Illinois
May 9: Cache River Nature Fest, Cypress. This is the 14th year for this event, which focuses on the Cache River Wetlands. There will be guided hikes and canoe and bike tours as well as demonstrations and exhibits of native fish, birds, plants and more. 618-634-2231, http://www.tinyurl.com/mlxtjkv. Miles from Chicago: 345
May 16-17: Clayville Spring Festival, Pleasant Plains. This was a historic stagecoach stop that every year hosts this event featuring vendors, crafts demonstrations, period music and more. http://www.clayville.org. Miles from Chicago: 215
Indiana
May 8-10: Raintree Music Heritage Weekend Festival, New Castle. Acoustic music is the focus of this festival, which has been expanded to three days, meaning lots more instrument workshops. Featured this year is the ukulele, with a uke workshop offered every class hour. There will also be live performances and jam sessions. http://www.tinyurl.com/q5439vw. Miles from Chicago: 235
Through July 5: The Pollinators’ Garden, Fort Wayne. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory has been hosting this annual display of live butterflies for 13 years. In addition to viewing butterflies from around the world, visitors will also learn about the importance of butterflies and other pollinators. http://www.tinyurl.com/mhnnpze. Miles from Chicago: 165
Iowa
May 9-10: Quad Cities Air Show, Davenport. The Blue Angels headline this year’s show at the Davenport Municipal Airport. Attractions include stunt performances, a variety of military aircraft in action and on display and the Misty Blues Parachute Team. 563-322-7469, http://www.quadcityairshow.com. Miles from Chicago: 180
Michigan
May 16: BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass: A Taste of Michigan, St. Joseph. Blues legend Buddy Guy highlights this third annual event. There’ll be a variety of other acts, including Coco Montoya, as well as food, craft beers and regional wines. 269-985-1111, http://www.tinyurl.com/kz35vkd. Miles from Chicago: 100
May 15-17: South Haven Steelheaders Pro-Am. This is the 29th year for this competitive fishing event for professionals and amateurs. A fish feast is planned for Saturday. http://www.tinyurl.com/m5jp6v2. Miles from Chicago: 125
Minnesota
May 14-17: Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds. Birders flock here for field trips and workshops. Past festivals have recorded sightings of more than 200 species of birds. Among sites visited will be Tamarac and Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuges. Advance registration is advised. http://www.tinyurl.com/mrohwxk. Miles from Chicago: 610
Ohio
May 15-16: Mercer County Ribfest, Celina. Ribs are the main draw, naturally, but there also will be live music, a pig-calling contest, a car cruise-in, rib-eating contest and other activities. 419-586-3239, http://www.tinyurl.com/p8scbn3. Miles from Chicago: 225
Wisconsin
May 14-16: Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival, Ashland. It’s migration season, so time to look for birds. There are more than 100 field trips and workshops planned for birders and nature lovers. Online registration is advised as some activities are already at capacity. 800-284-9484, http://www.birdandnaturefest.com. Miles from Chicago: 445
May 14-16: Wisconsin Music Arts Festival, Monroe. There will be activities for all ages presented by a variety of musicians, singers and songwriters. Among workshops will be songwriting and a kids’ drum circle session. There are also three headline concerts. Participation in some events is limited. 888-596-1249, http://www.tinyurl.com/aakac5s. Miles from Chicago: 130
May 23: Gear Up Green Lake Fundraiser Bike Ride. This ride beginning at the Heidel House Resort & Spa is for bicyclists of all levels and will benefit the Green Lake Greenways bike path project. Riders can choose routes from 14 to 100 miles long. 800-444-2812, http://www.tinyurl.com/q3xpz6x. Miles from Chicago: 185
Marty is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
