its annual curtain call weekend with the help of various critically-acclaimed artists and acts. Fiesta Ravinia concludes the incredible year of entertainment at the Highland Park festival by celebrating Mexican Independence with a day-long party highlighted by performances, activities and authentic cuisine. The event also features a slew of family-friendly activities including face painters, maraca making, botanic garden activities, a petting zoo, a Mexican Heritage Fine and Practical Arts Fair, live traditional Lucha Libre wrestling, DJs, mariachi bands, dance lessons, a stand-up comedy set by Joey Villagomez and more. The fiesta is features headliners Mariachi Flor De Toloache and multi award-winning artist, Los Tigres del Norte. This is the fourth consecutive year Los Tigres del Norte has closed the summer marquee event in Highland Park. The final music acts of the season begin at 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 16; 1 p.m. Admission: $15-$55. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
For other great things to do this weekend September 14-16, continue here.
