Illinois
July 5-30: Nauvoo Pageant. This production features original music, professional actors and a cast that tells the story of Joseph Smith and the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Free; 217-453-2429; nauvoopageant.org. Miles from Chicago: 270
July 8-9: Taste of Downtown & American Music Show, Springfield. Experience classic, gourmet and ethnic fare from more than 20 downtown restaurants, along with a variety of musical acts. Fee applies; 217-544-1723; downtownspringfield.org. Miles from Chicago: 205
Indiana
July 2-4: Glorious Fourth, Fishers. Experience how this great American holiday was celebrated in the 1800s at Conner Prairie Living History Park. Fee varies; 317-776-6006; connerprairie.org. Miles from Chicago: 190
July 7-17: Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, Indianapolis. This 41st annual event at the Indiana Convention Center and various downtown venues includes live music, youth activities, business workshops, health fairs and more. Fees vary; 317-925-2702; ibeonline.com/summercelebration.asp. Miles from Chicago: 185
Iowa
July 8-9: Resurrected Tin Car Show, Pella. More than 300 classic cars will be on display downtown. Free; 641-628-5610; tinyurl.com/3kr6nq5. Miles from Chicago: 310
Michigan
July 8-9: Michigan Elvisfest, Ypsilanti. Elvis tribute artists shake, rattle and roll along the banks of the Huron River in Riverside Park. Saturday’s events include a Gospel Hour, car show and Candlelight Vigil. Fee varies; mielvisfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 255
July 8-9: Microbrew & Wine Festival, Traverse City. Sample the products of a number of Michigan microbreweries and wineries. There also will be giveaways and contests. Fee varies; 231-943-0100; tcbeachbums.com/festival. Miles from Chicago: 325
Minnesota
July 7-9: 35th annual Red Wing Collectors Society Convention, Red Wing. Collectors of Red Wing pottery hold their annual get-together to buy and sell, attend seminars and more. Only events on the 9th are open to the general public and free. To attend other days you must buy a society membership. 800-977-7927; tinyurl.com/5tysep8. Miles from Chicago: 365
Ohio
July 8-10: Marietta Riverfront Roar. Powerboat racing on the Ohio River, along with musical entertainment, fireworks and more. Free; 740-373-8811, ext. 3102; mariettariverfrontroar.org. Miles from Chicago: 485
Wisconsin
Through Sept. 11: The Summer of China, Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Art Museum has five ongoing exhibitions that focus on China, highlighted by “The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City.” Fee varies; 414-224-3200; mam.org. Miles from Chicago: 90
July 6-10: 13th annual Lifest, Oshkosh. This is billed as one of the nation’s largest Christian festivals and features more than 150 acts plus speakers and artists. Fees vary; 800-955-5433; lifest.com. Miles from Chicago: 170
July 8-10: EcoFair360, Elkhorn. This event is presented by Eco-Vision Sustainable Learning Center to educate about environmentally sustainable practices, green lifestyles and eco-friendly technologies. Fees vary; 262-248-0970; ecofair360.com. Miles from Chicago: 85
