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Events
Calendar of Events
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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1 event,
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Manhattan Short Film Festival The always-popular compilation of global short films returns to the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton—come watch and vote for your […]
$5 – $10
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1 event,
-
We might think we understand our own social-media habits, but most of us would come up short if asked to explain why we post the way […] |
2 events,
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Come Sing at Gorton Join us for Sing at Gorton and travel down the Yellow Brick Road to Penny Lane, with a few musical stops along […]
Free
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Yoga With Areta Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, […] |
3 events,
-
Wednesday Afternoons with Mr. V Attention kids! This fall, join award-winning music educator and composer Bill Vaananen for 8 educational and inspirational Wednesday afternoon sessions of […]
$400
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No Country for Mothers No Country for Mothers explores the culture surrounding American motherhood and why both the 'girl boss" and "trad wife" labels ultimately distract us […]
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THE SESSION ON SEPTEMBER 30 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Leave your to-do list behind and make time to create. Coloring Club is a weekly creative escape designed […] |
4 events,
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Manhattan Short Film Festival 2026 – 10 Films, 10 Countries, One Vote Each A cab driver keeps small talk alive in a city run by AI. […]
$5 – $10
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Calling all future fashion designers! The EV Junior Fashion Workshop is perfect for young fashionistas ready to explore their passion for sewing and fashion design. Students […]
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THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Bring your ideas to life in Comics Lab! This supportive six-week class gives students the space to start or continue their […]
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Celebrate the beauty of autumn with a cozy afternoon of felting. Create a collection of whimsical fall treasures, including miniature felted acorns, apples, and pumpkins. Then, […] |
2 events,
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Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Line Dance! Kick the dust off those boots. Pop on that cowboy hat. Slide into your favorite jeans. It’s […]
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Palette & Pours: Inspired by Hopper - A Wine & Paint Night for Adults Settle in for Palette & Pours – a relaxed, adults-only painting class […] |
4 events,
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Sold Out-Mutts Gone Nuts: Mutts, Magic & Mayhem! Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of comedy, magic, and incredible canine talent! Mutts Gone Nuts brings its […]
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Tai Chi for Beginners Discover the gentle, flowing practice of Tai Chi in this beginner-friendly class. Learn simple movements that help you slow down, focus, and […]
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Discover the creativity of our local arts community at Gorton! This new art show series brings together three local artists working across a variety of mediums, […]
Free
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1 event,
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Join the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra for their exciting first concert of the season under the direction of Maestro Nicholas Wallin. The 2026-2027 subscription season is […]
$25
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2 events,
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Discover the Art of Colored Pencil Drawing Whether you're a complete beginner or simply curious to explore a new artistic medium, this engaging course is designed […]
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Kickboxing Get moving, build strength, and have fun with kickboxing! This high-energy class combines punches, kicks, and footwork with techniques inspired by karate, Muay Thai, and […] |
3 events,
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Dad Can You Not? Get ready for a night of comedy, parenting stories and laugh-out-loud honesty with comedian and author Chip Leighton. Chip Leighton (@the_leighton_show) comes […]
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Yoga With Areta Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, […]
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Unleash Your Creative Voice Have you always wanted to try creative writing but stopped yourself before you began? Or maybe you’ve written before and want to […] |
3 events,
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Do you have a budding artist in the family? Give their creativity room to grow in this engaging after-school art class designed specifically for students in […]
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THEME: SPOOKY & STRANGE Come hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing art […]
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Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart presents Fall Exploration through Music and the Arts. Enjoy an evening with our orchestra and choir, along with a reception […] |
4 events,
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Shredding the Silence on Menopause Don't miss this special screening of The (M) Factor documentary film followed by an engaging panel discussion being led by Heidi […]
$10
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Tiny Tots Ballet introduces young dancers to the joy of ballet in a fun, welcoming, and nurturing environment. This engaging class gives little ones a playful […]
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Evening Craft Sessions Slow down and spend an evening creating something beautiful with your hands in Mindful Making. Join us from 7–9pm for a relaxed creative […]
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When we talk about the transformative experience of becoming a parent, we almost always talk about mothers. Research on birth and parenting has focused overwhelmingly on […] |
6 events,
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Strings Attached Rendezvous Arts kicks off Season 7 with an audience favorite. But this time, we’re adding strings! Our beloved Woodwind Octet returns—and it’s bigger than […]
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HOLLYWOOD CASTING CALL Lights, camera, action! Step into the exciting world of movie musicals, auditions, and on-screen performance. Throughout this high-energy one-day theater experience, students audition […]
$110
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Flute Lessons at the Gordon Center | Ages 9–99 Discover the joy of playing the flute! Lessons are open to ages 9–99. All skill levels are […]
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What drives human progress, and why does it surge in some eras and stall in others, even under similar conditions? In "Agency: The Psychological History of […]
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A hands-on seasonal candle-making experience inspired by the colors, scents, and natural elements of autumn. Participants will explore multiple candle-making techniques while creating three distinct candles: […] |
3 events,
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Tai Chi for Beginners Discover the gentle, flowing practice of Tai Chi in this beginner-friendly class. Learn simple movements that help you slow down, focus, and […]
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Coping with the Loss of a Pet Join Jessica from the Animal Hospital of West Lake Forest for a heartfelt session on understanding pet loss. This […] |
1 event,
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Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t just about exercise - it’s about […] |
3 events,
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TIME TRAVELERS Buckle up - history and the future collide! In this imaginative theater adventure, students become time travelers who jump between different eras, characters, and […]
$110
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"Mr. V.'s Day Off" - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day Kids ages 4–11, join Mr. V for an unforgettable day of music, history, and adventure on the […]
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Mini Art & Craft Camp with Vee No school? No problem! Join Vee for Mini Art & Craft camp! Half or full day mini camps available. […] |
3 events,
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Yoga With Areta Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, […]
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Prompted Painting is back, but with a new theme!  Art Impact Project’s instructor will walk you through all the steps to complete your own acrylic painting on canvas. […]
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The Postcard Project is a creative workshop series designed to bring people together for meaningful connection and artistic expression. Over the course of four monthly sessions, […] |
3 events,
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Storytelling Open Mic-WALK-INS WELCOME DNS takes place the second Wednesday of every month. No Cover Charge! Do Not Submit Lake Forest takes place in […]
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Collaborative Songwriting Bring your creativity and make music together in this three-part songwriting session with musician Nigel Haye. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. Bring […]
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Leave your to-do list behind and make time to create. Coloring Club is a weekly creative escape designed especially for adults. Come relax, try something new, […] |
1 event,
-
Evening Craft Sessions Slow down and spend an evening creating something beautiful with your hands in Mindful Making. Join us from 7–9pm for a relaxed creative […] |
6 events,
-
Celebrate Oktoberfest 2026 with Gorton Gather your crew for Oktoberfest 2026, one of our favorite fall traditions. When the sun goes down, our outdoor tent comes […]
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Prepare for babysitting success with the Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program from MEDIC First Aid—an engaging and informative course designed specifically for teenagers and young […]
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Tai Chi for Beginners Discover the gentle, flowing practice of Tai Chi in this beginner-friendly class. Learn simple movements that help you slow down, focus, and […]
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* THIS IS A HYBRID COURSE! 1.5 or 4.5 HOURS ONLINE @ HOME AND 2.5 HOURS IN-PERSON! This blended learning style Basic CPR and AED class […] |
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2 events,
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Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t just about exercise - it’s about […]
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Who you gonna call? Get ready for one of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s! When three eccentric parapsychology professors are unexpectedly out of work, […]
$5 – $10
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Yoga With Areta Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, […]
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Guitar & Bass Lessons with a Professional Musician Take Your Playing to the Next Level! Are you looking to refine your technique, explore new styles, or […] |
2 events,
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Get ready to squeeze, squish, and create in Squishy Lab! This hands-on workshop invites young creators to explore, experiment, and have fun. Kids will use exciting […]
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Leave your to-do list behind and make time to create. Coloring Club is a weekly creative escape designed especially for adults. Come relax, try something new, […] |
4 events,
-
Going Analogue: Rediscover the Lost Art of Journaling In a world that never stops buzzing, beeping, and scrolling, what happens when you put down your phone […]
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Each week, children discover a world of mixed-media materials. They’ll work with upcycled clothing and fabrics, pre-loved crockery, beads, buttons, ribbons, and more. Then, they’ll transform […]
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Step into the creative world of handmade artist books. Discover how words, images, colors, and textures can come together to tell a story. Each month brings […]
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Evening Craft Sessions Slow down and spend an evening creating something beautiful with your hands at Mindful Making. Join us from 7–9pm for a relaxed creative […] |
2 events,
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MYSTERY MANOR Something strange is happening at Mystery Manor. Now it's up to our performers to solve the case! First, students become detectives, suspects, and storytellers. […]
$110
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Here’s Johnny! Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is one of the most iconic films in horror history. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, this psychological thriller follows […]
$5 – $10
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5 events,
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Sharp, Smart Stand-Up with Emily Catalano Emily Catalano brings her smart, dry, and quietly devastating stand-up to Gorton for a night of comedy that sneaks up […]
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Tai Chi for Beginners Discover the gentle, flowing practice of Tai Chi in this beginner-friendly class. Learn simple movements that help you slow down, focus, and […]
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Get into the spirit of the season with a fun, hands-on painting experience! Create your own autumn or Halloween-inspired artwork on an 8" x 10" canvas. […]
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Join us for a fun-filled morning of autumn excitement- it's Trunk or Treat! We’re bringing families together to celebrate the season with sweet treats, creative activities, […] |
3 events,
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Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t just about exercise - it’s about […]
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Manners Matter Good manners help kids shine. Simple things - like saying “please” or waiting their turn -can lead to big rewards. These small habits build […]
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Manners Matter Etiquette is an important life skill that helps children thrive in any setting. Simple actions - like saying “please,” listening respectfully, or waiting their […] |
2 events,
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After School Art Club with Carole Calling all young artists! After-school art is the perfect place for students to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and […] |
3 events,
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Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Gorton! Come sing at Gorton! This October, we're holding a Wicked/Wizard of Oz–themed community sing led by Jackie Jasperson! Join […]
Free
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Yoga With Areta Join Areta for a traditional Vinyasa Flow yoga class. This one-hour, bi-weekly practice blends poses, breathwork, and meditation. Each session helps release tension, […]
-
Wine After Dark: A Halloween Tasting Experience An evening of intriguing wines, captivating stories, and Halloween mystery. Step into the unexpected side of wine with a […] |
2 events,
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Leave your to-do list behind and make time to create. Coloring Club is a weekly creative escape designed especially for adults. Come relax, try something new, […]
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"A musical journey through America with Ketch Secor, public radio’s David Greene, and Old Crow Medicine Show, that humanizes all sides of America’s gun debate through […]
$5 – $10
|
2 events,
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Breast health awareness is the foundational first step to protection, empowering individuals to understand their personal risk, recognize changes early, and make proactive choices for their […]
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Evening Craft Sessions Slow down and spend an evening creating something beautiful with your hands at Mindful Making. Join us from 7–9pm for a relaxed creative […] |
1 event,
-
28 YEARS LATER From the visionary director of 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire comes 28 Years Later, a chilling new chapter in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic […]
$5 – $10
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2 events,
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Tai Chi for Beginners Discover the gentle, flowing practice of Tai Chi in this beginner-friendly class. Learn simple movements that help you slow down, focus, and […] |
WHAT'S NEW
What Dolly Parton Taught Us About the Creative Process
Not every one of us is a songwriter, but all of us have something worth expressing.
Why We Need Each Other: The Science Behind a Great Live Show
The research confirms something we’ve always felt in our bones – that gathering together through the arts isn’t just fun. It’s good for us.
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Gorton Center is the gathering place in the heart of our community where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play & perform. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, independent of the city of Lake Forest, that operates to enrich the lives of our communities through cultural arts, education and charitable service.
