Top 10 Things To Do in March 2020 in Lake County
By: Jonathan Jones 02/28/2020
Top of the morning to you as we view the top 10 things to do in March 2020. Although we lose an hour of sleep, everyone has had just about enough of a Lake County winter wonderland. Can you believe the first day of spring is this month?.
Spring brings things like warmer weather, melted snow and a slew of Lake County activities to experience. Why would you leave Lake County for Spring Break when you have all that you need right under your nose?
Don’t forget to savor the flavor during the most delicious week of the year: Lake County Restaurant Week. Over 75 restaurants are participating, so give your belly a treat or two (or 10 days so it can experience an abundance of palettes).
Two other notes of interest: Ravinia Festival's summer lineup will be released on March 12, and ArtWauk in Waukegan turns nine years old. Let's make sure we taste that Lake County Libation Trail's Libation of the Month as well.
Without further adieu, here are your top 10 things to do in March 2020.
The fifth annual Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor (LCRW) runs February 28-March 8. Over 75 restaurants are participating in this delectable event that occurs once a year. Each eatery will feature prix fixe menus or special offers for the fare frenzy. LCRW encourages foodie fanatics to discover, dine and share their gourmet adventure. Cuisine connoisseurs will find new favorite dishes, sample local cuisine and share their experiences on social media with #LakeCountyRW. Bon Appétit and #LetsGoLakeCounty!
"There's no business like show business like no business I know." WItness the Broadway talent of equity and non-equity shows the land of lakes has to offer. Here are some of the centerstage shows in Lake County in March. So remember, "it's bad luck to say 'good luck' on opening night. What you say is 'break a leg.'"
- "Grease" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire (now through 3/15) INFO»
- "The Fantasticks" at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest (now through 3/8) INFO»
- "The Princess and the Pea" at Marriott Theatre (now through 4/19) INFO»
- PASTA Presents: "Stuart Little" at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest (3/7) INFO»
- PASTA Presents: "Fantastic Mr. Fox" at Gorton Community Center (3/18) INFO»
- "Ripcord" at PM&L Theatre in Antioch (3/20) INFO»
- "Kiss Me Kate" at Marriott Theatre (3/25-5/17) INFO»
- "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live!" at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan (3/28) INFO»
"Captains, start your engine." The city's harbor opens for the season on March 1 and remains late fall. This boater’s haven offers an expansive season for nautical know-hows to choose Lake Michigan as your next boating destination. The harbor features the finest in boating with a marina of over 1,000 slips, perfect for the freedom to meander Lake Michigan. The land of lakes is called Lake County for a reason.
Speaking of Waukegan Harbor, the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center hosts a show where for boating buffs witness the best vessels the county has to offer. Embrace that taste of summer in Lake County at the Northern Illinois Boat Show. You and the family will see the latest in pontoons, family runabouts, ski boats, jet boats, fishing boats, bayliners, alumacrafts, sea ray boats and then some at this festive event at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Events Center in Grayslake. Many Lake County vendors will be exhibitors at the four-day event.
If you're a daredevil and you're ready to prepare as your role as Batman's frigid antagonist, Lake Zurich's polar plunge is where you need to make a splash. The Purple Plunge invites one and all to jump in their funkiest violet attire for the research of cancer. Following the plunge, plungers and fans are invited to a post-party at Scoreboards Bar & Grill in Lake Zurich, which is highlighted by fare and beverage specialties, raffles and awards. There is also a costume contest.
Who doesn’t like waffles, pancakes or French toast doused in syrup? All throughout March, treat yourself to the sweet sap and sugar maples on a one-hour hike at Ryerson. In this hike, you will learn everything there is to know about how the maple trees supply that sticky substance that you cover your breakfast with. Each walk begins every half-hour between noon and 2 p.m. The family won’t be sappy about attending, but maple they ’ll be enticed; especially just days after National Pancake Day.
Has the Geico Gecko made you yearn to see a real reptile up close and personal? Lake Forest’s Recreation Center has what you’re looking for and then some as they host Wildlife Discovery Center’s Reptile Rampage. Take the family to see 150 unique reptiles, including the center’s rattlesnake collection, lizards, snakes of all shapes and sizes, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, an assortment of frogs and more. You will have a chance to receive all of the answers to your questions as some of the Midwest’s reptile aficionados from local zoos, universities, museums, nature centers and private collection experts in attendance. Besides the plethora of reptiles, you must meet, there will be children’s arts and craft activities, face painting, a Scout patch challenge and an auction.
Take the family out for a day of adventure as DoubleTree Mundelein hosts its annual Multi-Chamber Extreme Block Party Family Expo & Taste. This event will feature 100-plus local vendors, live entertainment, 50+ raffle prizes, a live reptile show featuring Dave DiNaso, face painting, food samples, product demonstrations from local eateries and so much more. This festive event is for all ages and free of admission.
It may be a tiny bit breezy, but the view of Lake County’s most precious treasures will warm your soul. Trade neighs during a meet-and-greet inside the dancing stallions’ humble abode. On this behind-the-scenes tour, attendees will learn about the Lipizzan history, view the methods of classical riding and receive a full tour of the farm. The journey will end in the Old Mill Creek farm’s arena with a daily training session and a Q&A with the trainers. Tickets can only be purchased before the event. No tickets will be sold at the door.
10. St. Patrick's Day in Lake County (March 14-17)
Erin go Bragh, Lake County! You have the luck o’ the Irish if you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Lake County. Let’s face it; everyone has a little bit Irish in them when it comes to March 17. Green beverages shall be passed around, maybe a folk song (or “Danny Boy” far too many times) will be sung and clinks of beer mugs will resonate through the air. Besides beer, these places provide your St. Paddy’s Day starter kit: potatoes, corned beef, cabbage and shepherd’s pie. Here are some of the top events on everyone's favorite Gaelic Day.
- St. Patrick's Day at Dunbar Recreation Center in Mundelein (3/14) INFO»
- St. Paddy's Day at Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville (3/14) INFO»
- Deer Park St. Paddy's 5K & 10K Run/Walk (3/14) INFO»
- Be Green Party at Wilmot Mountain (3/15) INFO»
- Kids Cooking Class: St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charms Rice Krispy Treats at Maggiano's in Vernon Hills (3/15) INFO»
- St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Buffalo Creek Brewing Co (3/17) INFO»
- Hands-on Cooking: Irish Tea at Chicago Botanic Garden (3/17) INFO»
- St. Patrick's Day at Mickey Finn's Brewery (3/17) INFO»
- 43rd annual St. Patrick's Golf Tournament at Shiloh Golf Course in Zion (3/20-22) INFO»
For more things to do in March 2020, continue here. Click here to learn more about Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days To Savor.
