Illinois
June 6-7: Lincoln Days, Pittsfield. Civil War re-enactors set up camp at Pittsfield City Lake and hold drills and battles. There will also be period food, vendors and artisans. 217-285-6995, http://www.tinyurl.com/mj79mt2. Miles from Chicago: 275
June 11-14: Superman Celebration, Metropolis. The town celebrates the Man of Steel with this annual event that includes celebrity guests, films, contests, live music, a comic book show and more. 618-524-2714, http://www.supermancelebration.net. Miles from Chicago: 370
Indiana
May 23-24: Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous. More than 30,000 people turn out annually for this Revolutionary War re-enactment. In addition to mock battles, there are demonstrations of 18th Century arts and crafts, period entertainment, food and vendors. http://www.tinyurl.com/p8abvts. Miles from Chicago: 240
May 30: Riverpalooza 2015, Fort Wayne. There’ll be dragon boat races on the St. Marys River, along with live entertainment and more. 260-413-7600, http://www.tinyurl.com/mqz3hpv. Miles from Chicago: 165
Iowa
May 21-24: Tree Town Music Festival, Forest City. Country music’s the star of this four-day event. Headliners this year include Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. http://www.treetownfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 420
Michigan
May 28-31: 5th Annual Leelanau Peninsula Birding Festival. Last year birders tallied more than 120 species. There are a variety of field trips and workshops, including a birding outing on a tall ship. Some activities have limited numbers, so pre-registration is advised. 231-271-3738, http://www.mibirdfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 355
May 29-31: Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Three days of racing, including the Verizon IndyCar Series, the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship and the Pirelli World Challenge Series. There’s also live music, autograph sessions and more. 313-748-1800, http://www.detroitgp.com. Miles from Chicago: 285
May 30-31: Michigan Antique & Collectible Festival, Midland. The Midland County Fairgrounds fills up with nearly a thousand vendors for what’s billed as the largest such event in the state. 989-687-9001, http://www.tinyurl.com/oedvl25. Miles from Chicago: 300
Ohio
May 26-31: Alumapalooza, Sidney. If you love Airstream travel trailers, this is your event. Held in a field next to the Airstream factory, there will be seminars, presentations, live music, yoga, trailer open houses, cooking demonstrations and factory tours. 813-200-8877, http://www.alumapalooza.com. Miles from Chicago: 260
Wisconsin
May 22-25: Brat Fest, Madison. They’ve been cooking up and serving bratwurst for 33 years now at this fest, but stellar music is a big draw. Among this year’s headliners are Bret Michaels and the Charlie Daniels Band, and, best of all, the music’s free. http://www.bratfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 150
May 23: Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day, Spooner. The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum hosts this event every year, with exhibits of canoes, wooden boats and related items. Some will be for sale and some are just to admire. There will also be free museum tours, plus live music, food and beverages in the beer garden. 715-635-2479, http://www.tinyurl.com/k3xwtz8. Miles from Chicago: 400
May 29-31: Kohler Festival of Beer. This is the seventh year for this fest. Breweries from across the country will be offering tastings. There will also be home-brew competition, live music, food-pairing events, a lobster boil and lots more. 855-444-2838, http://www.tinyurl.com/k3t4j6t. Miles from Chicago: 145
Marty is a freelance reporter.
