The Genesee Theatre offers a slate of fall shows and events

After a successful round of August and September shows, including the likes of TLC, Alan Parsons, Jessica Simpson and Hunter Hayes, The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan is looking forward to one of its biggest fall seasons yet.

The Genesee will offer a record-breaking 41 shows, including:

Fun for the family:

• Oct. 11: MasterChef All-Stars Live!

• Oct. 16: World Ballet Co. presents “The Great Gatsby”

• Oct. 19: iLuminate

• Nov. 14: Classical Arts Entertainment presents Swan Lake

• Dec. 27: Michael Carbonaro

• Feb. 21, 2026: The Peking Acrobats

Relive the Genesee’s glory days as a luxury movie palace with these upcoming films. Each film screening features an audience Q&A with a star of the film.

• Oct. 9: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” with John Cleese

• Oct. 30: “Stop Making Sense” with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads

Shows that will make you laugh or cry:

• Oct. 12: Matt Fraser: America’s Top Psychic Medium

• Nov. 13: Anthony Rodia: Laugh Till It Hurts Tour

• Jan. 31, 2026: I Mom So Hard

• Feb. 4, 2026: Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience

Live music, of course:

• Oct. 4: 38 Special

• Oct. 10: The Rocket Man Show

• Oct. 17: Freddy Jones Band

• Oct. 18: Phil Vassar

• Oct. 25: Celebrating Meat Loaf & Rocky Horror

• Nov. 1: Tower of Power & WAR

• Nov. 6: TUSK: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

• Nov. 8: Ben Folds

• Nov. 21: NEEDTOBREATHE

• Nov. 22: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

• Nov. 23: The Rush Tribute Project

• Dec. 12: Matteo Bocelli

• Dec. 26: BoDeans

• Jan. 17, 2026: Stone Temple Pilots

Festive holiday shows:

• Nov. 20: Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe

• Dec. 5: Home for the Holidays featuring Peabo Bryson, Ruben Studdard, Sheena Easton & Ilya Serov

• Dec. 6: An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee

• Dec. 7: RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute

• Dec. 10: Dave Koz & Friends

• Dec. 11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party

• Dec. 13: Lady A: This Winter’s Night Tour

• Dec. 18 & 19: Dancenter North presents “The Magic of The Nutcracker”

• Dec. 20: Lindsey Stirling

The Genesee will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2027, continuing its historic legacy in Lake County. For those 100 years, The Genesee has always been at the forefront of comfort and technology, such as being the first public building in Waukegan with air conditioning.

In December 2024, The Genesee celebrated 20 years since reopening to the public. After a 5-year, $23 million renovation that saw many improvements made to the theater, including increasing the size of the stage, lobby and lounge areas and an addition of 600 seats. The theater’s historic charm was maintained through these renovations. The Genesee’s original 1927 marquee was reproduced with over 2,000 lights and several chandeliers were installed including the one in the Grand Lobby. Several recent elements of the theater have been modernized, such as a new, custom sound system in 2023, and new passenger and freight elevators upgraded this summer.

The Genesee has six unique lounges that are available to patrons prior to every show. The Jack Benny and Roadshow lounges that flank the lobby on the first floor are guaranteed to have open bars with drinks and snacks. Every show is complimented with a custom cocktail inspired by the show. Lounges are available for private events, and group sales of 15 tickets or more are eligible for a free lounge rental. Contact Events@GeneseeTheatre.com or call (847) 406-3056 for pricing details.

The Genesee’s favorite fall tradition is back with, Ghost Tours. Ever since the theater opened in 1927, claims of ghost sightings and supernatural phenomena have haunted the theater. Learn about The Genesee's eerie past, reported paranormal activities and unsettling stories that cannot be explained. Public tours sold out fast, but private tours for groups of 10 or more can be scheduled by calling (847) 263-6300. Tours are $25 per person.

There is always a chance to win free tickets to a Genesee show. Locate the raffle table in the Grand Lobby, where patrons can enter their names and emails for a chance to win free tickets or an autographed poster by the performing act. Patrons who enter will be subscribed to a mailing list, but can unsubscribe at any time.

Winners will be emailed by customer.service@geneseetheatre.com within a week after the show and select two tickets from a list of on-sale shows.

The Genesee Theatre is at 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. For information, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.