Illinois
June 19-21: WWII Re-created, Dixon. Re-enactors give you a taste of what life was like on the front lines during World War II. U.S. armored vehicles from the period will be part of the weekend, along with gear used by German soldiers. http://www.tinyurl.com/qeoe7re . Miles from Chicago: 105
June 21: Second Annual House and Garden Walk, Kankakee. The Kankakee County Humane Foundation is hosting this event that offers a chance to view the interior and yards of four historic houses. 815-932-0182, http://www.tinyurl.com/qx977jq. Miles from Chicago: 60
June 24-28: Seneca Sesquicentennial Festival. The annual Seneca Shipyard Days this year is celebrating the town’s 150th anniversary. There will be historical displays and tours, fireworks, live music, a beer garden, food vendors, a carnival midway and more. 815-357-8771, http://www.senecashipyarddays.com. Miles from Chicago: 80
Indiana
June 19-21: 27th Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival. Among headliners this year is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. There will be performances at a variety of downtown venues, including the restored Lerner Theatre. There’s also a free outdoor Main Street stage. http://www.elkhartjazzfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 115
June 27-28: Indian Market and Festival, Indianapolis. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art hosts this art market and celebration of Native American cultures, featuring art, music, storytelling, dance, food and family activities. 317-636-9378, http://www.tinyurl.com/nzcxwds. Miles from Chicago: 185
Iowa
June 21: 31st Annual Ride the River, Davenport. Bicyclists can pedal the basic route of 20 miles or tackle a 60-mile version. The ride starts in Davenport and then heads across the Mississippi River to the Illinois side of the Quad Cities either by bridge or riverboat. 563-322-2969, http://www.tinyurl.com/orgbrj2. Miles from Chicago: 180
Michigan
June 18-21: Harborfest, South Haven. The town celebrates its maritime history with live music, activities at the Michigan Maritime Museum, dragon boat races, a wooden boat show, beer garden, food and lots more. http://www.southhavenharborfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 125
June 27-28: Ludrock, Ludington. More than 30 bands perform over two days. The event is free, but donations of nonperishable food items to the Food Bank are requested. http://www.ludrock.com. Miles from Chicago: 245
Minnesota
June 26-27: 38th Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival and Annual Midwest Viking Festival, Moorhead. There will be dancing, entertainment, booths and food celebrating the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. 218-299-5511, http://www.tinyurl.com/pp75be7. Miles from Chicago: 645
Ohio
June 18-20: 15th Annual Washboard Music Festival, Logan. Washboards are still made here, which is good reason for the town in the scenic Hocking Hills to come alive with a wealth of old-time music and performers from other genres too. There are also car and quilt shows, and tours of the washboard factory and historic sites. 740-380-2752, http://www.washboardmusicfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 405
Wisconsin
June 20: Apostle Islands Inline Marathon, Madeline Island. Inline skaters can tackle a full marathon (26.2 miles), a course slightly more than a half-marathon or a fun race. Pre-registration is a must, and a ferry ticket has to be purchased separately from registration. 800-284-9484, http://www.apostleislandsinline.com. Miles from Chicago: 470
June 27-28: 30th Annual Strawberry Festival, Cedarburg. Strawberry wine, strawberry desserts and even strawberry brats are the order of the day. There will also be an art fair, plenty of live music and more. 888-894-4001, http://www.tinyurl.com/qg6t3we. Miles from Chicago: 115
Marty is a freelance reporter.
