Illinois
July 3 to Aug. 7: Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington. The summer repertory season’s offerings include Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labours Lost” and “Richard II,” as well as “The Q Brothers’ Q Gents by GQ and JAQ” — a hip-hop adaptation of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” — and “Love’s Labor’s Won” by Scott Kaiser. 309-438-2535, http://www.thefestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 140
July 6-12: John Deere Classic, Silvis. This is the 44th year for this PGA tour event, held at TPC Deere Run. There are professional practice rounds Tuesday and the pro-am Wednesday. The tournament is Thursday to Sunday. Among pros who will compete are defending champion Brian Harman and Masters champion Jordan Spieth, who won his first PGA tour event there in 2013. 800-336-4655, http://www.johndeereclassic.com. Miles from Chicago: 160
July 10-11: Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest, Springfield. Twenty local restaurants serve up a variety of foods featuring bacon, of course. Throughout the fest, there will be live music on an outdoor stage. 217-544-1723, http://www.tinyurl.com/oksqbqn. Miles from Chicago: 205
Indiana
July 5: Lightning Bug Music Festival, Valparaiso. This is the second year for this fest, which benefits the Dunes Learning Center. The lineup includes Grammy winner Jerry Douglas. In addition to music, there will be regional craft beer and wine, a kids program area and a food truck village. http://www.lightningbugmusicfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 60
July 10-18: Three Rivers Festival, Fort Wayne. KC and the Sunshine Band and Loverboy are among the musical acts for this fest, which dates from 1969. Other events include fireworks, a midway, river excursions, a Beer Review, kids fest and more. 260-426-5556, http://www.threeriversfestival.org. Miles from Chicago: 165
Iowa
July 2-4: Iowa City Jazz Festival. Now in its 25th year, the festival this year adds late-night performances Friday and Saturday at the Englert Theater. There’s also a jam session Thursday night. 319-337-7944, http://www.tinyurl.com3ps5sto. Miles from Chicago: 225
Michigan
June 10-11: 12th annual Boyne Thunder. Boyne City. High-powered boats cruise the waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan on the poker run. There’s also the opportunity to take a paid Champagne cruise, which requires preregistration. 231-582-9009, http://www.boynethunder.com. Miles from Chicago: 355
July 10-12: 35th annual Blissfest Music Festival, Cross Village. The focus is on folk, world and roots music, with more than 50 artists and bands performing. There will also be dancing and workshops. 231-348-7047, http://www.blissfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 390
Missouri
July 12: Bingham-Waggoner Antique & Craft Fair, Independence. The historic estate has been hosting this event for 27 years. More than 100 antique dealers and crafters will be on hand, and there will be live music, food and tours of the mansion. 816-461-3491, http://www.tinyurl.com/peolmc8. Miles from Chicago: 515
Ohio
July 7-11: Ohio Chautauqua, Coshocton. This annual traveling program offers daytime workshops and evening performances. This year’s theme is Journey Stories and will feature first-person performances of historic figures such as a Titanic survivor, Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau. 800-338-4724, http://www.tinyurl.com/pc24m2r. Miles from Chicago: 380
Wisconsin
July 11 to Sept. 7: Bristol Renaissance Faire. Each Saturday and Sunday, the 16th century comes to life with period music, food and games. 847-395-7773, http://www.renfair.com/bristol. Miles from Chicago: 60
Through Sept. 7: “Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend, Milwaukee.” The Harley-Davidson Museum has mounted this exhibit celebrating Davidson, who led the styling department for the iconic motorcycle-maker for 50 years. Included in the exhibit are items from the collection of Davidson and his wife, Nancy, such as family and motorcycle memorabilia, antiques, Native American artifacts and American folk art. 877-436-8738, http://www.tinyurl.com/o56f3y8 Miles from Chicago: 95
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
