2025 Sponsor
Wellness Class Sponsor
Arts Programming
2025 Show Sponsor
2025 Sponsor
Burns Supper Sponsor
The Lister Family
First Thursdays
Film Series
Sheffield Foundation
Safety Town Sponsor
Mountainfilm on
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Mountainfilm on
Tour Sponsor
Chip Leighton Sponsor
Landscape Maintenance
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Calendar of Events
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0 events,
3 events,
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-timePlease note, pre-registration is mandatory and only takes a few minutes - please click the link. If you want to donate blood, make sure to eat […]
DETERMINED: A SCIENCE OF LIFE WITHOUT FREE WILL
DETERMINED: A SCIENCE OF LIFE WITHOUT FREE WILL
One of our great behavioral scientists, Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D., the bestselling author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, mounts a devastating […]
0 events,
2 events,
The Thriving Midlife Man Series
The Thriving Midlife Man Series
***NEW DATE! THIS SERIES WILL NOW START ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 This series runs every other week for 5 sessions - February 26, March 5 & […]
Shaken or Stirred: In Search of the Ideal Martini
Shaken or Stirred: In Search of the Ideal Martini
The Martini – a magnificent cocktail made with gin and vermouth. Unless you use vodka instead, or you add olive brine, or orange bitters, or both. […]
1 event,
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga
This gentle flow class is warm and light, ideal for anyone wanting a slower-paced class. We move to create flexibility and sustain our range of motion […]
0 events,
4 events,
2025 OSCAR SHORTS
2025 OSCAR SHORTS
Since 2006, ShortsTV has proudly brought the Oscar® Nominated Short Films to audiences across the globe. This special release features the year's most spectacular short films […]
Salsarobics
Salsarobics
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan for a fun workout that happens each Friday! The major distinction of this program is that the joy, fun, and discovery are […]
Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
Your child can experience a touch of Ireland in Lake Forest! In this multi-age class, Littles ages 3-5 will work on rhythm, coordination, the traditional Irish […]
Mr. V’s “Winter Road Trip” Performance
Mr. V’s “Winter Road Trip” Performance
“Mr. V’s Winter Road Trip” Come and see Mr. V's winter odyssey across America! Kids will perform his brand new original musical- this will be a […]
3 events,
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-timePlease note, pre-registration is mandatory and only takes a few minutes - please click the link. If you want to donate blood, make sure to eat […]
INSPIRE: THE UNIVERSAL PATH FOR LEADING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
INSPIRE: THE UNIVERSAL PATH FOR LEADING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Social psychologist and leadership expert Adam Galinsky, Ph.D. has spent three decades building a method for determining when we are inspiring versus infuriating, and where various […]
Getting Started with Watercolor Pencil
Getting Started with Watercolor Pencil
Explore the beauty of drawing and painting with watercolor pencils in this in-person course for beginners. Learn everything you need to get started - types of […]
1 event,
Getting Started with Color Pencil
Getting Started with Color Pencil
Explore the beauty of drawing with colored pencil in this course for beginners. Learn everything you need to get started - types of paper, pencils, how […]
5 events,
99% PERSIPIRATION: A NEW WORKING HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
99% PERSIPIRATION: A NEW WORKING HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
As the wealth gap widens, communities crumble, and Americans work more for less, journalist Adam Chandler raises the question: What happens when perspiration isn’t enough? To […]
After School Art Club With Lezlie
After School Art Club With Lezlie
Do you have a budding artist in the family? Then sign them up for this after-school class where they will create with an art history story! […]
Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
Experience a touch of Ireland in Lake Forest! In this class for ages 5 and up Littles will work on rhythm, coordination, the traditional Irish jig […]
RoboThink After School: Rumble Robotics
RoboThink After School: Rumble Robotics
Brace yourself for an action packed program with RoboThink, where you'll embark on an epic journey of building and battling a wide variety of awe-inspiring robots. […]
Wine in Bloom: Spring Garden Party Tasting
Wine in Bloom: Spring Garden Party Tasting
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE DATES! Celebrate spring with a garden-inspired wine tasting featuring floral wines paired with seasonal flavors. Savor […]
2 events,
SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS – SO THEY DON’T MANAGE YOU (EVENT 1 OF 2)
SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS – SO THEY DON’T MANAGE YOU (EVENT 1 OF 2)
Whether it’s anxiety about going to the doctor, boiling rage when we’re stuck in traffic, or devastation after a painful break-up, our lives are filled with […]
THE CRITIC
THE CRITIC
A powerful London theater critic becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. Director: Anand Tucker Stars: Ian McKellen, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Cottle This film […]
2 events,
Giordano Dance Chicago
Giordano Dance Chicago
America’s original jazz dance company is back at Gorton! Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) ignites the stage with their trademark high-energy performances that leave audiences breathless. As […]
Alice in Wonderland Again: Friday, March 7 Performance
Alice in Wonderland Again: Friday, March 7 Performance
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio's production of Alice in Wonderland in […]
2 events,
Alice in Wonderland Again: Saturday, March 8 Performance
Alice in Wonderland Again: Saturday, March 8 Performance
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio's production of Alice in Wonderland in […]
MooNiE and BrooN Show
MooNiE and BrooN Show
Comedians Brian Howard and Philip Earl Johnson, veterans of renaissance festivals, fringe festivals and theaters return to the Gorton Center for one show. Juggling, music and […]
1 event,
TURNING RED
TURNING RED
A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei is torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, […]
0 events,
4 events,
SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS – SO THEY DON’T MANAGE YOU (EVENT 2 OF 2)
SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS – SO THEY DON’T MANAGE YOU (EVENT 2 OF 2)
Whether it’s anxiety about going to the doctor, boiling rage when we’re stuck in traffic, or devastation after a painful break-up, our lives are filled with […]
Acting for Ages 5 to 8
Acting for Ages 5 to 8
Do you have a budding actor in the family? Turn your child's love of make-believe play into a passion for the arts. Through theater games, improvisation, […]
Advanced Acting Class for Adults
Advanced Acting Class for Adults
Advanced Acting for Adults Experienced actors are invited to join our Advanced Acting Class, designed for those ready to deepen their craft. Before enrolling, students will […]
Art Impact Project: Modigliani Self Portraits
Art Impact Project: Modigliani Self Portraits
Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian painter whose portraits are often characterized by their elongated bodies and blank eyes, distinctively 'Modigliani'. Using his technique and soft pastel, we […]
4 events,
Do Not Submit-Lake Forest
Do Not Submit-Lake Forest
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 […]
Adult Art with Joalida Smit
Adult Art with Joalida Smit
Join Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center for structured art classes over 3 weeks. Participants will start with mark-making (charcoal, pen, ink), exploring […]
Teen Art Classes With Joalida Smit
Teen Art Classes With Joalida Smit
Paint and draw with Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center! In this on-going class Joalida works with teens exploring different mediums, techniques and […]
Cooking @ Froggy’s: Vegetarian
Cooking @ Froggy’s: Vegetarian
Join Chef Theirry Lefeuvre of Froggy’s French Café in Highwood for a wonderful evening with friends a delicious food! Guests will enjoy two glasses of wine […]
1 event,
Breath & Meditation
Breath & Meditation
Learning to breathe is an art form. Allowing the breath to center and rebalance the body & mind is a practice. Meditation helps to focus our […]
1 event,
Alice in Wonderland Again: March 14 Performance
Alice in Wonderland Again: March 14 Performance
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio's production of Alice in Wonderland in […]
4 events,
The Ultimate Queen Celebration
The Ultimate Queen Celebration
Get ready for a night of rock royalty with The Ultimate Queen Celebration in our John & Nancy Hughes Theater! Led by the incredible Yvan Pedneault—discovered by […]
Salsarobics
Salsarobics
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan for a fun workout that happens each Friday! The major distinction of this program is that the joy, fun, and discovery are […]
Shamrock Art
Shamrock Art
THIS CLASS HAS SOLD OUT! Experiment with shades of green in a lively Shamrock painting project. Stencil, paint and collage a unique piece of art just […]
Alice in Wonderland Again: March 15 Performance
Alice in Wonderland Again: March 15 Performance
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio's production of Alice in Wonderland in […]
0 events,
1 event,
ME, BUT BETTER: THE SCIENCE AND PROMISE OF PERSONALITY CHANGE
ME, BUT BETTER: THE SCIENCE AND PROMISE OF PERSONALITY CHANGE
In recent years, Olga Khazan had been spiraling toward an existential crisis. Though she treasured her loving relationship and her dream job, her neurotic personality often […]
3 events,
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is often referred to as the “Yoga of Awareness”. It is a blend of postures, conscious breathing, mantra, music and meditation. Class typically begins with […]
Drawing and Painting with Cheryl Steiger
Drawing and Painting with Cheryl Steiger
Pursue art through an individualized class by working on the drawing or painting with the medium of your choice. Work from photos, still life, and your […]
Connect, Visualize & Create + Bevies: Alignment
Connect, Visualize & Create + Bevies: Alignment
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Join Joalida and Susan on a monthly meditation and art evening where we will use visualisation to connect with your inner […]
0 events,
4 events,
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga
This gentle flow class is warm and light, ideal for anyone wanting a slower-paced class. We move to create flexibility and sustain our range of motion […]
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga
This gentle flow class is warm and light, ideal for anyone wanting a slower-paced class. We move to create flexibility and sustain our range of motion […]
Divorcing with Dignity
Divorcing with Dignity
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 […]
Cannoli Class! Learn to Make Cannoli
Cannoli Class! Learn to Make Cannoli
Tony "Cannoli" Volpentesta was taught in his Italian grandmother's kitchen and is in never-ending pursuit to make the perfect cannoli shells as vehicles for his delectable […]
1 event,
Rendezvous Arts- CHRISTIAN DILLINGHAM QUARTET
Rendezvous Arts- CHRISTIAN DILLINGHAM QUARTET
He’s back with a brand-new album! Renowned jazz bass player Christian Dillingham returns this season with his quartet, bringing the highly anticipated music from his latest […]
3 events,
THE HOLDOVERS
THE HOLDOVERS
A curmudgeonly instructor at a New England school remains on campus during Christmas break. He soon forms an unlikely bond with a brainy but damaged troublemaker, […]
Salsarobics
Salsarobics
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan for a fun workout that happens each Friday! The major distinction of this program is that the joy, fun, and discovery are […]
Tai Chi With Ken Ning
Tai Chi With Ken Ning
Sign up for Gorton’s Tai Chi class and join Ken Ning each Saturday to learn and practice Tai Chi. Ken’s Tai Chi class is open to […]
0 events,
1 event,
Battle Robots Spring Break Camp
Battle Robots Spring Break Camp
THIS CAMP HAS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN US FOR MORE ROBOTHINK CAMPS THIS SUMMER! Attention all warriors and engineers! Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled camp with RoboThink […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Salsarobics
Salsarobics
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan for a fun workout that happens each Friday! The major distinction of this program is that the joy, fun, and discovery are […]
Tai Chi With Ken Ning
Tai Chi With Ken Ning
NO CLASS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29! Sign up for Gorton’s Tai Chi class and join Ken Ning each Saturday to learn and practice Tai Chi. Ken’s […]
1 event,
Dixon’s Violin Concert
Dixon’s Violin Concert
You've never heard violin like this! The world's premier visionary violinist, Dixon's life mission is to inspire people - and he has done so at over […]
2 events,
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Private Sessions with Josh Watson of Lake Shore Fit@Home! Eliminate chronic pain, increase mobility and improve flexibility and strength. Fascial Stretch Therapy is a neuromyofascial manual […]
Private Guitar & Bass Lessons with Dave Hiltebrand
Private Guitar & Bass Lessons with Dave Hiltebrand
Please reach out directly to Dave to schedule a lesson!   Learn a comprehensive approach to playing guitar or bass including technique, getting a good sound, playing in […]
3 events,
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is often referred to as the “Yoga of Awareness”. It is a blend of postures, conscious breathing, mantra, music and meditation. Class typically begins with […]
Overture STEAM Music Class (FREE WORKSHOP)
Overture STEAM Music Class (FREE WORKSHOP)
Join us for this free workshop! Registration is required. How cool would it be if your child could learn music while playing video games? Overture Games […]
College Freshman Crisis Control
College Freshman Crisis Control
THE TOP 4 REASONS KIDS FALTER, FLOUNDER, FLUNK OR FAIL THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE Join us for a transformative workshop led by a seasoned life, […]
5 events,
Kindermusik Level 1-2(16 Months – 3.5 YO)
Kindermusik Level 1-2(16 Months – 3.5 YO)
Imagine twirling around the room, marching with happiness, and singing out with joy! You’ll nurture your child’s blossoming awareness and independence as they dance, sing, play […]
Kindermusik Foundations: Babies – 16 Months
Kindermusik Foundations: Babies – 16 Months
Treasure every giggle as your baby anticipates the next lift, bounce, and tickle! Babies/early walkers and their grown-ups will enjoy dancing, singing, bonding, socializing, exercise, massage, […]
Adult Art With Joalida Smit
Adult Art With Joalida Smit
Join Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center for structured art classes over 5 weeks. Participants will start with mark-making (charcoal, pen, ink), exploring […]
Teen Art Class With Joalida Smit
Teen Art Class With Joalida Smit
Paint and draw with Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center! In this on-going class Joalida works with teens exploring different mediums, techniques and […]
Acting for Ages 9 to 14
Acting for Ages 9 to 14
First-timers and veterans explore their creative sides on stage and in front of the camera. The basics of acting such as hitting a mark, enunciation and […]
4 events,
HUMAN NATURE
HUMAN NATURE
This documentary explores the breakthrough called CRISPR that opens the door to curing diseases, reshaping the biosphere, and designing our own children. A provocative exploration of […]
Adult Art: Blooming Cactus
Adult Art: Blooming Cactus
Paint a flower prickly pear cactus in watercolor during this class. Take a cue from western succulents and mix vibrant colors in warm tones. Finished art will […]
Spring Sewing Collection with Ciao Bella Sewing
Spring Sewing Collection with Ciao Bella Sewing
During this course students will learn how to sew on the sewing machine. They will work on cutting fabric, pinning and sewing. Students will work on […]
HUMAN NATURE
HUMAN NATURE
This documentary explores the breakthrough called CRISPR that opens the door to curing diseases, reshaping the biosphere, and designing our own children. A provocative exploration of […]
2 events,
Writing and Performing for Ages 9 to 14
Writing and Performing for Ages 9 to 14
Attention actors, writers, and creatives alike! Have you ever wondered what your ideas would look like on a stage or in a script? Then this is […]
Palette & Pours: Water Lillies, Monet
Palette & Pours: Water Lillies, Monet
Grab a friend and join other adults for a fun evening of wine and painting. Sandie Bacon and Lezlie Lenz will be leading this inspiring and […]
6 events,
Salsarobics
Salsarobics
Join Esther Gutierrez Sloan for a fun workout that happens each Friday! The major distinction of this program is that the joy, fun, and discovery are […]
Mr. V’s “Bird Brains” Spring Saturday Show 2025
Mr. V’s “Bird Brains” Spring Saturday Show 2025
“Bird Brains!” Grab your binoculars and join Mr. V. and your fellow birding enthusiasts on the Gorton stage for a musical nature walk through the backyards […]
Soccer Shots Mini (2 – 3 YO)
Soccer Shots Mini (2 – 3 YO)
Soccer Shots Mini is a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using their feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game. […]
Soccer Shots Classic (3 – 5 YO)
Soccer Shots Classic (3 – 5 YO)
Soccer Shots Classic utilizes creative and imaginative games to focus on basic soccer skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting. Children are introduced to the basics of […]
Overture STEAM Music Class (FREE WORKSHOP)
Overture STEAM Music Class (FREE WORKSHOP)
Join us for this free workshop! Registration is required. How cool would it be if your child could learn music while playing video games? Overture Games […]
WHAT'S NEW
Sign Up to be a Safety Town Counselor!
Help out this summer at Safety Town! Students entering 7th-12th grades can get service hours and help out in big ways each summer at Safety Town camps in June and August!
What is a Singing Zoologist?
Lucas Miller, better known as the “singing zoologist,” has been literally singing the praises of wildlife since graduating with a degree in zoology. His zany humor, smart songwriting and unbridled passion for science inspire his fans, young and old, to respect and protect the natural world.
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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.
