Illinois
May 23-25: Summer Camp Music Festival, Chillicothe. Now in its 14th year, this festival annually draws more than 15,000 fans to hear more than 100 bands on seven stages. summercampfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 140
May 30-June 1: Civil War Medical Encampment, Springfield. Re-enactors will set up camp and give living history demonstrations at the Old State Capitol grounds. 217-785-7960, tinyurl.com/ko2mss6. Miles from Chicago: 205
Indiana
May 22-31: Banks of the Wabash Festival, Terre Haute. More than a week’s worth of fun with carnival rides, live music nightly, food, bingo and more. 812-232-2727, wabashvalleyfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 180
May 29-June 1: Second Annual Maple City Grand Prix, LaPorte. Stone Lake will be hopping as the US F1 Powerboat Tour returns for the tunnel boat racing series. There’ll also be parties, a race boat parade and more. 219-872-5055, maplecitygrandprix.com. Miles from Chicago: 70
Iowa
Brian Downes sent several photos for this item
May 23-24: John Wayne Birthday Celebration, Winterset. Construction is underway for the John Wayne Birthplace Museum as his hometown again celebrates his birthday. There will be the usual free screenings of The Duke’s classic movies at the vintage Iowa Theater, as well as a rodeo/Western swing dance and appearances by screen star Lana Wood, who played little Debbie in “The Searchers.” 877-462-1044, johnwaynebirthplace.museum. Miles from Chicago: 370
May 26: Quad Cities Criterium, Davenport. More than 650 cyclists from the U.S., Canada and Europe will compete in the 49th running of this race. The Quad Cities competition is the second longest continuously running bicycle race in the country. quadcitiescriterium.com. Miles from Chicago: 175
Michigan
May 17: BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass: A Taste of Michigan, St. Joseph. Whirlpool Centennial Park comes alive with a variety of music, including Chicago blues legend Billy Branch. Also lots of barbecue, craft beers and regional wines. tinyurl.com/nxt5ohw. Miles from Chicago: 100
May 28-June 1: Leelanau Peninsula Birding Festival. Lots of workshops and outings for birders are included in the modest registration fee and also special field trips, such as a tour of the wetlands of Cedar River Preserve by boat. The special trips have additional fees. 231-944-2202, mibirdfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 340
Missouri
May 17-18: Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival. The Canadian Snowbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the Aerostars Acrobatic Team are among the acts for this year’s show. There will also be Indy Boys Jet Trucks performing and old warbirds on display. capegirardeauairfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 375
OHIO
May 22-26: Moonshine Festival, New Straitsville. This festival has been going on for more than 40 years in the scenic Hocking Hills region, but this will be the first year corn whiskey samples have been available, thanks to the new Straitsville Special Distillery. The festivities also include a working moonshine still, food, music, parades and more. tinyurl.com/m8qv2pg. Miles from Chicago: 420
Wisconsin
May 18-24: Fresh Paint 2014, Durand. During this plein air event, artists prowl the area within an eight-mile radius of Durand, painting and also enjoying each other’s company. There will be a demonstration by a professional artist, and at the conclusion of the event artists may submit up to four paintings for judging and possible awards. 715-672-8188, tinyurl.com/lapen32. Miles from Chicago: 335
May 23-26: World’s Largest Brat Fest, Madison. Head downtown for a holiday weekend of brats, live music, carnival rides, fireworks and more. 608-236-2031, bratfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 145
