Spring has arrived in full force across the northwest and north suburbs of Chicago, and this weekend is loaded with reasons to get out and enjoy it. Whether you're in Arlington Heights, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Northbrook, Long Grove, Lake Zurich, or Highland Park, there's something happening close to home — including one of Illinois' biggest chocolate festivals, a stunning water lantern launch, and a family campout under the stars. Here's everything worth knowing for the weekend of May 15–18, 2026.
Long Grove Chocolate Festival — Friday–Sunday, May 15–17 (Long Grove)
This one deserves to be at the top of your weekend list. The Long Grove Chocolate Festival — one of Illinois' largest and most beloved chocolate celebrations — is happening all weekend long in the charming historic downtown of Long Grove. Spread throughout the downtown business district at Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry Roads, the festival features chocolate goodies, chocolate-infused drinks, specialty menu items, live music, carnival rides, games, and more.
Festival Hours:
- Friday, May 15: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, May 16: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, May 17: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Long Grove's picturesque covered bridge and historic storefronts make this one of the most photogenic festival settings in the Chicago suburbs. Even if you're not a chocoholic, it's a beautiful place to spend a spring afternoon. More info at longgrove.org.
Water Lantern Festival — Saturday, May 16, 5–10 PM (Lake Zurich)
If you're only doing one thing Saturday evening, make it this. The Water Lantern Festival returns to Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich) for a magical evening on the water. Gates open at 5:30 PM with food trucks, live music, and vendors, before the main event — the lantern launch at 8:30 PM — transforms the lake into a breathtaking sea of glowing light.
Children under 8 get in free, and the whole experience is one of those genuinely unforgettable suburban nights. Tickets sell out, so don't wait. Grab them at waterlanternfestival.com.
Spring Campout at The Preserve of Highland Park — Saturday–Sunday, May 16–17 (Highland Park)
Families looking for something a little more adventurous this weekend should check out the Spring Campout at The Preserve of Highland Park. Spend the night under the stars with flashlight adventures, a campfire, s'mores buffet, and a light breakfast included the next morning — all within the beautiful natural setting of The Preserve, adjacent to the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
It's the kind of experience that gets kids off screens and into nature, and one of those gems you wouldn't know about unless you're plugged into the local parks scene. For registration and pricing details, visit the Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Park District of Highland Park directly.
The Wedding Singer — Last Two Weekends at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (Arlington Heights)
If you've been putting this one off, now's the time. The Wedding Singer is playing at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights) through May 24 — making this one of its final weekends. Based on the beloved Adam Sandler film and packed with 80s nostalgia, this production is a perfect date night, girls' night out, or family outing. Tickets start at just $10, which makes it one of the best entertainment values in the northwest suburbs right now.
Also on stage at Metropolis: Around the World with Hans Christian Andersen, a charming family-friendly show running through May 23 for just $15.
Box Office: 847.577.2121 | metropolisarts.com
Liz Longley Live at Hey Nonny — Saturday, May 16 (Arlington Heights)
Saturday night in downtown Arlington Heights just got a whole lot better. Award-winning Nashville singer-songwriter Liz Longley performs at Hey Nonny (10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights) at 6:30 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. A Berklee College of Music graduate and BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship winner, Liz is known for emotionally powerful music and a voice that stops you mid-conversation.
Hey Nonny is one of the northwest suburbs' best-kept secrets — an intimate listening room with great food, craft drinks, and a warm, neighborhoody feel. This is a Saturday night worth planning around.
Arlington Heights Farmers Market — Every Saturday Through October
The Arlington Heights Farmers Market is in full swing for the 2026 season, running every Saturday through October 17. Show up Saturday morning for fresh local produce, artisan goods, and the kind of easy, unhurried morning that reminds you why living out here beats city life. Downtown Arlington Heights on a market Saturday is one of the northwest suburbs' finest simple pleasures.
More info at arlingtonheightsfarmersmarket.org
Arlington Alfresco — All Weekend in Downtown Arlington Heights
Downtown Arlington Heights is in full Arlington Alfresco mode through September 28 — the village's seasonal outdoor dining and entertainment program that brings street performers, extended patio seating, and a festival-like energy to the heart of town. If you're looking for a low-key but enjoyable Saturday stroll or a relaxed Sunday brunch, downtown Arlington Heights right now is the answer.
Spring Cabaret: A Dream is a Wish — Sunday, May 17 at Metropolis PAC
Metropolis keeps the weekend going on Sunday with the Spring Cabaret: A Dream is a Wish, a student showcase from the School of the Performing Arts. Tickets are just $15 and it's always a joy to see young performers own the stage. A wonderful Sunday afternoon option in Arlington Heights.
Get tickets at metropolisarts.com
Beethoven & Shostakovich Season Finale — Sunday, May 17, 3 PM (Arlington Heights)
Classical music lovers, this one's for you. The Season Finale featuring Beethoven & Shostakovich, with a special Young Artist Award Winner performance, takes place Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 PM at 2121 S. Goebbert Rd. in Arlington Heights. A meaningful close to the spring concert season, and a great reason to spend a Sunday afternoon in the northwest suburbs.
3rd Sunday Rooftop Party — Sunday, May 17 at 5 PM (Arlington Heights)
After the afternoon's culture, why not add a little dancing? The 3rd Sunday Rooftop Party — featuring Salsa, Bachata, and more — kicks off at 5:00 PM at Chez Hotel in Arlington Heights. Whether you're an experienced dancer or just there to soak up the vibe, this rooftop event is a uniquely fun corner of northwest suburbs nightlife that doesn't get nearly enough attention.
The Kingston Trio — Monday, May 18 at Metropolis PAC (Arlington Heights)
Stretch the weekend one more day. The legendary Kingston Trio performs at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on May 18 and 19. Tickets are $45 and the intimate setting at Metropolis makes this a genuinely special night for any folk or classic Americana fan.
Get tickets at metropolisarts.com
Fashion Vision: International Runway Show — Saturday, May 16 (Mount Prospect)
Mount Prospect brings something a little different this weekend with the Fashion Vision: International Runway Show on Saturday, May 16. A showcase of international fashion talent right here in the northwest suburbs — unique, stylish, and worth the trip if you're looking to do something a little out of the ordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do this weekend in Arlington Heights, IL? This weekend in Arlington Heights there's live music at Hey Nonny (Liz Longley, Saturday), the Arlington Heights Farmers Market (Saturday morning), two shows at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, the Spring Cabaret on Sunday, a classical music season finale Sunday afternoon, and a rooftop Salsa/Bachata dance party Sunday evening.
What family-friendly events are happening in the northwest suburbs this weekend? Families have a great lineup this weekend — the Long Grove Chocolate Festival (all three days), the Water Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich (Saturday evening, kids under 8 free), the Spring Campout at The Preserve of Highland Park (Saturday–Sunday overnight), the Arlington Heights Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and two shows at Metropolis PAC including Around the World with Hans Christian Andersen.
When is the Long Grove Chocolate Festival 2026? The Long Grove Chocolate Festival runs May 15–17, 2026. Hours are Friday 12–7 PM, Saturday 10 AM–7 PM, and Sunday 10 AM–6 PM, in historic downtown Long Grove at Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry Roads.
When is the Water Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich, IL? The Water Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich is on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Paulus Park (200 S. Rand Road). Gates open at 5:30 PM, and the lantern launch begins at 8:30 PM. Children under 8 are free.
Is the Arlington Heights Farmers Market open this weekend? Yes — the Arlington Heights Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May 9 through October 17, 2026. This Saturday, May 16, the market is open.
What's playing at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre this weekend? This weekend, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights is showing The Wedding Singer (through May 24), Around the World with Hans Christian Andersen (through May 23), the Spring Cabaret: A Dream is a Wish (Sunday, May 17), and The Kingston Trio (Monday, May 18–19).
What fun things are there to do in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in May 2026? May 2026 in the northwest Chicago suburbs is full of activity — the Long Grove Chocolate Festival, the Lake Zurich Water Lantern Festival, a Spring Campout in Highland Park, farmers markets, live music, theater at Metropolis PAC, outdoor dining in Arlington Heights, and community events across Palatine, Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, and Northbrook. Summer events like Sounds of Summer concerts and Bike Night Thursdays kick off in late May and June.
Thinking about making the northwest suburbs home? Explore neighborhood guides, real estate market updates, and local lifestyle content at GetBurbed.com.
Sources: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre | Village of Arlington Heights | Hey Nonny / Opendate | Arlington Heights Farmers Market | Patch Arlington Heights | Long Grove Chocolate Festival | Water Lantern Festival – Lake Zurich | Spring Campout at The Preserve of Highland Park
