Things To Do This Weekend April 15-17, 2022
By: Jeff Randolph 04/13/2022
Easter Weekend always has events that come along with it. Bunny photos, egg hunts and brunches highlight most calendars but in the land of the lakes there are more things to do. Let’s take a look at things to do this weekend April 15-17, 2022.
There is no shortage of seasonal festivals happening in Lake County. For a list of Spring Festivals in Lake County click here.
The roller coaster destination in Gurnee opens for the season. One of the most beloved musicals has it's opening weekend in Lincolnshire. A new exhibit from an award-winning artist opening in Libertyville. Downtown Waukegan has their monthly showcase of artwork. Learn about the experiences of sailors in Great Lakes. Lets take a look at the top five things to do this weekend April 15-17.
For all of the thrill-seekers, young and old, Six Flags Great America is kicking off their season this weekend. 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. Take a seat on fan-favorite coasters like the epic Goliath and Batman: The Ride. New this season at Six Flags Great America is DC Universe, a section of the park where guests can immerse themselves in a DC comic book-inspired world. This area of the park features three reimagined attractions including The Flash: Vertical Velocity, Aquaman: Splashdown and DC Super-Villains Swing. Guests can use mobile ordering on the Six Flags app while in the park to try tasty, new food options. An all-new beer garden and patio at Steelworks Pub offers many delicious treats such as Dole Whip, Funnel Cake Sundaes and Buffalo Chicken Mac N’ Cheese. The park stays open on select days through September 5.
Friday-Sunday, April 15-17; Fri: 10:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sat.: 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun.: 12-7 p.m. Admission: One-day ticket $34.99 per person. One-day Parking: $30. Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee.
It’s the opening week for one of the world’s most beloved and recognized musicals. “The Sound of Music” begins its run at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. The final collaboration, between what is considered by many to be the greatest songwriting team of the 20th century, tells the true-life story of the inspirational Von Trapp family. This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical showcases the Tony, Grammy and Oscar-winning best score featuring unforgettable tunes like, “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Do-Re-MI.” The Lincolnshire show runs through Sunday, June 5. Visit MarriottTheatre.com for more information.
Friday-Sunday, April 15-17; Fri.: 8 p.m., Sat. 4 and 8 p.m. and Sun.: 1 and 5 p.m. Admission: $50-$60. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
The new exhibit, “Bill Sienkiewicz: Pop Culture Revolution” starts this weekend at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville. The show features the work of the Eisner-winning and Emmy-nominated artist who has garnered an international reputation across all types of medium. This exhibition showcases over four decades worth of original paintings and sketches including pieces from his most notable works, Marvel Comics’ “Elektra: Assassin” and the graphic novel, “Stray Toasters.” Over 60 works of art and video interviews will be on display highlighting the abstract and expressionist influences in Sienkiewicz’s art. The special exhibition gallery runs at the Libertyville museum until September 5.
Saturday-Sunday, April 16-17; Sat.: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sun.: 12- 4:30 p.m. Admission: $3-$10, children ages three and under receive free admission. Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County, 1899 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
“Art is anything you can get away with,” said Andy Warhol. ArtWauk, the monthly art festival, showcases local sculptors, jewelers, painters, mixed-media and various other creators from numerous City of Progress art studios. Dandelion Gallery and Studio’s Artist Alliance member Yvonne Pitts is featured in the new art exhibition at the downtown location. “Pastiche” pays tribute to the format of art that has inspired the impressionist abstract creations that Pitts has created for over 30 years. ArtPark is returning to ArtWauk with vendors, kite painting, jewelry, crochet work and more. The Belvidere Discount Mall’s Cinema Gallery features a photography exhibit by jonrev Projects with new prints being revealed as part of the “After Dark” project. ArtWauk mainstay galleries such as Kapheim Gallery, Estate of Mind and Tofu Art welcome visitors to explore their downtown Waukegan locations. Be sure to stop to wet your whistle, have a bite to eat and witness live entertainment at various restaurants and Lake County Libation Trail venues on Waukegan Main Street like Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing and Oppidan Spirits.
Saturday, April 16; 5- 9 p.m. Downtown Waukegan, various locations on Genesee Street.
Anchors aweigh and explore the high seas at the “Sails Unfurled: The Dawn of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1865” exhibit at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Visit the Naval Station Great Lakes Museum through a recreated lower deck of the USS Constitution, and discover how early sailors worked and lived. Dive into the immersive exhibit as it showcases the seamen’s experience from the American Revolution through the Civil War highlighted by music from the era, a knot tying station, an embroidered 1840s seabag, 18th-century clothing and more. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Friday-Saturday, April 15-16; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. The National Museum of the American Sailor, 2531 Sheridan Rd., Building 42, Great Lakes.
For a list of the top things to do in Lake County in April click here. For more ideas on things to do this weekend April 15-17 click here.
