Illinois
June 17-19: 15th annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa hosts this event featuring hot-air balloon glows Friday and Saturday nights and races Saturday and Sunday mornings. Balloon rides will be available, and the fun continues at ground level with an ale fest, wine tastings, food and live music. 800-892-2269, www.greatgalenaballoonrace.com. Miles from Chicago: 165
June 18: Midsommar Fest, Rockford. The Swedish Historical Society hosts this family-friendly event each year to welcome the arrival of the summer solstice. The Erlander Home Museum grounds will be the site of dancing around the maypole, Swedish folk music and dancing. 815-963-5559, http://tinyurl.com/z8l7u69. Miles from Chicago: 90
June 22-25: Seneca Shipyard Days. The town annually celebrates its role manufacturing Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) during World War II. There will be historical displays and tours, live music, food, a beer garden, carnival rides and the grand opening of the Seneca Area Heritage Museum. 815-795-7573, www.senecashipyarddays.com. Miles from Chicago: 75
Indiana
June 17-18: Sweetwater GearFest, Fort Wayne. At what’s billed as the largest music gear trade show that’s free and open to the public, more than 350 manufacturers will be displaying audio equipment, instruments and other gear. There will be workshops and musical performances too. www.sweetwater.com/gearfest. Miles from Chicago: 165
June 25: Bob Dylan, Indianapolis. Dylan is joined by Mavis Staples as part of the popular summer concert series at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park. This is the 13th year for the concerts that run through August. http://tinyurl.com/jxogl3g. Miles from Chicago: 185
June 24-26: 44th annual Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering, Battle Ground. Acoustic music is the focus, and the genres include old-time, folk and swing. In addition to lots of live performances, there will be free instrument workshops for fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, ukulele and singing. 765-742-1419, www.indianafiddlersgathering.org. Miles from Chicago: 120
Iowa
June 25-26: Quad City Air Show, Davenport. Now in its 30th year, the show features the Golden Knights Parachute Team, modern military aircraft and classic World War II planes in action and on display at Davenport Municipal Airport. 563-322-7469, www.quadcityairshow.com/2016. Miles from Chicago: 175
Michigan
June 18: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival, Bridgman. Weko Beach hosts this fest that’s in its 11th year. Sample wines from vintners along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, and listen to live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the fest. 269-925-6301, www.lakemichiganwinefest.com. Miles from Chicago: 85
June 25: Traverse City Wine & Art Festival. The event returns for its eighth year with wines from 20 local wineries, food from area chefs, live music and a juried art show. Advance purchase of tickets is available. 231-642-5550, www.traversecitywinefestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 320
Ohio
June 18-19: Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival. This is the 29th year for this celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. There will be historical re-enactments and musical performances on two stages. Food and art vendors will be on hand too. 513-631-7289, www.juneteenthcincinnati.org. Miles from Chicago: 295
Wisconsin
June 17-19: 35th annual Polish Fest, Milwaukee. The long-running festival showcases Polish food with cooking demonstrations and features artwork, folk dancers, a beer garden, vodka tastings and more. www.polishfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 90
June 18: Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast, Burlington. This annual event at Crane Dairy farm starts with a full breakfast, free for kids 6 and under, and includes milking demonstrations, games, a tent with Wisconsin products and more. 262-206-8149, http://tinyurl.com/jkmqbs5. Miles from Chicago: 80
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
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