Hoisting steins, snapping pics of crocodiles, rolling barrels and much more going on as spooks and spirits take over Lake County this weekend October 4-6!
Wondering what's going on now that we have reached the spooky month of the year? Click here for the top 10 things to do in October!
Still looking for what you need to make the perfect jack-o-lantern? Click here for our guide to help find you that "gourd"geous pumpkin. Also, continue here for the libation of the month to help you unwind after a day of fall fun.
Here are the top five things to do this weekend October 4-6.
Experience a “Boo”tiful weekend in Lake County during the annual Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration. There’s something for everyone: fall festivals and costume parades, haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkin patches, “supernatural” attractions and more. For the adults, don’t miss the land of lakes’ scary-good, locally-made brews, wines and spirits. The Lake County Libation Trail™ is hosting the inaugural Check-In Challenge in tandem with the Spooks and Spirits Autumn Celebration. Visit and check-in to at least five different Libation Trail locations for a chance to win the ultimate prize package. The prize package is highlighted by two tickets to the November 9 Legions of Craft Beer Festival (including park admission) and an overnight stay at Holiday Inn Gurnee Convention Center, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois or Wingate by Wyndham Gurnee. For more information about the Spooks & Spirits Autumn Celebration and the Lake County Libation Trail™ Check-in Challenge, go to VisitLakeCounty.org/Spooks. The October celebration runs through early November.
Friday-Sunday, October 4-6; Various times and admissions. Multiple locations in Lake County.
Everyone’s favorite zoo animals are jumping from the big screen to hit the stage at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and those scheming penguins as they set out on a musical adventure. Based on the blockbuster DreamWorks movie, “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” puts a fun twist on this instant classic. The upbeat music and talented cast will have theatre-goers of all ages wanting to “move It, move It!” Be sure to stick around after the show for a Q&A session with the young audience musical’s cast. This can’t-miss show runs from through December 29.
Friday-Sunday, October 4-6; 10 a.m. Admission: starting at $15.23. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. pays homage to the Oktoberfest tradition with a true tribute to the German beer-making lifestyle. German immigrants originally settled Historic Downtown Long Grove. Their annual Oktoberfest celebration features live music from Hirsch German Band along with authentic games and activities, such as Hammerschlagen, stein holding, barrel rolling, horseshoes and more Rhineland-themed activities. Brats, potato salad, strudel and a variety of delectable Bavarian cuisine will be available for purchase to keep you fueled up for this day of fun. The Lake County Libation Trail participant offers an array of flavors on tap. Prost!
Saturday, October 5; Noon – 10 p.m. Admission:$10 in advance, $15 at the door. Buffalo Creek Brewing Co., 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
Crikey! Take a gander at these magnificent reptiles at the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest. CROCtoberfest is a month-long observance celebrating all things crocodiles and alligators. Each Sunday during this event, they will be exploring a new group of crocodilians such as the American alligator, the Orinoco crocodile and other Crocodilia orders. The experts will conduct informational sessions and live feeding demonstrations, while visitors can meet and greet the giant lizards up close and personal. Be sure to “snap” some pics. The Lake Forest fest runs on Sundays October 20 and 27 as well.
Sunday, October 6; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Suggested Donation: $10. Wildlife Discovery Center, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.
Bosacki’s Brewery is hosting its inaugural fall festival. Bosacki’s Fest 2019 kicks off with a bang highlighted by the Mundelein brew house’s Oktoberfest beer release, mouthwatering puffy pillowy treats from Pierogi Jo’s and live music performed by Lindy Johnson. In addition to the Lake County Libation Trail™ participant’s suds release, peruse the tasty choices they feature on their tap list.
Sunday, October 6; 2-5 p.m. Tickets: $25. Bosacki’s Brewery, 610 E. Hawley St., Mundelein.
Before we hit the slopes this winter, Wilmot Mountain hosts fall fest and 5K. The festivities kickoff with the 5K run. The race is separated into 16 categories based on age and gender. First, through third places, receive skiing prizes as the Wisconsin mountain gears up for ski season. After the competition is complete, embrace the autumn fest that features live music, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, a snowboard demonstration hosted by Burton Riglet, a wine tasting and much more. The fest also will serve eats and beverages for purchase.
Saturday, October 5; 5K: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Fall Fest: 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Fest admission: free. 5K admission: $25-$30. Wilmot Mountain, 11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot, WI.
For more things to do this weekend October 4-6, continue here. To learn about all of the Halloween spooks and spirits happening around the land of lakes, click here.
