50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

GORTON'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH IS SEPTEMBER 14 & 15
OUR BIRTHDAY BASH WEEKEND IS SPONSORED BY LAKE FOREST BANK & TRUST

Saturday: Let the Fun Begin!

Dog Day (Kicks Off at 10 am): Calling all dog lovers! Watch local pups show off their best tricks, compete in a look-alike contest with their owners, and more. It’s a paws-itively perfect way to start the celebration! Plus, delicious food and beverage vendors will be on-site to keep you fueled.

Afternoon Entertainment (Starts at Noon): Our outdoor stage will come alive with talent! Enjoy live music, be amazed by a magician, and marvel at a bubble show. Between acts, don’t miss your chance to win fabulous raffle prizes and other giveaways. And don't miss Thom Nicholas (Rookie of the Year, American Pie) at 6pm on the outdoor stage!

All-Day Activities Throughout the day, enjoy face painting, bracelet-making, temporary tattoos, and a RoboThink activity table. Test your skills with awesome yard games like mini-golf – and don’t miss the dunk tank featuring our brave LFHS athletes!

FASTBALL in Concert (8 pm): Rock out with 90s Alt-rockers Fastball in the John & Nancy Hughes Theater. It’s the perfect way to cap off an incredible day!

Sunday: Relax and Enjoy!

Sound Bath (10am): Start your Sunday with a calming and restorative sound bath session.

John Hughes Movie Festival (Starts at 2 pm): Dive into classic hits at the John & Nancy Hughes Theater with screenings of The Breakfast Club, Uncle Buck, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Meanwhile, in the Grotto, kids can enjoy family favorites like Flubber (featuring Gorton alum Robin Williams!), Beethoven, and Dennis the Menace. Bring a sleeping bag, blanket, or pillow to get cozy!

Food & Fun Between Films: Head to the side lot for tasty treats from food vendors and capture the moment with a fun photo backdrop in our solarium.

Food Trucks, Birthday Treats and Amazing Giveaways All Weekend!

Our epic weekend celebration wraps up around 9 pm on Sunday, so make sure to soak in every moment!

Don’t miss out on the party of the year – join us for an unforgettable 50th Birthday Bash!

OKTOBERFEST IS OCTOBER 19 FROM 6 -10 PM

Willkommen zum OKTOBERFEST! Join us under the tent at Gorton Center as we share a toast to celebrate Gorton’s 50th Anniversary.

• Live music, beer, open bar, and delicious German fare
• Oktoberfest attire is encouraged!
• Tickets will go on sale in mid-August at gortoncenter.org

Ein Prosit!