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Weekend Guide: 10 Things To Do In Chicago’s Northern Suburbs

From a Chocolate Fest in Long Grove to a Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich, here's what's happening May 15-17 in the northern Chicago suburbs.

| Updated
From festivals to markets to family-friendly events, communities across Chicago’s northern suburbs are packed with activities this weekend. Here are nine events to check out. (Kyle Will/Patch)

From festivals to markets to family-friendly events, communities across Chicago’s northern suburbs are packed with activities this weekend. Here are nine events to check out.

Water Lantern Festival in Lake Zurich

When: 5:30 p.m. on Saturday

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Where: Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich

What: Festival highlights include: food trucks and vendors, live music, scavenger hunt and lantern launch. More info: waterlanternfestival.com/events/lake-zurich.

Chocolate Fest in Long Grove

When: 12 to 11 p.m. on May 15, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on May 16 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 17

Where: Downtown Long Grove

What: Attendees are invited to enjoy chocolate goodies, chocolate-infused drinks, and specialty menu items at restaurants and food booths. This family-friendly festival has live music, carnival rides, games and more. More via longgrove.org/festival/chocolatefest/.

Art Wauk in Waukegan

When: 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Downtown Waukegan

What: An evening of art, food, shopping, and live music. More information on the musical lineup as well as other ArtWauk offerings, visit here.

First Responders Expo at Gurnee Mills

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Gurnee Mills, 6170 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee

What: The free, family-friendly event includes more than 45 police and fire departments. More: simon.com/mall/gurnee-mills/stores/management-office/stream/27th-annual-first-responders-expo-6275993.

Woodstock Farmers Market Opens for Season

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Woodstock Square Historic District 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock

What: The farmers market includes in-season food and arts from local farms, producers, and artisans. See our vendor list for more details. There's also live music and free family fun. More via: woodstockfarmersmarket.org/

Other Farmer's Markets Open For Season:

Spring Campout in Highland Park

When: 4 p.m. on Saturday through Sunday

Where: The Preserve of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park

What: More information is available here.

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