Five Things To Do in the Northern Suburbs: Mar. 6 to Mar. 8, 2026

Spring is just around the corner, and so are plenty of fun happenings to enjoy close to home. Discover what's blooming near you at one of these weekend events. 

Turn Edison Park green at Irish Sunday Funday.
Support local businesses while celebrating the spirit of St. Patrick's Day at Irish Sunday Funday! The annual event features dozens of participating local businesses showcasing their Irish pride with live music, bagpipes, dancers, face painting, and special food and retail offerings. There will even be plenty of opportunities to meet and greet with Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade Queen and Court — just follow the sounds of the Chicago Garda Pipes and Drums!

Date: Mar. 8
Time: All day, starting at 8:00 a.m.
Cost: Various costs
Location: Edison Park
More Info: edisonpark.org 

Try your luck at the Lucky Leprechaun Hunt.
Bring the whole family to the Jewett Park Community Center's Lucky Leprechaun Hunt. Participants will explore the building in search of pots of gold and four-leaf clovers, with one lucky winner snagging the Lucky Leprechaun. This event is open to all ages, but recommended for children ages five and up. 

Date: Mar. 6
Time: 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Cost: $12+
Location: Jewett Park Community Center
More Info: deerfieldparks.org 

Start plotting your garden at the EMG Seed Expo.
Whether you're a longtime grower or planting your very first garden this season, this is one event you won't want to miss. The EMG Seed Expo is Lake County's largest seed and resource-sharing gathering, bringing together gardeners of all experience levels for a day full of inspiration and community. Browse a wide variety of seeds, discover valuable gardening resources, connect with fellow plant enthusiasts, and enter to win fantastic raffle prizes.

Date: Mar. 7
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: College of Lake County
More Info: facebook.com 

Have a cozy night out at S'mores on the Square.
Downtown Evanston and the City of Evanston Parks & Recreation Department are bringing back the third annual S'mores on the Square at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to gather around open fire pits to enjoy complimentary s'mores kits, with the option to bring extra ingredients if your heart desires. Make an evening of it by dining or grabbing drinks at nearby downtown restaurants.

Date: Mar. 5
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Square
More Info: downtownevanston.org 

Make a road trip playlist for the Vintage Shop Hop.
Hit the road for the Vintage Shop Hop — a twice-yearly celebration where more than 400 vintage boutiques, antique stores, barn sales, and specialty shops across Illinois and Wisconsin welcome shoppers for two unforgettable days. It's a self-guided road trip and a must for any true vintage shopping enthusiast. Official shopping hours run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though some stores may open earlier or stay open later. Be sure to check the master list of shops for specific store hours and details before you head out.

Date: Mar. 6-7
Time: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations
More Info: vintageshophop.blogspot.com