Illinois
Through April 30: Carl Sandburg Days Festival, Galesburg. This annual event celebrates the Galesburg native, a poet and Lincoln biographer who won two Pulitzer Prizes. Included are literary, history, sporting and children’s events. http://tinyurl.com/z3lz6bw. Miles from Chicago: 200
May 7: Cinco de Mayo Festival, Rochelle. Enjoy authentic Mexican food, arts and crafts, music and dance demonstrations and a Chihuahua parade and race. http://tinyurl.com/gs4p93o. Miles from Chicago: 80
Indiana
April 23-24: Sassafras Tea Festival and Civil War Living History, Vernon. Step back into Civil War days with battles by re-enactors, period food, performing artists, a working blacksmith shop and more. www.jenningscounty.org. Miles from Chicago: 260
April 23: Earth Day Indiana Festival, Indianapolis. There will be more than 100 exhibitors promoting sustainability, workshops devoted to the likes of beekeeping and bike repair, live music, a kids tent and more. 317-721-6526, www.earthdayindiana.org. Miles from Chicago: 185
April 27-30: Orleans Dogwood Festival. The town that calls itself Indiana’s Dogwood Capital celebrates with viewings of the blooming dogwoods, live entertainment, food, carnival rides, and arts and crafts. www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 270
Iowa
April 23 to Oct. 23: “Ain’t Misbehavin’? The World of the Gangster,” West Branch. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum presents this exhibit that explores the Prohibition era and its jazz, speak-easies and infamous gangsters like Al Capone. http://tinyurl.com/h762a3x. Miles from Chicago: 210
Michigan
April 22-24: Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival. The state’s first maple syrup festival has been at it for 75 years. Eat pancakes with maple syrup, visit producers throughout the village and enjoy rides, arts and crafts, a flea market, parades, fireworks and more. www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 195
April 29 to May 2: Metro Times Blowout, Detroit. Now in its 18th year, this music festival features live performances from hundreds of bands spanning many genres and is held in a variety of venues throughout the area. All-access wristbands can be purchased in advance or at the performance sites. www.mtblowout.com. Miles from Chicago: 285
Minnesota
April 28-30: Mid West Music Festival, Winona. More than 100 bands and musicians perform in 11 venues downtown. Multiple genres will be represented, including folk, pop-rock, indie pop, bluegrass, country and roots. www.midwestmusicfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 305
Wisconsin
April 22-24: Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest & Expo. Eight polka bands will keep toes tapping during this annual event. In addition to a full schedule of performances, there will be dance lessons, workshops for musicians and a jam room. www.dellspolkafest.com. Miles from Chicago: 195
April 23: Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival, Kenosha. Nearly 50 breweries will be represented, which means you’d better eat up. Sample a variety of Wisconsin cheeses and brats while soaking up the live music. www.kenoshabeerfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 65
April 29-May 1: Kohler Festival of Beer. Craft brewers from across the country will be pouring their best brews. Food, beer classes, cooking demonstrations, seminars and live music will be on tap too. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance. http://tinyurl.com/z6ppcbc. Miles from Chicago: 145
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
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