This weekend in Lake County, IL

At Bonner Farm in Lindenhurst, the GO Gurnee Walking Club will head north on the Millennium Trail into the back entrance of McDonald Woods Forest Preserve. Participants can choose routes of one, two, or three miles. The longest option includes two fairly steep hills that descend into a ravine and climb back out, creating a more challenging stretch along a scenic section of trail, while the two-mile route avoids the ravine. Surfaces include paved paths, crushed gravel, and woodchips, and most of the terrain is flat. Pets are allowed, and restrooms are available. The location is off Sand Lake Road just west of Route 45.

Enjoy an unlimited Sunday brunch at Dockers North featuring made to order omelets and eggs, pancakes and French toast, bacon, sausage and hash browns, broasted chicken, sliced beef and ham, and comforts like biscuits with gravy and homemade soup. Cap it off with desserts such as cheesecake, éclairs, apple crepes and assorted pastries. Pricing is $20.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 8 and under.

Experience the colors of autumn at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park with a hands-on forest exploration. Stroll through prairies glowing with seasonal hues, gather acorns and native seeds to support next spring’s prairie growth, and create leaf print art to bring home. Children will spend time at a forest sit spot to observe the changing landscape and sketch what they notice, building a deeper connection to the natural world through play and discovery. This outdoor program is presented in partnership with The Alliance for Early Childhood. Designed for ages 6 months to 10 years. A companion Winter Forest Exploration invites participants to revisit the same sit spot and see how the surroundings have transformed.

A monthly train run with trains operating throughout the day, offering a family-friendly way to enjoy time around the rails.

In-store dealers are offering clearance prices on many items to help clear out inventory. The sale features marked-down merchandise from these dealers, creating a simple opportunity to save on a variety of items.

Set out from Lindy’s boat launch for a spirited group paddle on Bangs Lake with a fun, witchy theme. Costumes are encouraged, especially classic pointed hats, and there will be a sweet stop along the route, so bring a small bag or container for candy. Participants must bring their own board, paddle, and life vest. After the paddle, participants can stay for lunch at Lindy’s and receive 15 percent off their bill as the fun continues. Half of the proceeds benefit the Bangs Lake, Main Street Beautification Food Pantry. Open to all.

Mid Atlantic brings live music to The Lounge at Life Time Lake Zurich. Food and beverages will be available for purchase so attendees can relax and enjoy the performance. The event welcomes the public. Performances are typically hosted in The Lounge, shifting to the poolside in June, July and August if weather allows. Registration is available through the LT App or by contacting the Membership Concierge.

Celebrate the season with a community trunk or treat in the Hope Lutheran Church parking lot, created for families and kids of all ages. Costumes are encouraged for children, and there will be plenty to do, including mini pumpkin decorating, games, refreshments, and treats. Capture family photos with special guests, the Headless Horseman and Mom & Pop’s Big Foot. Explore 20 decorated trunk stations offering goodies for the kids. Admission is free, and organizers ask that families reserve complimentary tickets in advance to help with planning. Open to everyone.

Pumpkin Jubilee returns to Lakefront Park with a full slate of family-friendly fall activities hosted by Fox Lake Parks and Recreation. Highlights include pumpkin carving, food and craft vendors, a trackless train, a kids costume contest, complimentary face painting and balloon twisting, and a DJ with dancing. Look for a performance from the Grant Community High School Marching Band. Guests from Libertyville Recreation will arrive by Metra, and diaper donations will be collected to support Keeping Families Covered. Admission is free, and pumpkin carving is $4.

Everyone is welcome to a Sips and Sweets event featuring live painting by artists Brittany Olivia, Kathleen Reitz, and Kevin Lahvic. Enjoy snacks, sweets, and drinks while the artists work. Sign up on the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce website.

A book signing centered on a candid memoir about recovering after a relationship with a manipulative partner. What begins with spark and connection gradually exposes a deliberate trap, as an online romance devolves into empty promises and control. Guided by instinct, the author hires a private investigator and uncovers fabrications, a second life, and recurring patterns of manipulation. A decisive final step leaves a lasting impact on him. The memoir is written to help readers recognize warning signs, move beyond deception, heal, and find their voice again. Meet the author, get a signed copy, and explore with a drink in hand.

College of Lake County marks the opening of its Urban Farm Center with a free community gathering at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. Explore the new center, learn more about the space, taste offerings from local farmers and vendors, and enjoy art, music, and community. Everyone is welcome. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Celebrate Halloween with costumes and a community walk that features trick-or-treating at local business tables and trunks. Enjoy a giant pumpkin bounce house, a pumpkin patch, a storybook walk, and more seasonal fun. Dress for the weather and bring a bag for candy. Every child 12 and under must be registered to receive a wristband for candy, while those 13 and older do not register and will not receive candy. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please arrive at your designated check-in time, as same-day registrations are not accepted. Held in the Barefoot Bay parking lot. Cost is Residents $0 and Non-residents $5.

Vichy Salon & Spa marks twenty years with a festive celebration featuring raffles, food and drinks, freebies, special deals, and vendors. The gathering is a thank you to the supporters who helped make this milestone possible. As a special perk, the first five guests to arrive will receive a complimentary gift certificate.

Kirchweihfest offers a festive gathering with food for sale and beverages served at a cash bar. A $10 donation is requested, and Jugend and kinder are free. Food and drinks are obtained with tickets that can be purchased using cash or credit cards.

Three to Tango brings the spirit of Argentine tango to life with a trio from the Chicago area that blends the genre’s tradition with fresh acoustic textures. The lineup includes guitarist and arranger Jarvis Raymond, cellist and vocalist Heather Dunn, and accordionist Miriam Attia. Their performances feature fervent rhythms, intricate lines, and rich harmonies, creating a warm setting for dancers and attentive listeners. With a strong respect for authenticity and a distinctive artistic voice, they honor tango’s roots while making the music their own.

An evening of live music features Oh-Yes marking Matt's 50th, followed by a later set from Arra. It is a two-band celebration with performances across the evening.

Nicholas Psyhogios, Chicago’s own Piano Man, delivers a night of standout music, paying tribute to legendary icons with dynamic piano work and a powerful voice.

At Lindenhurst Center, this community market brings together local artisans, farmers and growers, makers, and food vendors. Visitors will find fresh, locally grown produce, homemade foods and sweet treats, along with handmade crafts, unique gifts, and other one of a kind discoveries in a welcoming, community focused setting. Each market features a meet and greet with Wagging Hearts Adoptions at AHA! Resale, and adoptable kittens and dogs are part of the experience, with For Good Rescue bringing adoptable dogs on select dates. This edition adds a Halloween twist.

Heart of the City hosts a Dia de los Muertos themed paint and sip benefiting its soccer and youth development programs that serve more than 1,400 local children each year. Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican tradition, focuses on remembering and honoring those who have passed through prayers, shared meals, music, and time with family. The event takes place at Nightshade And Dark's Pandemonium Brewing in Waukegan. Tickets include an 11x14 canvas, paints, guided instruction from a professional artist, one specialty drink, and brunch bites, with a cash bar available.

St. Mark’s is hosting a Fall Fest with a mix of food, games with prizes, Bingo, a cake walk, and activities for kids. The Pulla Bread Bake Sale will offer Finnish cardamom bread prepared by the Women of St. Mark’s. Food and game tickets will be available on site. A 50/50 raffle will be held, with tickets priced at $1 each or six for $5, and winners do not need to be present. The event is open to everyone, and no connection to St. Mark’s is required.

At The Parched Pug, this book club focuses on What They Never Told Us by local author Gail Lukasik. Participants start with a group discussion of the book, then continue the conversation when the author arrives for a Q&A and further insights. All readers are welcome.