Top 10 Things To Do in April 2021
By: Jonathan Jones 03/26/2021
Happy April, Lake County! There is a slew of things to do in April.
In the words of the late, great Robin Williams, “Spring is nature’s way of saying "Let’s Party!” The party is here in Lake County, IL. Besides the apparent spike in temperature, spring marks the opening of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, boating season, sprouting nature at Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and Lake County Forest Preserves and so many more events.
It’s also the Final Four, folks. If your brackets are still breathing with this debacle of a tournament, then we commend you. Click here to see where you can watch March Madness in Lake County.
Take advantage of everything Lake County has to offer with these top 10 things to do in April.
1. April Fests (April 1-18)
Spring festivals in Lake County “Hath put a spirit of youth in everything” (Billy Shakes – or William Shakespeare as we like to call him). Spring festivals in Lake County feature the most delectable eats, eclectic live music, radiant works of art and, of course,
libations. Experience the fanfare of our warming season as we provide you with the guide to spring festivals in Lake County.
- Pelican Palooza in Fox Lake (through April 9) INFO»
- First Fridays on MainStreet Libertyville (April 2) INFO»
- Street Scenes Goes Virtual (April 9-15) INFO»
- Lake County Libation Trail Check-in Challenge (April 9-18) INFO»
Chicagoland Virtual Wedding Fair (April 11) INFO»- Girl's Night Out in Highwood (April 15) INFO»
- Beauty and Boutique in Long Grove (April 16-17) INFO»
- ArtWauk in Waukegan (April 17) INFO»
- Virtual Lake County Maker Faire at CLC (April 17) INFO»
Outdoor adventure seekers can rejoice as Boundless Adventures, just over the Lake County border, has reopened. This nine-course facility empowers and inspires individuals to challenge themselves both mentally and physically. The Bristol, WI entity is the thrill-seekers’ haven and is highlighted by ziplining, obstacle courses, tree climbing and all sorts of challenging athletic expeditions for you. Choose your adventure based on your height, fitness level and comfort zone.
3. Mini-Golf Reopenings in Lake County (All April)
Hit the links in Lake County…on a far smaller course. It’s all in the hips. Make your tee times for some of the most unusual, scenic, difficult and competitive outings at two of Lake County’s best miniature golf courses. Before you hit the big boy golf courses, work on the short game at these two locations:
- Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire (reopening April) INFO»
- Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach (now open) INFO»
4. Genesee Theatre Productions in Waukegan (April 2-3)
The Waukegan theatre is providing visitors with glorious nostalgia as they feature legendary comedians, renowned musician’s tributes, kiddie shows live in person and more. Here’s the scoop for April at Genesee Theatre.
- The Nielsen Trust at Genesee Street Cabaret (April 2) INFO»
- Danielle Bradbery (April 3) INFO»
Peppa Pig Live! (April 10) CANCELED
Let’s toast to the Lake County Libation Trail! “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” as suds aficionados, vino connoisseurs and spirit enthusiasts will be elated with these glasses of “liquid courage.” The Lake County Libation Trail is highlighted by 24 of the most delectable flavors from locally-sourced ingredients. Whether your adult beverage is an ice-cold frothy lager, a dry red merlot or an old-fashioned on the rocks, Lake County has precisely what you need to make your taste buds dance. When craft drinkers arrive at a participating location, they check-in using their mobile pass to show they are in attendance. If libation-ers check into three or more participants of the Lake County Libation Trail between April 9-18 via indoor dining, outdoor sipping, curbside pickup or carryout, they are entered into a sweepstakes and can win an exclusive prize. Prizes will be announced soon.
As normalcy approaches from the effects of the pandemic, couples are preparing up for their in-person weddings. The Chicagoland Virtual Wedding Fair kicks off as a live event on Sunday, April 11, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. This live and free of admission, the unique fair helps couples jumping the broom to plan their picture-perfect wedding experience. From lights to color palettes, from appetizers to happy hour, from bouquets to boutonnieres and everything in between, this Mundelein fair is for you.
"Wonderful wildflower! Open up, let me see!" - Cee-Lo Green. Didier Farms Greenhouse reopens. The farm, originally purchased by John Link, the father of Mary Sue Didier, has been owned by a Didier descendant since 1912. For both lovers of botany and farmers markets, the Lincolnshire farm features perennials, annuals, tropicals, veggies, fruits, herbs, garden accessories, shepherd hooks, fountains, and so much more for your garden enhancement and diet improvement.
"Where flowers bloom, so does hope" - Lady Bird Johnson. The Spring Grove farm, home to the largest corn maze this side of the Mississippi, always has a few tricks up its sleeve. The farm just announced their brand new Tulip Fest. The grounds will be covered in five acres of the springtime blossom highlighted by 300,000 bulbs (30 different varieties), 230,00 colorful blocks with central design and 70,00 mixed color pick-your-own-area. The farm fun fest will also feature food trucks, beer and wine, a walking trail, live music and free games to play like giant checkers, Jenga and cornhole, to name a few. Run date TBD.
“I got a new way to walk, and my new walk suits me fine!” Sesame Street’s Big Bird won’t be on-site, but you can take a flight to Ingleside for Volo Bog’s celebrated Bird Walk on Labor Day. The beautifully preserved bog has documented over 190 species of birds on site. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own set of binoculars, as well as a writing utensil and a journal to view and record their sightings. Social distancing is encouraged. The three-mile walk may last three hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
In March, Six Flags Great America announced that they will reopen the Gurnee amusement park on April 24, pending Illinois government approval for COVID-19. Well, the green light was given, and the Looney Toons and DC Comics theme park will return in 2021 with coasters included! The Gurnee amusement park features 17 roller coasters, amazing live shows, fireworks, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more excitement.
Six Flags has done its due diligence in following the COVID-19 health protocols. The park will instill their practice with the same capacity control and extensive cleaning precautions from their water park and holiday events in 2020. The theme park will also implement touchless entry (which will take visitors' temperatures), handwashing and sanitizing stations, practice social distancing in lines and rides (staggered roller coaster rows will be empty). Equipment is to be cleansed following each ride.
The Harbor Brewing Co., in partnership with North Point Marina, is reopening for its second season. The ongoing event entitled the Lakefront Biergarten will be open from noon to midnight. The second installment of the festival will serve lunch and dinner compliments of Yacht Dawgs, while the multi-genre band The Rough Cut will provide live entertainment.
For a more extensive list of the top 10 things to do in April, continue here. To see all the things going on while practicing social distancing, click here.
