Illinois
Sept. 12-14: Antique Engine & Tractor Working Farm Show, Geneseo. Antique farm machinery, both gasoline- and steam-powered, will be on display and in operation. Also tractor pulls, craft demonstrations, music and more. 309-314-3603, ae-ta.com. Miles from Chicago: 155
Sept. 14: Old Mill Fall Fest, Peotone. The Peotone Historical Society hosts this annual chance to tour all three floors of the German windmill built in 1872. There also will be craftspeople demonstrating blacksmithing, spinning, weaving and more. And it’s all free. tinyurl.com/m52mquv. Miles from Chicago: 45
Sept. 19-21: 13th annual Al Sears Jazz Festival, Macomb. This year’s festival includes jazz and art in the park, bistro jazz, concert hall jazz and a Sunday jazz brunch representing a variety of jazz styles. Most events are free. 309-837-4855, searsjazzfestival.com. Miles from Chicago: 250
Indiana
Sept. 18-21: Nappanee Apple Festival. There will be a 7-foot-wide baked apple pie to share, along with live entertainment, a carnival, car show, antique tractor show, parade with military plane flyover and much more. 574-773-7812, nappaneeapplefestival.org. Miles from Chicago:
110
Sept. 20-21: Koh-Koh-Mah, Kokomo. Wildcat Valley, west of town, is the gathering place for re-enactors to show how life was in the 1700s. There will be battles, music, horse and artillery demonstrations, and period food and crafts. kohkohmah.com. Miles from Chicago: 160
Iowa
Sept. 19-20: Iowa Soul Festival, Iowa City. Al Jarreau is among the performers headlining this celebration of African and African-American culture. In addition to entertainment, there will be soul food, vendors and a Sunday gospel brunch. 319-337-7944, tinyurl.com/klathn8. Miles from Chicago: 220
Michigan
Sept. 19-21: Schooner Festival, Traverse City. Six tall ships will be on hand, and a grand Parade of Sail down West Grand Traverse Bay will kick off things. Then there will be deck tours, sailing cruises, performances, films, lectures and exhibits related to the maritime history of the area. 231-946-2647, tinyurl.com/pgad9je. Miles from Chicago: 320
Sept. 20: Tour de Troit, Detroit. This is the 13th year for this 30-mile bicycle tour of the city’s historic sites and attractions. For hard-core cyclists there’s also an option for a metric century (62 miles). Last year 6,000 riders turned out. tinyurl.com/qdacldb. Miles from Chicago: 285
Missouri
Sept. 12-14: Japanese Fall Festival, Springfield. The city celebrates its sister city, Isesaki, Japan, with Japanese performers and artists, cultural activities, food and crafts vendors, kids activities and more. 417-891-1515, tinyurl.com/lflzsel. Miles from Chicago: 510
Ohio
Sept. 19-21: America’s Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, Cincinnati. The area’s German heritage is on display during this festival, which attracts more than a half-million people each year. Enjoy German music, food and beer at what’s billed as the largest Oktoberfest in the country. 513-579-3197, oktoberfestzinzinnati.com. Miles from Chicago: 295
Wisconsin
Sept. 13: Running of the Llamas, Hammond. Main Street is closed as a dozen llamas race for the honors. There’s also a parade, rib fest and live music. tinyurl.com/opxadr7. Miles from Chicago: 370
Sept. 20-21: Wine & Harvest Festival, Cedarburg. This is the 42nd year for this end-of-summer fest. The fun includes food, wine, live music, a grape stomp, a master pumpkin carver and more. 866-626-7005, tinyurl.com/p5m75f. Miles from Chicago:
110
