Illinois
Aug. 15: Floatzilla, Rock Island. This paddle-sports festival has launch sites on both the Illinois and Iowa sides of the Mississippi River. It culminates with a Guinness World Record attempt at the largest flotilla of kayaks and canoes on the protected backwaters of Lake Potter at Sunset Marina. Canoe and kayak rentals can be arranged in advance. 563-322-2969, www.floatzilla.org. Miles from Chicago: 185
Aug. 21-23: Balloon Fest, Centralia. More than 40 hot-air balloons will be on hand for races and evening balloon glows. There will also be live music, a car show, kids activities and more. 888-533-2600, www.balloon-fest.com. Miles from Chicago: 270
Indiana
Aug. 13-23: IndyFringe Theatre Festival, Indianapolis. The Mass Ave. Cultural District downtown comes alive with hundreds of performances ranging from dance and drama to comedy, magic and more. 312-616-8558, www.indyfringe.org. Miles from Chicago: 185
Aug. 22-23: Aukiki River Festival, Kouts. Step back in time with events unique to this spot and set from the mid-1700s through the 1930s. There will be French voyageur and Native American re-enactors. Learn about equipment used to hunt, trap and trade along the Kankakee River. There’ll also be live entertainment. 219-766-2302, www.tinyurl.com/p2r6juk. Miles from Chicago: 65
Iowa
Aug. 21-23: 51st Annual Old Time Power Show, Cedar Falls. Antique Acres hosts this show that features vintage tractors and other farm equipment, old trucks, cars and motorcycles. There will be working demonstrations of equipment as well as activities such as butter churning, a blacksmith shop and threshing. 319-987-2380, www.antiqueacres.org. Miles from Chicago: 310
Michigan
Aug. 15: Fourth annual Lakeshore Harvest Country Bike Tour, South Haven. Five routes are available, ranging from 15 to 100 miles and exploring the area of fruit farms and wineries near Fennville, Saugatuck, Holland and South Haven. Rest stops are about every 10 miles. www.lhcbt.com. Miles from Chicago: 125
Aug. 21-22: Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival. There will be more than 200 varieties of microbrews, wines, meads and ciders from more than 40 breweries. Also live music. 231-943-2929, www.tcbeerfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 320
Missouri
April 21-23: Trails West Festival, St. Joseph. Celebrating the city’s cultural heritage this fest includes fine arts, folk art, stage performances, musical concerts on three stages, food booths, roaming performers and other activities. 816-233-0231, www.tinyurl.com/npoyb3a. Miles from Chicago: 495
Ohio
Aug. 21-22: D-Day Conneaut. This town on Lake Erie, northeast of Cleveland, annually stages what is billed as the largest D-Day re-enactment in the country. Includes an amphibious landing, inland combat re-enactments and encampments representing both Allied and Nazi forces. 440-593-2402, www.ddayohio.us. Miles from Chicago: 415
Wisconsin
Aug. 13-16: 35th Irish Fest, Milwaukee. More than 100 acts will perform on 17 stages. The emphasis this year is on traditional Irish music, but there will also be contemporary and Celtic Rock. Chefs will demonstrate Irish pub dishes, and there will be plenty of Irish culture, food and drink. 414-476-3378, www.irishfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 90
Aug. 15: HarborPark Jazz & Blues Festival, Kenosha. The Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans is the headliner for this annual fest, which is a fundraiser for the Mahone Fund benefiting disadvantaged youths. 262-654-2412, www.mahonefund.org. Miles from Chicago: 65
Aug. 28-30: World Championship UTV/ATV Derby, Eagle River. The AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby Track will host this competition for stock and modified all-terrain vehicles. The track will include a “mud bowl” to challenge the racers. 715-479-4424, www.derbytrack.com. Miles from Chicago: 330
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
