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2025 Sponsor
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Arts Programming
2025 Sponsor
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Friend of Oktoberfest
Burns Supper Sponsor
First Thursdays
Film Series
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Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
Safety Town Sponsor
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Safety Town Sponsor
DELIA SANCHEZ
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Mountainfilm on
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Patrick Marsek
Photography Partner
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Landscape Maintenance
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Calendar of Events
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1 event,
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The always-popular compilation of global short films returns to the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton—come watch and vote for your favorite! Film lovers unite […]
$5 – $10
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0 events,
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1 event,
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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, […] |
2 events,
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Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts! Join us for Open Play Mahjong — a fun and social opportunity to enjoy the game you love in a relaxed, informal […]
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Draw & Paint with Joalida Come hang out in a space where creativity comes alive. Artist and educator Joalida Smit invites teens to join her ongoing […] |
3 events,
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Trailblazing food writer Ruth Reichl examines the precarious state of America's food system. A Sundance Film Festival premiere. Director: Laura Gabbert Stars: Grant Achatz, Reem Assil, […]
$5 – $10
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Worried about the survival of small farmers, ranchers, and chefs hobbled by America’s policy of producing cheap food, trailblazing food writer Ruth Reichl reaches across political […]
$5 – $10
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Mind-Body Connection Join Jennifer for a meditative yoga series that gently guides you back to yourself. In this class, you will slow down, breathe deeply, and […] |
2 events,
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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 […] |
4 events,
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The always-popular compilation of global short films returns to the John & Nancy Hughes Theater at Gorton—come watch and vote for your favorite! Film lovers unite […]
$5 – $10
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THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT! PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT SESSION ON DECEMBER 6 Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) Certification Class Prepare for babysitting success […]
$75
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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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1 event,
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Native New Yorker Guest Conductor: Benjamin Firer In our first "Postcards from America" concert of the 2025-2026 season, we explore works by New York and New […]
$20
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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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Cookie Decorating with The Cookie Garden Join us for a fun, hands-on cookie decorating class made just for little bakers! Little Sprouts is designed for children […]
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Explore the Unique Beauty of Watercolor Pencil Watercolor pencil is a versatile, yet often overlooked, medium. It combines the vibrant flow of watercolor with the precision […] |
3 events,
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Do Not Submit – Lake Forest: A Monthly Night of Storytelling Looking for a welcoming space to share your story—or just listen to others tell theirs? […]
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Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts! Join us for Open Play Mahjong — a fun and social opportunity to enjoy the game you love in a relaxed, informal […]
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THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT SESSION STARTING ON NOVEMBER 5! Do you have a budding artist in the family? Give […] |
1 event,
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Mind-Body Connection Join Jennifer for a meditative yoga series that gently guides you back to yourself. In this class, you will slow down, breathe deeply, and […] |
2 events,
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Woodwind Celebration! Rendezvous Arts’ Season 6 opens with the kind of energy that sets the tone for the year: the Woodwind Celebration is back! What began […]
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Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics! Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t […] |
5 events,
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Who says science can’t be slimy? RoboThink’s Slime Lab Workshop gives kids ages 5–12 a chance to explore chemistry in the most hands-on, fun way possible. […]
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Learn the Art of Cookie Decorating! Curious about cookie decorating? This class is the sweetest place to start! No experience? No problem. We’ll guide you step […]
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Learn the Art of Cookie Decorating! Curious about cookie decorating? This class is the sweetest place to start! No experience? No problem. We’ll guide you step […]
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Striving & Surviving Cancer Foundation: 25th Anniversary Celebration Concert at Gorton Center Join the Striving & Surviving Cancer Foundation for an unforgettable night of music, inspiration, […]
$50 – $100
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2 events,
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The League of Women Voters of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff invite the community to their fall kick off event. The guest speaker will be Lake County Clerk, […]
Free
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THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT ONE ON NOVEMBER 16! Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath - A Mind/Body […] |
2 events,
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Mr. V's Day Off Kids! Join Mr. V. on the Gorton Theater stage for a celebration of fall through music, movement, and story. Kids will love […]
$110
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Once Upon a Stage Step into a storybook world where classic fairy tales and fresh new fantasies come to life on stage! In Once Upon a […]
$110
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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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Sugar Skulls are a vibrant way to honor Cultural Traditions and remember those we’ve lost. Using color, symbolism, and meaningful words or quotes, participants explore personal […] |
4 events,
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Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts! Join us for Open Play Mahjong — a fun and social opportunity to enjoy the game you love in a relaxed, informal […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […] |
4 events,
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YOGA HAS BEEN CANCELLED ON OCTOBER 16! Mind-Body Connection Join Jennifer for a meditative yoga series that gently guides you back to yourself. In this class, […]
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Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and festive kids' watercolor art class! In Kids Art: Boo! Young artists will use watercolor paints to create […]
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Join us for a special screening of Hereditary, the breakout debut from writer-director Ari Aster, at the Gorton Center. Known for its haunting visuals and deeply […]
$5 – $10
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Come Home to Yourself: A Creative Embodiment Workshop Take time to reconnect with your inner wisdom. In this 90-minute moving meditation workshop, we’ll explore the healing […] |
2 events,
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Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics! Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t […]
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Pure Vines: A Harvest Wine Tasting Celebration Where clean winemaking meets the harvest season! Celebrate fall with a curated wine tasting hosted by Oakwood Vines of […] |
3 events,
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One Ticket, One Great Cause Join us for Gorton Center’s annual Oktoberfest fundraiser. No auctions. No paddle raises. No extra asks. Just a fantastic evening of […]
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Reiki Reiki is a Japanese energy healing practice that promotes physical, emotional, and mental balance. In Introduction to Reiki, you will learn techniques for self-care, relaxation, […] |
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3 events,
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Calling all musicians! Beginners, hobbyists, and seasoned pros are all welcome. Our Open Jam Nights give you the chance to play, sing, and share your love […]
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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 […] |
0 events,
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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, […]
-
Learn the Art of Cookie Decorating! Curious about cookie decorating? This class is the sweetest place to start! No experience? No problem. We’ll guide you step […]
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Generative AI is growing fast. Every week, new websites and apps appear. It can feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance, you can learn to use […] |
2 events,
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Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts! Join us for Open Play Mahjong — a fun and social opportunity to enjoy the game you love in a relaxed, informal […]
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YOU’RE INVITED — No Other Land: Award-Winning Documentary Screening + Panel Join us for a screening of the Academy Award-Winning documentary No Other Land — a gripping, unforgettable story of […] |
3 events,
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Mind-Body Connection Join Jennifer for a meditative yoga series that gently guides you back to yourself. In this class, you will slow down, breathe deeply, and […]
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Bewitched Spellbound Wine Tasting Calling all Wine Witches & Warlocks! Join us for a spooky guided tasting hosted by Oakwood Vines of Lake Forest, featuring exceptional […] |
2 events,
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Heroes & Villains Who will you be for the day—a fearless hero, a misunderstood villain, or something in between? In Heroes & Villains, kids dive into […]
$110
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Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics! Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t […] |
3 events,
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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, […]
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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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1 event,
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The Story of Gracey Manor Gabbie (Rosario Dawson), a widowed doctor, is ready for a new chapter. After losing her husband, she leaves the busy streets […]
$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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A Live Presentation with Dwight Cleveland: Uncover the Hidden Stories of Cinema Step into the world of vintage movie posters with renowned collector and author of […] |
4 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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Calling all Mahjong enthusiasts! Join us for Open Play Mahjong — a fun and social opportunity to enjoy the game you love in a relaxed, informal […]
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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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The Kindermusik curriculum blends music, movement, pretend play, storytelling, and community building. Each element works together to create a rich and engaging experience for your child. […] |
2 events,
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Mind-Body Connection Join Jennifer for a meditative yoga series that gently guides you back to yourself. In this class, you will slow down, breathe deeply, and […]
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Mothers’ Circle is a monthly class that supports and empowers modern moms. Together, we focus on conscious parenting and raising authentic, resilient kids. You’ll find a […] |
3 events,
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Get Ready to Move with SALSArobics! Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan every Friday for a dynamic workout that blends fun, rhythm, and full-body movement. This class isn’t […] 
Private Fascial Stretch Therapy Sessions with Josh Watson of Lake Shore Fit@Home! Are you struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, or reduced flexibility? Looking for a […]
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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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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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POSTPONDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Please contact Gary Feracota at 312-953-0912 for ticket refund for the November 1, 2025 performance. The Sons of Chicago: A Tribute to […] |
WHAT'S NEW
Blog: The Healing Power of Laughter in Uncertain Times
When headlines feel heavy, a good laugh can reset your day. The benefits of laughter go beyond a quick mood boost: research suggests it can lower stress, relax your body, and even support heart health.
Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath
A heart opening exploration of gentle movement set to musical vibrations – this guided restorative yoga experience features live acoustic guitar along with a full sound bath.
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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.
