Illinois
June 6-7: Gebhard Woods Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival, Morris. This is the place to be for fans of hammered and mountain dulcimers. There will be concerts, workshops, vendors, jamming and old-time dancing. 708-756-3857, http://www.gebharddulcimer.org. Miles from Chicago: 65
June 13-14: Island Rendezvous, Romeoville. This is an annual event at the Isle a la cache Museum. Re-enactors will give a taste of 18th Century life with live music, falconry demonstrations, period food, vendors and more. 815-886-1467, http://www.tinyurl.com/o6sx8yb. Miles from Chicago: 35
Indiana
June 6: Vintage Indiana Wine and Food Festival, Indianapolis. More than 25 Indiana wineries will be offering samples of more than 200 wines. There’s also live music, food, art vendors and advice on food and wine pairings. 800-832-9463, http://www.vintageindiana.com. Miles from Chicago: 185
June 6-7: Miami Indian All Nations Gathering/Powwow, Rockville. This is the ninth year for this event that includes drumming, dancing and Native American foods. http://www.mnigathering.com. Miles from Chicago: 160
June 12-14: Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival. Workshops and a jam session kick off things on Friday. Saturday is a full day and night of performances, and Sunday starts with a bluegrass gospel service and more jamming in the afternoon. 574-825-1874, http://www.wakarusabluegrassfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 110
Iowa
June 11-14: 40th Annual Glenn Miller Festival, Clarinda. The town celebrates its native son with performances by bands from around the world, including the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Also performing will be the Osaka Rakers Jazz Orchestra from Osaka, Japan. Next To A Letter From Home is a new exhibit at the Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum. 712-542-2461, http://www.glennmiller.org. Miles from Chicago: 455
Michigan
June 13: Opening of The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, Grand Rapids. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opens this eight-acre addition created by international designer Hoichi Kurisu. It includes a Zen-style garden, cloud-form pine trees, four waterfalls, a teahouse, stone walkways, gazebos, plantings and sculptures by international masters, among them Anish Kapoor. 888-957-1580, http://www.tinyurl.com/msw5tk6. Miles from Chicago: 180
June 20: Lake Michigan Shore Wine Fest, Bridgman. Vintners from the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail offer up their wines on Weko Beach, with live music in the background. Admission is cheaper if bought in advance. 269-925-6301, http://www.tinyurl.com/k8bky5d. Miles from Chicago: 85
Missouri
Through Aug. 23: Lantern Festival, St. Louis. The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts an international exhibition of 22 lighted works of art from Zigong, China. The pieces are crafted from silk and steel and are rarely seen outside of Asia. 312-577-5100, http://www.tinyurl.com/c4yodxw. Miles from Chicago: 300
Wisconsin
June 5-7: PrideFest, Milwaukee. More than 150 local and national acts across eight stages are part of this celebration of the gay/lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture and community. There’s also a Pride Parade on the final day. 414-272-3378, http://www.pridefest.com. Miles from Chicago: 95
June 6-7, 13-14, 20-21: Chippewa Valley JogJam, Chippewa Falls. Wild West Fest and Steampunk Spectacular is the theme for this year’s fest that includes art, music and theater. Replicating an 1800s trading post, there will be entertainers in period attire, shopkeepers, food vendors, trick riding and more. http://www.tinyurl.com/lamzujm. Miles from Chicago: 330
June 20: Door County Beer Festival, Baileys Harbor. This is the third year for this event that features nearly 50 breweries from the U.S. and Europe and more than 160 brews. Area restaurants will be serving up food, and there’ll be live music, too. http://www.doorcountybeerfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 270
Marty is a freelance reporter.
