Illinois
April 10-11: Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention, Collinsville. A chance for scrapbookers to get together for classes and to shop for a variety of scrapbooking products. Class descriptions are available online, as is registration. 801-816-8300, ext. 3, http://www.tinyurl.com/pqpt5cs. Miles from Chicago: 285
April 15-19: Ebertfest 2015, Champaign. This is the 17th year for this film festival that was founded by the late film critic Roger Ebert. In addition to film screenings there will be panel discussions and special guests. 217-244-0552, http://www.ebertfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 135
Indiana
April 11-12: 39th Annual Duneland Woodcarvers Show, Portage. Wood carvers’ work will be on display, and there will be demonstrations as well as vendors selling wood and carving supplies. Other wood disciplines are included, such as turning bowls and scroll work. 219-616-2646, http://www.tinyurl.com/ldfz5fv. Miles from Chicago: 40
April 18: Huntingburg Jazz, Wine & Craft Beer Festival. There will be live jazz from noon until 8 p.m., along with sampling wine and craft beers. An antique car show and an art show round out the activities. 812-683-5699, http://www.tinyurl.com/pljknkm. Miles from Chicago: 285
Michigan
April 15-19: MSU Science Festival, East Lansing. This free event at Michigan State University features more than 150 science seminars, demonstrations, tours, open houses, discussion panels and hands-on activities for all ages. http://www.sciencefestival.msu.edu. Miles from Chicago: 225
April 18-19: Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival. This first-time festival will include more than 40 microbreweries and offer beers, ciders, meads and wines. Also lots of food and live music. 231-499-4968, http://www.microbrewandmusic.com/lansing. Mile from Chicago: 220
April 23-26: Maple Syrup Festival, Shepherd. Parades, pancake and sausage breakfasts, a quilt show and lots of maple syrup products are on tap. 989-828-5422, http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 260
Missouri
April 8-12, 15-17 and 22-25: Middle of the Map Fest, Kansas City. This is the fifth year for what’s billed as a convergence of art and creativity in the heartland. The first weekend is devoted to film, the second to forums on art, culture and technology and the final weekend to music. http://www.middleofthemapfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 510
Ohio
Through June 21: International Butterfly Show, Cincinnati. More than 25,000 butterflies flit among the colorful flowers of Krohn Conservatory. 531-221-2610, http://www.tinyurl.com/l4jeqek. Miles from Chicago: 295
Wisconsin
April 11: Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Madison. Hear the traditional Hawaiian luau instrument taken to new heights with cover tunes such as Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” or Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” 608-265-2787, http://www.tinyurl.com/mv3pp2a. Miles from Chicago: 150
April 18: Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival, Kenosha. This benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha will offer beers from more than 40 breweries, a variety of Wisconsin cheeses and live music. http://www.kenoshabeerfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 65
April 24-26: 4th Annual Wisconsin Dells Polka Fest. Polka bands play throughout the weekend, naturally, and there will be dance classes, classes for musicians and a room set aside for jam sessions. 773-889-6811, http://www.dellspolkafest.com. Miles from Chicago: 195
