2026 Sponsor
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Arts Programming
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Cornhole and Safety Town Sponsor
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2026 Annual Sponsor
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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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SALSAROBICS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CHECK BACK AFTER THE NEW YEAR! Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Sunday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and […] |
4 events,
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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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THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Explore the Unique Beauty of Watercolor Pencil Watercolor pencil is a versatile, yet often overlooked, medium. It combines the vibrant flow […] 
Explore Theater Basics Is your child curious about the stage? Then this beginner-friendly drama class is the perfect place to start! Students learn the basics of […]
$200
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DEVELOP MUSICAL THEATER SKILLS Sing, Dance, and Act in Our Fun Musical Theatre Class for Kids! Does your child love the spotlight? Then this six-week musical […]
$200
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5 events,
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"Mr. V.'s Day Off" - Election Day Kids ages 4–11, cast your vote for adventure and join Mr. V for an Election Day history experience like […]
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Mini Art & Craft Camp with Vee No school? No problem! Join Vee for Mini Art & Craft camp! Afternoons are where we dive into how […]
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THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT SESSION IN DECEMBER! Bring your own art project and spend dedicated time creating in a […]
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HOLIDAY ON BROADWAY Celebrate the season on stage in this festive musical theater production class! In Holiday on Broadway, students will sing, act, dance, and perform […]
$800
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Participants will explore the traditional Japanese art of Shibori dyeing through folding, binding, pattern-making, and dyeing techniques. Participants will experiment with how different folds and resist […] |
7 events,
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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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We're rolling out the tanks! In Robothink: Engineer Tanks, students will dive into the exciting world of tanks, building a variety of armored machines. They'll tackle […]
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THEME: THANKS, BUT MAKE IT ART Come hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her […] |
2 events,
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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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PINK AND GREEN: HIT SONGS FROM STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Do you love to sing, dance, and act? Then this musical theatre class is for you! Inspired by […]
$600
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2 events,
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Settle in for Palette & Pours – a relaxed, adults-only painting class where creativity and connection come easy. In this coastal-inspired session, we’ll paint a lighthouse […] |
8 events,
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PIRATES & MERMAIDS Dive into an unforgettable musical theater adventure! Young performers will sail the seas, hunt for hidden treasure, meet magical mermaids, and outsmart playful […]
$200
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Beginner Embroidery: Chicago Skyline Hoop Always wanted to try embroidery but did not know where to start? Embroider the Skyline is a beginner-friendly workshop that makes […]
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Learn Soccer with Soccer Shots Mini – A Fun & Engaging Class for Toddlers! - *PARENT ASSISTED* Looking for an exciting way to introduce your little […]
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Learn Soccer with Soccer Shots Classic – A Fun & Engaging Class! Looking for an exciting way to introduce your little one to the game of […]
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT ONE ON DECEMBER 8! Practice the art of gratitude by creating a thoughtful pen and […]
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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, […] |
2 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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Discover the Healing Power of Reiki Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that supports physical, emotional, and mental balance. In this introductory class, you will […] |
1 event,
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Turn reading time into crafting time in this colorful wet felting workshop for kids! Young artists will discover how soft wool transforms into sturdy felt using […] |
3 events,
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Noiś Saxophone Quartet Think you know what a saxophone quartet sounds like? Noiś is here to change your mind. Musical America calls Chicago’s Noiś Saxophone Quartet […]
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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 […]
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Gather & Give Thanks: A Harvest Wine Tasting Thoughtfully crafted wines and pairings for the Thanksgiving table Celebrate the warmth and abundance of the harvest season […] |
4 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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Reiki Accelerated Class 1 and 2 Discover the Healing Power of Reiki Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that supports physical, emotional, and mental balance. […]
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🐾 Paws & Palettes 🎨 🐾 Calling all little animal lovers! Get ready to create, care for, and adopt a brand-new furry friend in this fun, […] |
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1 event,
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Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath: A Mind/Body Experience Slow down, release tension and reconnect with your body during this immersive 90-minute restorative yoga […] |
2 events, |
2 events,
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Come sing with us at this evening of music! First, we'll warm up! Next, we will sing a selection of familiar upbeat country favorites led by […]
Free
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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 […] |
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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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,
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Still staring at white paint samples? You’re not alone. Choosing the right paint color can quickly feel overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be. Join local […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
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 […] |
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Neal Page is an advertising executive who just wants to fly home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family. But all Neal Page gets is […]
$5 – $10
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1 event,
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Celebrate the Holidays with Tony Cannoli at Gorton Center! Add a delicious twist to your holiday festivities with freshly filled cannoli-themed pastries! On Tuesday, November 24, […] |
1 event, |
1 event, |
2 events,
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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 […]
$10 – $15
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 events,
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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 […]
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Fundamentals of Pencil Drawing: From Observation to Finished Work This course is a clear and approachable introduction to pencil drawing. It is designed for beginners, but […] |
2 events,
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Bring your own art project and spend dedicated time creating in a welcoming studio environment! Intermediate Color Pencil Art class gives you the freedom to focus […]
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Turn felt scraps into festive treasures in this creative holiday workshop. Give colorful wool offcuts a second life while making handmade ornaments you'll enjoy for years. […] |
3 events,
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Special shopping from 2:30-3 pm for kids who need a low sensory experience! Give your child a chance to surprise the whole family this season A […]
$5
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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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THEMES: HOLIDAY MAGIC Come hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing art class […] |
3 events,
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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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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 […]
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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 […]
$5 – $10
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1 event,
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Get ready for Palette & Pours - a lively, adults-only night where art and wine flow together! This isn’t your average painting class. It’s a chance […] |
8 events,
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Come sing with us at this all-ages Holiday Classics sing led by Bill Vaananen. This special Sing at Gorton gathering brings people together through songs we […]
Free
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A fresh take on holiday comedy. The Second City returns to Gorton Center. And they’re bringing their Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue. It’s festive. It’s playful. And it’s […]
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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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Festive Holiday Crafting Get into the holiday spirit with a fun and creative morning of festive crafting! Make two beautiful handmade decorations to bring warmth and […]
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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.
