CHECK OUT OUR LIVE MUSIC LINEUP!
TRIBUTE BAND PACKAGE - BUY TWO OR MORE AND SAVE 10%
WE'RE LOOKING FOR TEACHING ARTISTS AND WOULD LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH YOU. FIND OUT MORE.
DO NOT SUBMIT BRINGS OPEN MIC STORYTELLING TO GORTON EVERY MONTH!
PLANNING A MEETING, EVENT, PERFORMANCE OR PARTY? BROWSE OUR RENTAL SPACES TO FIND ONE THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS.
Mountainfilm on Tour Co-Presenter
Mountainfilm on
Tour Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
2026 Fly FIshing Film Festival Sponsor
2026 Sponsor
Performing Arts Sponsor
2025 Sponsor
Wellness Class Sponsor
Arts Programming
2026 Sponsor
2025 Sponsor
PAM & DAVID WAUD
2025 Sponsor
Oktoberfest Sponsor
Oktoberfest Sponsor
Friend of Oktoberfest
Friend of Oktoberfest
The Lister Family
First Thursdays
Film Series
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
DELIA SANCHEZ
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Cornhole Sponsor
Chip Leighton Sponsor
Photography Partner
Patrick Marsek
Photography Partner
Michael Delott
Photography Partner
Marcus Norman
Landscape Maintenance
Survey Software
Events
Calendar of Events
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 events, | 1 event, -  Gorton Cabaret - Monday In this 8-week musical theater class, acting, singing, and dancing skills are introduced and progressed. Students select the songs they are most […] $400 | 2 events, -  Discover Your Creative Potential Come develop your artistic skills and creativity in the way that works best for you! Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, […] -  Theater Basics for Kids This fun, beginner-friendly class introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing through a rotating structure that keeps every session […] $300 | 5 events, - Sing, Dance, and Play with Your Toddler in this Kindermusik Music and Movement Class Join your toddler in a joyful, energetic Kindermusik class designed just for […] - Please plan to arrive early, play starts promptly at 10am! Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong, a relaxed and social way to […] - Music and Movement Get ready to laugh, play, and connect like never before! In this joyful baby-parent music class, every moment becomes a memory to treasure. […] - 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 […] -  Comedic Improv for Kids In this high-energy improv class, students explore the fundamentals of comedic improvisation while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Through games and exercises, […] $400 | 1 event, - Gorton Cabaret - Thursday In this 8-week musical theater class, acting, singing, dancing skills are introduced and progressed. Students select the songs they are most excited […] $400 | 2 events, -  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, - Learn Soccer with Soccer Shots Classic – A Fun & Engaging Class! Looking for an exciting way to introduce your little one to the game of […] - Learn Soccer with Soccer Shots Mini – A Fun & Engaging Class for Toddlers! - *PARENT ASSISTED* Looking for an exciting way to introduce your little […] |
| 0 events, | 1 event, - Give the Gift of Life at Gorton’s Monthly Blood Drive Join us at the Gorton Center for our monthly blood drive, proudly hosted in partnership with […] | 1 event, - Answer the call to adventure! In the Adventurers’ Guild we will defeat monsters and dragons, explore dungeons, and acquire powerful artifacts without ever leaving Gorton. Players […] | 5 events, -  Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., and Cortland Dahl, Ph.D., are among the world’s foremost neuroscientists and contemplative teachers. In Born to Flourish: How New Science and Ancient […] - An Author's Homecoming New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author Laura Munson returns to Gorton Center. A native Lake Forester, she’s celebrating the release […] - 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 […] - Please plan to arrive early, play starts promptly at 10am! Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong, a relaxed and social way to […] -  Sign Up Your Teen to Draw & Paint with Joalida Come hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites […] | 3 events, - The Natural is a classic American sports film that mixes baseball with myth, fate, and redemption. The story centers on Roy Hobbs, a quiet, middle-aged man […] - The Natural is a classic American sports film that mixes baseball with myth, fate, and redemption. The story centers on Roy Hobbs, a quiet, middle-aged man […] -  Ready to take your painting to the next level? This class is ideal for artists who already have some experience painting in Oil, Acrylic, Gouache, or […] | 1 event, - Gather your favorite gals and get ready for a cozy, creative night filled with cookies, conversation, and plenty of frosting fun! This hands-on cookie decorating class […] | 1 event, - Relive the Music of Your Youth Formed by two Brits in New York City, The Brit Pack brings iconic UK rock to stages across the USA. […] |
4 events, -  Fly Fishing Film Tour 2026 The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of unforgettable stories, […] $15 – $20 - Fly Fishing Film Tour Returns to Gorton The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of […] $15 – $20 - Turning Teen is here for #GirlMoms, #GirlDads, and any other trusted adult in a young person’s life. We know it can be hard to talk with […] - Boys can grow so fast, it can take your breath away. Or their growth can proceed more slowly, confusing or even frustrating them. Talking to our […] | 0 events, | 1 event, - Haiku Poetry Celebrate National Poetry Month with the timeless art of Haiku. First, we’ll explore the simple structure of this powerful three-line poem. Then, we’ll focus […] | 1 event, - Please plan to arrive early, play starts promptly at 10am! Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts. Join us for Open Play Mahjong, a relaxed and social way to […] | 1 event, -  Are you or someone you know contemplating a divorce? This workshop will help you to understand the best options for you and your family. If a […] | 1 event, - Christian Dillingham Some artists you simply have to bring back. Grammy-winning bassist Christian Dillingham is one of them. A Rendezvous Arts favorite for years, Christian returns […] | 1 event, - Join Us for a Heartwarming Adoption Event with PAWS Chicago! Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Whether you're dreaming of a playful puppy […] |
1 event, - Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath - A Mind/Body Experience This is the inner revolution release your body has been craving. Immerse yourself in […] | 0 events, | 3 events, - 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, […] - Learn to Make Cannoli from Scratch Step into the kitchen and learn how to make delicious, homemade cannoli! In this fun and interactive class, you'll discover […] - Ready for fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition? Come learn Mahjong with friends and neighbors! In just five weeks, you’ll master the basics of National […] | 4 events, - Bring Them Home / Aiskótáhkapiyaaya is a documentary about a long effort by members of the Blackfoot Confederacy to return wild buffalo, known as iinnii, to […] $5 – $10 - Join Chef Thierry Lefeuvre of Froggy’s French Café in Highwood for an unforgettable evening of fine food, wine, and culinary inspiration! This engaging and delicious cooking […] | 1 event, - Ready to take your painting to the next level? This class is ideal for artists who already have some experience painting in Oil, Acrylic, Gouache, or […] | 0 events, | 6 events, - For Pete the Cat, life is always an adventure. So when the groovy blue cat meets the Biddle family, he gets everyone rocking – except Jimmy […] -  Sign Up Now for Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) Certification Class Prepare for babysitting success with the Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program from MEDIC First […] -  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 […] -  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 […] -  * 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 […] |
1 event, - Yoga for Grief & Stress Release Grief and stress don’t just live in the mind - they also take root in the body. They often show […] | 2 events, - 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, […] - Welcome spring with a dusk-to-evening wine tasting set in the Solarium, designed for relaxed sipping in an elevated, garden-inspired setting. Enjoy a curated selection of wines […] | 1 event, -  Come on an adventure building cool space robots using the RoboThink Robotics Kit in this super-fun STEAM program! Kids will learn about space, space travel, stars […] | 1 event, - Grammy and Tony Award-Nominated Musician Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh was hailed by Billboard […] | 2 events, - Spice Up Your Week with Latin Dance! Get ready to dance with Esther and Walt in a playful, energizing Latin dance class that sparks joy and […] - Palette & Pours: Inspired by Matisse - A Wine & Paint Night for Adults Get ready for Palette & Pours - a lively, adults-only night where […] | 0 events, |
WHAT'S NEW
All That Jazz, All Season Long at Gorton Center!
Experience multiple dynamic concerts featuring Grammy nominees, crowd favorites, and rising stars – plus, get 10% off when you buy tickets to three or more.
Choose Your Adventure in The Window Program Guide
Check out all Gorton has to offer this winter and early spring in The Window program guide, now in mailboxes and also available here on line.
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT NEWS AND EVENTS
STAY CONNECTED
STAY CONNECTED WITH US
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.
