Illinois
Oct. 24-25: Fall Festival at New Salem, Petersburg. Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site hosts this annual event that gives a taste of prairie life in the 1830s. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate period crafts such as spinning, butter churning and soap making. 217-632-4000, http://tinyurl.com/pspj7ub. Miles from Chicago: 205
Through Oct. 31: Great Godfrey Maze. For fans of corn mazes, this one is cut into a seven-acre plot at Robert E. Glazebrook Park. On Fridays and Saturdays during the Halloween season a Haunted Maze will operate from dark until 10 p.m. 618-466-1483, http://tinyurl.com/godfreymaze. Miles from Chicago: 290
Indiana
Oct. 10: The Original and Fabulous GermanFest, Indianapolis. Celebrate all things German with dancing, German beer and food, music, wiener dog races, kids’ activities and more. http://tinyurl.com/nude2jl. Miles from Chicago: 185
Through Oct. 31: Amhurst Asylum Haunted Attraction, Valparaiso. Prepare to be terrified in this 23,000-square-foot haunted house designed by two people who have a combined 20 years of experience in haunted houses and horror movies. Hours are on weekend nights, and there’s a daytime kids’ day Oct. 25. 888-813-4571, www.amhurstasylum.com. Miles from Chicago: 55
Michigan
Oct. 11: Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, St. Joseph. Pianist Christopher O’Riley is the guest artist as the orchestra kicks off it 2015-2016 season, which will comprise six concerts. 269-982-4030, www.smso.org. Miles from Chicago: 95
Oct. 16-17: Michigan’s Big Country Fest, Frankenmuth. Put on your jeans, flannel shirt and cowboy boots for this weekend of mechanical bull rides, free line-dancing lessons and lots of music, food and drink. 989-652-8008, www.bigcountryfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 295
Through Jan. 3: “Tradition and Innovation: Japanese Ceramics Now,” Grand Rapids. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is hosting this exhibit of about 20 works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists. It coincides with the recent opening of the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. 888-957-1580, http://tinyurl.com/pyb3nf3. Miles from Chicago: 180
Missouri
Oct. 10: 18th and Vine Jazz and Blues Festival, Kansas City. A variety of genres will be represented on multiple stages at this annual fest. Among the headliners are Popa Chubby, The Family Stone, Conrad Herwig and Dwele. There’ll also be workshops and a variety of food and drink offerings. http://tinyurl.com/qbq8ynz. Miles from Chicago: 510
Ohio
Oct. 10-11: Fall Farm Fest, Troy. The historic Knoop Homestead at Lost Creek Reserve hosts this event that includes a corn maze, wagon rides, farm animals, a petting zoo, live music, food and more. 937-335-6273, http://tinyurl.com/o7gxuw4. Miles from Chicago: 300
Wisconsin
Oct. 9-11: Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival. A World of Wonders is the theme for this year’s festival, which features prominent children’s authors and illustrators who conduct workshops, panel discussions and readings. www.sheboyganchildrensbookfestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 150
Oct. 10-11: Gathering of Rogues and Ruffians Renaissance Faire, New Glarus. This is the eighth year for this taste of medieval times. There will be a variety of performers, including belly dancers, jugglers, magicians and musicians, along with food, artisans and vendors. 608-558-6582, www.agatheringofroguesandruffians.com. Miles from Chicago: 150
Oct. 16-18: Fall Art Tour, Baraboo, Dodgeville, Mineral Point and Spring Green. This self-guided tour offers a chance to visit the studios of painters, sculptors, potters, jewelers and mixed-media artists from southwest Wisconsin. www.fallarttour.com. Miles from Chicago: 195
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
