Top 10 Things To Do in April 2018
By: Jonathan Jones 03/27/2018
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 of 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.
In three weeks and change, Six Flags Great America opens its doors for the season. If you’re a first-timer or even a grizzled veteran, take a look at that first visit to the Gurnee amusement park. To view the experience, continue here.
Take advantage of everything Lake County has to offer with these top 10 things to do in April.
Watch the Chicago Blackhawks play against the St. Louis Blues at the Eighth Annual Blackhawks TV Roadwatch Party at Libertyville Sports Complex. Join the fun as Jim Cornelison will sing the Star-Spangled Banner, watch the game on a big screen TV and take photo-ops with celebrities. Tommy Hawk, the team’s mascot along with the Blackhawks ice girls, will be in attendance. A former Chicago Blackhawk great to be named later will also meet and greet attendees as well as sign autographs.
Find out how people use parts of rainforest trees to make chewing gum and rubber. Create your own bouncing ball and flavorful gum to take home. This program includes the use of liquid latex. The chewing gum is vegan and nut-free.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the legendary American classic OKLAHOMA! Fall in love with your favorite characters again, Curly McLain and Laurey Williams and the tale of the American frontier. The musical hit Broadway in 1943 and has graced over 2,200 stages. Rodgers & Hammerstein won a Pulitzer Prize for this show, and the production named after the Sooner State became an Academy Award-winning film adaptation in 1955. The show runs through May 31.
The James Lumber Center fosters the cultural life of the College of Lake County. The Grayslake auditorium promotes a slew of events like the school’s events, touring shows, stand-up comedy, concerts and so much more. Here what is on the docket for the James Lumber Center in April.
If you see an oversized chin while driving through downtown Waukegan, that maybe Jay Leno. Everyone’s favorite former late-night host makes a triumphant return to Genesee Theatre. The Jay Leno’s Garage host was the front man at the Tonight Show from 1992-2009. The two-time Emmy winner stays true to his craft as he returns to the stage doing standup comedy.
Six Flags Great America, the quintessential amusement park experience for adults and children of all ages, is opening their doors for the season. The Gurnee amusement park features 15 roller coasters, amazing live shows, fireworks, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more excitement. The Mardi Gras Hangover is the new coaster slated to open this summer and is to be constructed as the world’s largest looping coaster at 100 feet tall. But besides the thrills and chills you receive during a day of coaster riding, the Gurnee amusement park throws other functions. The Blacklight Run is a unique DC Superhero 5K fun run focused less on the speed and more on the UV neon glowing fun with the friends and family, which is also taking place this weekend. All ages and speeds are welcome as every participant will get "glowed," and have the time of their life. The race is Friday, April 20 (racers will have an opportunity to explore the park) and the park opens to the general public Saturday, April 21-22.
Fare aficionados will go on a Food Truck Frenzy at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Whether you are considering hiring a food truck for your wedding, office, party at home or you just want to make your taste buds dance; this Grayslake family-friendly event is for you. The food fight features food trucks including Yum Dum Truck, Happy Lobster Truck, Toasty Cheese, Kate and Jan Hot Dogs, Cupcakes for Courage, Bop Bar Korean Food and more. The proceedings of this event will go towards the Prevention of Child Abuse.
8. Earth Day/Arbor Day events in Lake County (April 16-22)
“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance,” said Theodore Roosevelt. Lake County has plenty of activities to celebrate the green holidays.
In the final show of the season for the Lake Forest theatre, the Citadel Theatre stages “The Explorers” by Nell Benjamin and directed by Robert D. Estrin. This hilarious comedy spoofs the Victorian adventures as they annexed different territories in the name of science. The story is set in 1879 London, and the prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis. A brilliant and beautiful woman has discovered a legendary Lost City and wants to become a member of the club, but allowing her access to the explorers could shake the foundation of the British empire. The show runs through May 27.
Our hop and barley-loving friends over the age of 21 will not want to miss yet another craft festival, this time at the Long Grove Craft Beer Festival. (We’re pretty spoiled here, you know.) There will be plenty of local brews and wines, live tunes, delicious fare and more. Don’t forget to peruse the niche stores of beautiful Historic Downtown Long Grove.
For more of Lake County's top 10 things to do in April, click here.
