Things to do may 22 2022

Island vibes, cold beverages, sweet confections and friendly competition are experiences Lake County does without trying.

There is no shortage of events to keep the stomach full and family & friends entertained.

Here are the top things to do this weekend May 20-22

Head to our events page for additional experiences that will be happening throughout the weekend.

Don’t forget, Ravinia Festival is underway. Take a look at the line-up to see if there are performances that you’ll want to check out.

1. Historic Downtown Long Grove Chocolate Fest

Experience a huge array of chocolate confections, styles and pairings at the Long Grove Chocolate Fest. The three-day Historic Downtown Long Grove festival features a carnival, live music from acts like ARRA, Sixteen Candles, Mr. Blotto and more, a dog show, a pie-eating contest, kids activities and entertainment, ample opportunities to eat and drink chocolate created by local and out-of-state vendors and more. New to this year’s celebration is a “sensorium of chocolate,” which will be replacing the Chocolate Experience Tent of the prior festival years. This addition to the cacao-inspired party is highlighted by demonstrations, lessons and pairings hosted by Long Grove Confectionery Co. Parking will be off-site with a shuttle that runs between the Buffalo Grove Park District Building and the Archer Road parking lot located next to the carnival. For more information about the Long Grove Chocolate Fest and online ticket orders, visit LongGrove.org.

Friday-Sunday, May 20-22; Fri.: noon-11 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun.: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $5. Other activities may require more admissions. Historic Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove.

2. Night One of Bitter Jester Music Festival

Bitter Jester Music Festival (BJMF) kicks off its 16th showcase on Friday, as high school and college-aged student musicians take the Highland Park stage. Emerging performers from 40 cities and eight states present their unique music for prizes and the title of “Grand Champion.” The opening night event is highlighted by bands, rappers and singers including Joey Wilbur, Kanin Elizabeth, Keep the Eleven, MTN AIR, New Age Americans and What We Once Had. The concert series kicks off at Madame Zuzu’s in Highland Park, and the remainder of the performances will be showcased at Port Clinton Square. Musicians have a chance to win the grand prize that includes award money and a live performance at Navy Pier in Chicago. The grand finale and winner announcement will take place July Fourth at the Lake County city’s Independence Day celebration.

Friday, May 20; 6:30-11 p.m. Free Admission. Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 1st St., Highland Park.

3. Blarney Island Season Opening Weekend

Blarney Island is Lake County’s “Key West of the Midwest” and will be open for the season this Saturday. The Antioch island rests in the waters of the Chain O’Lakes and is a marquee party destination for residents and tourists alike. The “Island Time Returns” event kickoff weekend features it’s “Blarney New Year” celebration, live music from Lost in Blu, Serendipity and Saving Grace, food and drink specials and more. Shuttle boats run every half hour at $10 per person from Port of Blarney to the Grass Lake isle. The annual “Thunder on the Chain” boat racing series begins the following Thursday. The high-octane event celebrates 39 seasons of drag boat racing on Grass Lake. Blarney Island maintains a front-row seat to the racecourse.

Friday-Sunday, May 20-22; Fri.-Sat.: 11 -2 a.m., Sun.:11 a.m.-10 p.m. Shuttles: $10 per person. Blarney Island, 27843 W. Grass Lake Rd., Antioch.

4. Vernon Hills 8th Annual Craft Beer Tasting

Attention craft beer geeks of Lake County: Vernon Hills hosts their eighth annual Craft Beer Tasting at the Century Park Arboretum this Saturday. The Vernon Hills Park District event features local craft suds, live music by Kovacs and Company, eats from Real Urban BBQ and more. Visitors ages 21 and older receive a complimentary tasting glass with admission. The Lake County Libation Trail partners pouring microbrews include Ravinia Brewing Co. of Highland Park, Roaring Table Brewing Co. of Lake Zurich, Tighthead Brewing Co. and Bosacki’s Brewery of Mundelein, Liquid Love Brewing Co. of Buffalo grove, and Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove.

Saturday, May 21; 3 p.m.-7 p.m. General Admission Tickets: $35, Designated Driver: $10. Century Park Arboretum, 1001 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills.

5. 2022 Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon

Polish the boats and wax the paddles; the 65th annual Des Plaines River Canoe & Kayak Marathon will be held this Sunday. Racers compete for the best time in two different marathons: the Libertyville 18.5 race, and the 5.25-mile course beginning in Wheeling. Both marathons feature multiple competition classes that start at different times in the day, and the finish line ceremony for the respective divisions begin at 3 p.m. highlighted by trophies and medallions for the top three participants. Online registration is closed, but same-day registration is available from 7-9 a.m. at each launch for $40. Canoes, kayaks and standup paddle boarding (SUPs) are all acceptable racing vessels. Contenders can rent a watercraft onsite. For more information about parking and lodging, visit CanoeMarathon.com.

Sunday, May 22; Beginning at 7 a.m. Admission: $40-$80. 18.5-Mile Start: Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, Entrance on Oak Spring Road, west of Saint Mary’s Road, Libertyville. 5.25-Mile Start: Potawatomi Woods, East Dundee Rd., Wheeling.

For more exciting events happening this weekend May 20-22 and the rest of the month, take a look at our events page.

Six Flags Great America is open for the season. Get your tickets here.