Gorton Center

From the visionary director of 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire comes 28 Years Later, a chilling new chapter in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic horror series. Nearly three decades have passed since the rage virus escaped from a biological weapons laboratory. In that time, survivors have adapted to a terrifying new reality. However, the danger is far from over.
Years after the original outbreak, small communities have found ways to survive. Some have created isolated pockets of safety, cut off from the horrors beyond their borders. Yet the infected still roam the landscape, and the world outside remains unpredictable.
When a young boy leaves the relative safety of his isolated island community, he enters a world unlike anything he has known. His journey takes him across a devastated landscape filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected discoveries. Along the way, he encounters other survivors and begins to uncover secrets about what happened after the outbreak.
Blending intense horror, gripping suspense, and emotional storytelling, 28 Years Later explores how people adapt when civilization collapses. It also asks what humanity looks like after decades of fear, isolation, and loss.

Local Event: Ghoulish Film Series: 28 Years Later

Lake County

Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Illinois

Ghoulish Film Series: 28 Years Later

From the visionary director of 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire comes 28 Years Later, a chilling new chapter in the...

Transform an ordinary cigar box into a personalized memory keeper! Decorate your box with colorful paper, fabric, stencils, and creative details. No art experience is needed, and all supplies are included. Take home a unique box for storing photos, notes, jewelry, and special treasures.

Local Event: Personalized Memory Keeper

Personalized Memory Keeper

Transform an ordinary cigar box into a personalized memory keeper! Decorate your box with colorful paper, fabric, stencils, and...

Try your hand at embroidery in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn essential stitches and create your own 6-inch Chicago skyline hoop with guidance from an experienced instructor. No experience is needed, and all materials are included. Leave with a handmade piece and a new creative skill!

Local Event: Embroider the Skyline

Embroider the Skyline

Try your hand at embroidery in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn essential stitches and create your own 6-inch Chicago...

Get ready for a kids rave your whole family will love! Designed for ages 3–10, this high-energy, family-friendly experience invites youngsters into a fun, welcoming space where they can move, play and shine.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll hear music your family already knows and loves! Remixes are inspired by favorite movie soundtracks with kid-friendly K-pop hits and upbeat pop anthems, so the energy stays lively, engaging and just right for younger dancers.
Once the music starts, kids can jump right in or ease into the fun at their own pace. Either way, little ravers will find their groove while building confidence, trying new moves and connecting with friends.
Have a favorite song? Submit requests ahead of time, and we’ll feature a limited number during the party to keep this kids rave fresh and exciting.
Costumes make it even more fun. Your child can dress as a favorite pop star or movie character – the brighter and more creative, the better. It’s all about self-expression and joyful moments.
Throughout the event, we keep things playful, inclusive and easy for families to enjoy together. No dance experience needed. Just bring your energy and your imagination.So, grab your crew and join us. Let’s make memories together!Save $10 when you purchase 4 tickets with code GOLDEN!
Brought to you by @thekawaiirave and VNK Entertainment.

Local Event: Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party!

Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party!

Get ready for a kids rave your whole family will love! Designed for ages 3–10, this high-energy, family-friendly experience...

What if you could become an animal? In Pixar’s wildly imaginative&nbsp;Hoppers, animal lover Mabel discovers a new technology that lets her “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver. As she ventures into the animal world, Mabel uncovers a surprising threat and must rally the creatures around her to save their home. Funny, inventive, and packed with adventure,&nbsp;Hoppers&nbsp;is a delightful big-screen treat for the whole family.
Rating:&nbsp;PG Runtime:&nbsp;1 hr 45 min Directed by:&nbsp;Daniel Chong Written by:&nbsp;Jesse Andrews Starring:&nbsp;Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco

Local Event: Film: Hoppers 

Film: Hoppers 

What if you could become an animal? In Pixar’s wildly imaginative Hoppers, animal lover Mabel discovers a new technology that...

Cool, stylish, and unforgettable, Drive follows a quiet Hollywood stunt driver with a dangerous side job. By day, he performs daring stunts for the movies. By night, he works as a getaway driver.
Then, one job goes terribly wrong. Suddenly, he finds himself caught in a violent criminal underworld. As the danger grows, he risks everything to protect a neighbor he cares about.
Director Nicolas Winding Refn creates a gripping modern neo-noir filled with tension and atmosphere. Hypnotic visuals bring Los Angeles to life after dark. Meanwhile, pulse-pounding action keeps the story moving.
An unforgettable soundtrack adds even more energy and emotion. Blending romance, crime, suspense, and explosive action, Drive delivers a stylish thriller that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Rating:&nbsp;R Runtime:&nbsp;1 hr 40 min Directed by:&nbsp;Nicolas Winding Refn Written by:&nbsp;Hossein Amini Starring:&nbsp;Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac
We are especially grateful to the Sheffield Foundation for sponsoring this screening.

Local Event: Film: Drive 

Film: Drive 

Cool, stylish, and unforgettable, Drive follows a quiet Hollywood stunt driver with a dangerous side job. By day, he performs...

Practice the art of gratitude by creating a thoughtful pen and watercolor project.&nbsp; This project will have you leaving the art room feeling refreshed and thankful for life’s treasures.
All supplies provided. &nbsp;Ages 11+
<img src="https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-300x234.jpg" alt="I am Thankful For" srcset="https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-300x234.jpg 300w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-1024x798.jpg 1024w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-768x598.jpg 768w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-96x75.jpg 96w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-960x750.jpg 960w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-480x374.jpg 480w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-800x623.jpg 800w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For-471x367.jpg 471w, https://gortoncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/I-am-Thankful-For.jpg 1246w">
This class is free, but spaces are limited and participants must pre-register.&nbsp;
Celebrating their tenth anniversary, <a href="https://www.artimpactproject.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Art Impact Project</a> is a local 501c(3) with a mission of enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression.&nbsp; They partner with organizations such as schools, treatment facilities, libraries, and other community spaces throughout Lake County, to facilitate art programming with a focus on better mental health.&nbsp; Providing a supportive, small group setting, Art Impact Project guides participant step-by-step through the creative process so everyone can experience the benefits of art.
Want to take this class but can’t make this date? Check out our other Art Impact Class on <a href="https://gortoncenter.org/event/art-impact-project-snow-globe-dec-8/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Tuesday, December 8</a>!

Local Event: Art Impact Project: I Am Thankful For...

Art Impact Project: I Am Thankful For...

Practice the art of gratitude by creating a thoughtful pen and watercolor project.  This project will have you leaving the art...

Turn reading time into crafting time with this fun wet felting workshop for kids! Young artists will transform colorful wool into felt, then create and decorate their own unique bookmark with beads and embellishments. Kids will explore fiber art while building creativity and fine motor skills. All materials are included!

Local Event: Felted Bookmark Workshop

Felted Bookmark Workshop

Turn reading time into crafting time with this fun wet felting workshop for kids! Young artists will transform colorful wool...

In Between the Pages, you’ll step into the world of handmade artist books, where words and images come together. Each month, create your own one-of-a-kind book using handmade papers, collage, drawing, painting, found materials and personal stories. Inspired by a new theme each month, you’ll explore simple bookmaking techniques and let your imagination lead the way. No writing or bookmaking experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joalidasmit/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Joalida Smit</a> is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.

Local Event: Between the Pages: Artist Book Workshop

Between the Pages: Artist Book Workshop

In Between the Pages, you’ll step into the world of handmade artist books, where words and images come together. Each month,...

This introductory workshop will guide participants through creating dimensional floral sculptures using air-dry clay while exploring shape, texture, botanical forms, and sculptural techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to personalize their flowers and create a finished piece that reflects their individual style.
Ages 10+

Local Event: Dry Clay Flower Sculpture with Dandelion Gallery & Studio

Dry Clay Flower Sculpture with Dandelion...

 This introductory workshop will guide participants through creating dimensional floral sculptures using air-dry clay while...

Dry Clay Flower Sculpture with Dandelion Gallery & Studio

<h3>Noiś Saxophone Quartet</h3>
Think you know what a saxophone quartet sounds like? Noiś is here to change your mind.
Musical America calls Chicago’s Noiś Saxophone Quartet “the American saxophone quartet du jour.” Now the quartet celebrates its 10th season by doing what it does best: taking four saxophones places you never expected them to go.
For its Rendezvous Arts debut, Noiś brings a bold and wide-ranging program. Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 5 and Paquito d’Rivera’s Wapango burst with rhythmic energy. An unexpected Schumann arrangement shows off a completely different side of the quartet.
Then Noiś turns to the music of today. Works by Sarah Kirkland Snider, Emma O’Halloran, Augusta Read Thomas, Shelley Washington, and Travis Laplante each bring a distinct voice. Noiś moves effortlessly from intimate and atmospheric to playful, explosive, and exhilarating.
Over the past decade, Noiś has premiered more than 120 new works. Along the way, the quartet has built a national reputation for redefining what four saxophones can do.
Now we get to experience them up close.
Four saxophones. Ten years together. One seriously unexpected hour of music.

Local Event: Rendezvous Arts: Noiś Saxophone Quartet

Rendezvous Arts: Noiś Saxophone Quartet

Noiś Saxophone Quartet
Think you know what a saxophone quartet sounds like? Noiś is here to change your mind.
Musical America...

<h5>Reiki Accelerated Class 1 and 2</h5>
Discover the Healing Power of Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that supports physical, emotional, and mental balance. It uses gentle touch to channel universal life energy into the body, helping to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The word&nbsp;Rei&nbsp;means “universal life,” and&nbsp;Ki&nbsp;means “energy,” so Reiki literally translates to&nbsp;Universal Life Force Energy.
This holistic practice is based on the belief that all living things are sustained by a vital life force. When this energy flows freely, the body can maintain health and balance. Through Reiki, practitioners aim to restore this flow, facilitating healing at physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Using the practitioner’s hands, Reiki energy is transferred to the recipient, calming the nervous system and enhancing overall well-being. Many find it to be a deeply soothing and grounding experience.
<h5>What You’ll Learn in Our Accelerated Reiki Class</h5>
Our&nbsp;Accelerated Reiki Class&nbsp;is open to everyone and includes both Reiki Level I and Level II certifications. In this course, participants will:
<ul><li>Learn the core Reiki symbols and their meanings</li><li>Receive clear, step-by-step instruction from an experienced teacher</li><li>Gain hands-on practice with energy work</li><li>Earn a Reiki II certificate upon completion</li></ul>
You’ll leave the class with the knowledge and confidence to practice Reiki on yourself, others, and even animals.
Meet Your Instructor: Melissa MacTaggart
Melissa MacTaggart is a certified Reiki Master Teacher who has trained in the Usui method—the oldest form of Reiki. She studied at Zaanti Reiki and Sat Nam Yoga in Chicago and founded Blossom and Bee Reiki in 2018.
Melissa has led Reiki workshops in both Los Angeles and Chicago. Her passion for energy healing began in her teenage years, sparking a lifelong journey into the mind-body connection. Today, she considers Reiki her most beloved modality because of its transformative, radiant power. Her mission is to help others discover peace and balance through energy work. Melissa’s mantra is, “Let’s move energy together.”

Local Event: Accelerated Reiki Levels I & II

Accelerated Reiki Levels I & II

Reiki Accelerated Class 1 and 2
Discover the Healing Power of Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that supports...

Let your little animal lover bring their imagination to life! In this hands-on, pretend-play craft experience. Children will pick their own pet, decorate and personalize it, create their own grooming supplies, and build a cozy bed or house for their new furry friend.
To finish, each child will officially adopt their pet with a special adoption certificate and take their creation home. It’s a sweet mix of creativity, imaginative play, and hands-on making that encourages kids to care for, nurture, and use their imagination with their new pet!

Local Event: Paws and Palettes 

Paws and Palettes 

Let your little animal lover bring their imagination to life! In this hands-on, pretend-play craft experience. Children will...

First, we’ll warm up! Next, we will sing a selection of familiar upbeat country favorites led by Lake Forest’s own <a href="https://liamsheridanmusic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Liam Sheridan</a>! No experience is necessary, and there’s no future commitment – just a chance to share music in a welcoming, low-pressure setting.
The event runs about 45–60 minutes, followed by refreshments and time to connect.

Local Event: Sing at Gorton – Upbeat Country Sing-Along

Sing at Gorton – Upbeat Country Sing-Along

First, we’ll warm up! Next, we will sing a selection of familiar upbeat country favorites led by Lake Forest’s own Liam...

<h5> Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Line Dance!</h5>
Kick the dust off those boots. Pop on that cowboy hat. Slide into your favorite jeans. It’s time for line dancing!
Never tried it before? Perfect. Want to brush up on your moves? Even better. This class is built for beginners – and for anyone who just wants to have fun.
We’ll start slow. Easy steps. Clear breakdowns. No pressure, no partner, no problem. Just laughs, music, and movement.
Then, the real fun begins. We’ll groove through country classics. We’ll jam to high-energy pop hits. These are the dances you’ll see at weddings, parties, and dance halls all over. And now, you’ll know them too.
Come solo. Come with friends. Either way, you’ll walk out smiling, sweaty, and ready to show off your new moves.
So grab your boots, grab your crew, and let’s do some line dancing!
Lesley has been dancing her whole life. She’s been classically trained in Ballet and Jazz. She’s been teaching dance for 40 years. She currently works at <a href="https://www.lakeforesthfc.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lake Forest Health and Fitness</a> and Life Time Fitness in Vernon Hills. Her super power is making everyone feel successful.&nbsp;

Local Event: Line It Up Line Dancing

Line It Up Line Dancing

 Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Line Dance!
Kick the dust off those boots. Pop on that cowboy hat. Slide into your favorite...

Steve Martin and John Candy star in this hilarious holiday comedy about two unlikely travelers trying to make it home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. A series of mishaps turns their journey into an unforgettable cross-country adventure.

Local Event: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Steve Martin and John Candy star in this hilarious holiday comedy about two unlikely travelers trying to make it home to...

Celebrate the holiday season with Home Alone, the beloved family comedy that has become a Christmas classic. Join us at Gorton Center for a special screening filled with holiday fun, unforgettable characters, and plenty of laughs.
When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) accidentally gets left behind while his family travels to Paris for Christmas, he suddenly has the house to himself. At first, Kevin enjoys his unexpected freedom. He eats what he wants, watches movies, and makes his own rules. However, his holiday adventure takes a turn when two burglars target his home.
Determined to protect the house, Kevin creates a series of clever and hilarious booby traps. What follows is a comedy packed with memorable moments, slapstick humor, and plenty of holiday heart.
Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, Home Alone also stars Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, and John Heard. Since its release in 1990, the film has become a holiday favorite for generations.
Bring the family and experience Home Alone on the big screen at Gorton Center. Whether you know every trap by heart or you’re introducing a new generation to Kevin McCallister, this festive screening is a perfect way to celebrate the season together.

Local Event: Home Alone

Home Alone

Celebrate the holiday season with Home Alone, the beloved family comedy that has become a Christmas classic. Join us at Gorton...

Turn felt scraps into festive treasures! In this beginner-friendly needle felting workshop, create unique holiday ornaments using colorful wool, simple techniques, and your own creative style. Make several handmade decorations for your tree, gifts, wreaths, or home. All materials are included.

Local Event: Holiday Felt Ornaments

Holiday Felt Ornaments

Turn felt scraps into festive treasures! In this beginner-friendly needle felting workshop, create unique holiday ornaments...

Jimmy Rabbitte is a self-proclaimed music promoter with a big idea. He wants to bring soul music to his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. His plan? Assemble a group of local musicians and create the city’s hottest R&amp;B band.
Soon, The Commitments are born. The band is made up entirely of white, working-class musicians with plenty of raw talent but little experience with soul music. What they lack in polish, they make up for with energy, ambition, and attitude.
As the group rehearses and begins attracting attention, their music starts to make an impact. But success brings new challenges. Egos clash, tensions rise, and friendships begin to unravel just as the band prepares for its biggest performance yet.
Packed with memorable music, sharp humor, and an unforgettable cast of characters, The Commitments is a spirited story about chasing a dream and trying to hold a band together along the way. Based on the acclaimed novel by Roddy Doyle.
Come experience the music, humor, and heart of The Commitments on the big screen at Gorton. Grab your tickets and join us for a film that proves soul can come from anywhere.
Director: Alan Parker
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hr, 58 min
We are especially grateful to the Sheffield Foundation for sponsoring this screening.

Local Event: The Commitments 

The Commitments 

Jimmy Rabbitte is a self-proclaimed music promoter with a big idea. He wants to bring soul music to his hometown of Dublin,...

Settle in for Palette &amp; Pours – a relaxed, adults-only painting class where creativity and connection come easy. In this coastal-inspired session, we’ll paint a lighthouse scene, capturing the glow, color and calm of the shoreline.
This isn’t your typical art class. It’s a chance to unwind, sip, and enjoy a creative night out. As you paint, you’ll ease into the rhythm of the brush, letting go of the day and enjoying the process as much as the finished piece.
Whether you’re new to painting or have some experience, you’ll feel right at home. Local artists Sandie Bacon and Lezlie Lenz guide you step by step, offering tips and encouragement while leaving room for your personal style.
By the end of the evening, you’ll head home with your own lighthouse painting – a peaceful reminder of a night well spent.

Local Event: Palette & Pours: Paint Your Pet

Palette & Pours: Paint Your Pet

Settle in for Palette & Pours – a relaxed, adults-only painting class where creativity and connection come easy. In this...

Leslie Lord

Rachel Barnes

Chicago Metropolitan Area

Vernon Hills

Highland Park

Eric DeGrechie

Deerfield

Amie Schaenzer

Libertyville

Buffalo Grove

Cook County

Northbrook

Grayslake

Winnetka-Glencoe

Lake Zurich

Glenview

CROYA's Poinsettia Sale is happening NOW! The deadline to order is Wednesday, November 11th. Order online at croyapoinsettia.com. CROYA is selling 3 sizes of red and white poinsettias, Christmas Cactuses, and Frosty Ferns! Proceeds help fund the CROYA Senior Awards, youth program scholarships, and other CROYA needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;CLICK THE MORE INFO. LINK TO ORDER!

Local Event: CROYA Poinsettia Sale!

CROYA Poinsettia Sale!

CROYA's Poinsettia Sale is happening NOW! The deadline to order is Wednesday, November 11th. Order online at...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

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Posting Activity

Ghoulish Film Series: 28 Years Later

OCT

30

7:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Personalized Memory Keeper

NOV

4

6:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Embroider the Skyline

NOV

7

9:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party!

NOV

7

11:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Film: Hoppers

NOV

8

3:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Film: Drive

NOV

8

7:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Art Impact Project: I Am Thankful For...

NOV

10

6:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Felted Bookmark Workshop

NOV

12

5:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Between the Pages: Artist Book Workshop

NOV

12

6:30 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Dry Clay Flower Sculpture with Dandelion Gallery & Studio

NOV

13

5:30 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Rendezvous Arts: Noiś Saxophone Quartet

NOV

13

7:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Accelerated Reiki Levels I & II

NOV

14

10:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Paws and Palettes

NOV

14

11:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Sing at Gorton – Upbeat Country Sing-Along

NOV

17

9:00 AM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Line It Up Line Dancing

NOV

20

7:00 PM

Gorton Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles