MidwestWeekends.com — Your Travel Guide to the Upper Midwest

Summer festivals 2013

May

  • (May 23 – 26)Dylan Days

    Hibbing, MN

    Bob's hometown celebrates his 72nd birthday with a film festival, singer-songwriter contest, jam session at Zimmy's and a Bobby Zimmerman bus tour.


  • (May 23 – 27)ChocolateFest

    Burlington, WI

    This big festival in southeast Wisconsin features a battle of the chefs, a geocache treasure hunt, Project Yum-way candy-wrapper design contest and Chocolate Olympics, plus a crafts fair and carnival.


  • (May 23 – 27)North Iowa Band Festival

    Mason City, IA

    There's a carnival, craft show and car cruise, but don't miss the 10 a.m. Saturday band parade in this northern Iowa town, which Meredith Willson made famous in "The Music Man.''


  • (May 24 – 27)World's Largest Brat Fest

    Madison, WI

    It's a music festival featuring the world's largest touring grill (a Johnsonville semi that can cook 750 brats at a time), the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile and brats. There are also carnival rides and a Cut the Mustard high-school band competition. Admission is free. Outside the Alliant Energy Center.


  • (May 24 – 25)Festival of Nature

    Baileys Harbor, WI

    Ridges Sanctuary hosts this annual festival, with programs and field trips on wildflowers, birds, trees and insects held around Door County.


  • (May 25 – 27)Fort Michilimackinac Pageant

    Mackinaw City, MI

    This free pageant at Colonial Michilimackinac features a cast of more than 400, re-enacting events that took place between the French, British and Indian tribes on June 2, 1763.

    There are also 18th-century fashion shows, voyageur contests, kids' games and a 1 p.m. Saturday parade.


  • (May 25 – 26)Native American Festival

    St. Ignace, MI

    This family-friendly festival at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture features drumming, dancing, singing, Ojibwa games, artisan workshops and Sunday mass in Ojibwa.


  • (May 26)BobFest

    Spring Green, WI

    The Spring Green General Store in this artistic town on the Wisconsin River celebrates Bob Dylan's 72nd birthday with free outdoor music.


  • (May 31 – Jun 2)Irish Festival

    Oshkosh, WI

    This festival in Riverside Park on the Fox River includes Irish music, food and dancing.


  • (May 31 – Jun 1)Street Faire at the Lakes

    Detroit Lakes, MN

    This western-Minnesota lake town hosts a juried arts show with music, fair food and a beer garden.


  • (May 31 – Jun 2)Milk Days

    Harvard, IL

    The festival in this small town just south of Lake Geneva, Wis., is the longest running in the state. There's a milk-drinking contests, milking demonstrations, cow-chip lotto, bed races and a parade at 1 p.m. Saturday.


  • (May 31 – Jun 2)Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival

    Little Chute, WI

    This Fox Cities festival includes cheese-curd eating, cheese-carving and cheesecake contests and a 10:30 a.m. Saturday cheese parade.


  • (May 31 – Jun 2)Edina Art Fair

    Edina, MN

    The juried show in this posh southern Minneapolis suburb draws 375 exhibitors and 60,000 people.


June

  • (Jun 1)Buffalo Days

    Luverne, MN

    This festival in the southwest corner of Minnesota features a cow-chip throwing contest, fire-truck ladder rides, duck races, an arts show and a big parade at 10 a.m.

     


  • (Jun 1)Rhubarb Festival

    Lanesboro, MN

    There’s a Rhubarb Olympics, featuring the Rhubarb Stalk Throw and Green Eggs and Rhubarb, and a Rhubarb Rant Speakers Corner for opinionated folks. The Rhubarb Sisters entertain. It's 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sylvan Park.


  • (Jun 1)Milwaukee Highland Games

    Wauwatosa, WI

    Listen to bagpipe bands, eat Scottish food and watch sheepdogs, Highland dancers and athletes.


  • (Jun 2)Grand Old Day

    St. Paul, MN

    When the weather's nice, crowds turn out for this street fair, during which Grand Avenue is divided into "districts'': entertainment, family fun, sporting and art. A parade starts at 10 a.m. from Grand and Dale.


  • (Jun 2)Ride the Drive

    Madison, WI

    Ride, walk or skate a car-free six-mile loop along Lake Monona, around the State Capitol and through downtown. There are also family activities, parades, food and music. It's free and nearly all day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


  • (Jun 2)Wisconsin state-parks open house

    All state parks, WI

    Visit a state park without paying the daily vehicle fee, $7 for residents and $10 for non-residents.


  • (Jun 6 – 9)Blues Festival

    Chicago, IL

    This is the largest of Chicago's free music festivals, drawing 750,000 people to Grant Park. Headliners include Shemekia Copeland, Bobby Rush, Irma Thomas, Jimmy Johnson, Otis Clay, the Bar- Kays, Eddie Floyd and Sir Mack Rice.


  • (Jun 6 – 9)Butterfest

    Sparta, WI

    There's the usual arts and crafts show, flea market and carnival but also milking and butter-carving contests. The big parade is Sunday.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Pirate Festival

    Port Washington, WI

    The festival in this Lake Michigan town north of Milwaukee (motto: "We love the smell of black powder in the morning'') includes a pirate invasion, cruises, Saturday-night fireworks and a parade at noon Sunday.


  • (Jun 7 – 16)Lilac Festival

    Mackinac Island, MI

    Most of the events of this festival charge a fee, except for the closing-day grand parade, but the island really is gorgeous when its lilacs are blooming.


  • (Jun 7 – 8)Stamman Scandinavian Folk Festival

    Nisswa, MN

    This festival in the Brainerd Lakes area features visiting musicians from Denmark, Sweden and Norway as well as many North American folk musicians.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Lighthouse Festival

    Door County, WI

    The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay offers tours of the peninsula's 10 lighthouses by foot, boat, trolley and minibus. Tickets go on sale April 1; some tours sell out quickly.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Pride of the Fox Riverfest

    St. Charles, IL

    See dragon-boat racing, a water-ski show, Dock Dogs and car shows, all along the Fox River.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Spring Art Tour

    Mount Horeb, WI

    Artists open their studios in Mount Horeb and other towns in the Wisconsin River valley: Mazomanie, Black Earth, Cross Plains, Blue Mounds and Verona.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Iowa Arts Festival

    Iowa City, IA

    This free downtown festival features an art show, a Global Village, a Culinary Row and music and dance. Sunday is Children's Day, with 10 booths of hands-on activities.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)Ribfest Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    This street festival in the Northcenter neighborhood, on Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park Road and Warner Avenue, features barbecue plus indie, roots, rock and alt country music.

    There's a Kids Square with games and a rib-eating contest Friday with professional eaters.


  • (Jun 7 – 9)2 Rivers Wine & Jazz Festival

    Ottawa, IL

    The festival in this town on the Fox and Illinois rivers features wine from 25 Illinois vineyards and jazz and blues in Washington Park.


  • (Jun 8 – 9)Wells Street/Old Town art fairs

    Chicago, IL

    Together, the Wells Street Art Festival and nearby Old Town Art Fair two fairs have more than 500 exhibitors and draw 110,000 visitors.


  • (Jun 8)Northern Spark

    St. Paul, MN

    From sunset to sunrise, artists perform a variety of projects at museums and outdoor venues around the newly renovated Union Depot in St. Paul's Lowertown.


  • (Jun 11 – 16)Steamboat Days

    Burlington, IA

    There's a carnival, music on two stages, a parade at 11 a.m. Saturday and a Sunday art fair on Snake Alley.


  • (Jun 13 – 16)Steel Bridge SongFest

    Sturgeon Bay, WI

    More than 150 musicians and songwriters perform in more than 15 venues around town to benefit the historic Michigan Avenue canal bridge.


  • (Jun 14 – 16)Polish Fest

    Milwaukee, WI

    This big festival on the lakefront features lots of rollicking, zydeco-laced polka and hearty food.


  • (Jun 14 – 16)Great Galena Balloon Race

    Galena, IL

    Eagle Ridge Resort hosts two balloon races, two night glows and rides for the public. An Alefest Friday includes tastings of more than 100 beers.


  • (Jun 14 – 15)Balloon Rally

    Monroe, WI

    The capital of cheese country hosts Wisconsin's longest-running rally. There's a balloon launch and glow Friday evening and a 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. launch Saturday, as well as an arts and crafts fair, classic-car show, live music, games and food.


  • (Jun 14 – 15)More on 34

    Aurora to Galesburg, IL

    A 131-mile yard sale along U.S. 34 from Aurora to Galesburg, with events in many towns.


  • (Jun 14 – 16)Stone Arch Bridge Festival

    Minneapolis, MN

    250 artists show their wares on the banks of the Mississippi at St. Anthony Main. There are also three stages, art for kids and a car show.


  • (Jun 14 – 16)Old Canal Days

    Lockport, IL

    Lockport was the headquarters of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and site of the first lock; now it's on the National Register of Historic Places.

    At its festival, there are historic reenactors, horse-drawn carriage tours of the canal, duck races, a juried craft show, music and a Friday parade.


  • (Jun 15)Fyr Bal Festival

    Ephraim, WI

    It's the 48th annual Scandinavian midsummer festival in this Door County village. There's a regatta, historic walking tours, art fair, trolley rides, Fur Ball pet parade, cake walk and, of course, a fish boil.


  • (Jun 15 – 16)Custer's Last Stand

    Evanston, IL

    This big fair in the Custer Avenue-Main Street shopping district features 250 artists, 50 variety performers, a medicine show, powwow dancing, children's activities and music on two stages.


  • (Jun 18 – 23)Swedish Days Festival

    Geneva, IL

    This Fox River town on the western edge of Chicago offers music, a zipline, a carnival,  a Swedish cottage walk and a big parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. 


  • (Jun 19 – 23)Steamboat Days

    Winona, MN

    The main event is the 12:31 p.m. Sunday parade, one of the region's largest. There's also a carnival, craft show, power-boat races and car show.


  • (Jun 20 – 23)Musky Fest

    Hayward, WI

    A carnival, crafts, ice cream-eating contest and lots of festivities downtown, capped by the 1:30 p.m. Sunday parade.


  • (Jun 20 – 23)Gospel Festival

    Chicago, IL

    This free festival opens in Millennium Park, moves to the Chicago Cultural Center on Friday and is in Ellis Park on the weekend.


  • (Jun 20 – 23)Harborfest

    South Haven, MI

    There's dragon-boat racing, a boat parade, pirate-chaser sails on the Friends Good Will, music and a craft fair.


  • (Jun 21 – 23)Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival

    Grand Marais, MN

    The harbor-side North House Folk School on Lake Superior kicks off summer with a boat parade, dancing, craft demonstrations, mini-courses and a solstice parade.


  • (Jun 21 – 23)Bridgefest

    Houghton/Hancock, MI

    There will be helicopter rides, a water-ski show, a Friday parade and Saturday fireworks. The two towns are linked by the Keweenaw Peninsula's massive Portage Lift Bridge.


  • (Jun 22 – 23)Strawberry Festival

    Cedarburg, WI

    During this popular event in an old mill town north of Milwaukee, there's music, kids' games, shortcake-eating and bubblegum-blowing contests and strawberries in everything — brats, wine, slush. 


  • (Jun 22 – 23)Midsummer Fest

    Coon Valley, WI

    This family festival at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, in the coulees near La Crosse, features the best of Scandinavian culture: food, music and crafts. For children, there will be a visit from the trolls by the bridge, fjord horses and a scavenger hunt.


  • (Jun 22 – 23)Afton Strawberry Festival

    Afton, MN

    This village on the St. Croix River revives an old tradition with a European-style flea market, art fair, music and children's activities.

     


  • (Jun 22 – 23)Spring Iowa Barn Tour

    Johnson/Iowa counties, IA

    This year's tour of historic barns is in Madison, Clarke and Decatur counties, in south-central Iowa.


  • (Jun 27 – 29)Twin Cities Jazz Festival

    St. Paul, MN

    Listen to jazz in Mears Park, in St. Paul's Lowertown.


  • (Jun 28 – 30)Water Ski Days

    Lake City, MN

    There's music, an arts and crafts fair and, on Sunday, a 2 p.m. parade followed by a water-ski show on Lake Pepin, where water-skiing was invented.


  • (Jun 28 – 30)Des Moines Arts Festival

    Des Moines, IA

    This big, juried arts fair at Western Gateway Park downtown includes street theater, live music and a film festival.


  • (Jun 28 – 30)Cedar Basin Jazz Festival

    Cedar Falls, IA

    There's 42 hours of free entertainment in Sturgis Park, including a Sunday morning gospel set and a jazz brunch.


  • (Jun 28 – 29)Midwest Viking Festival

    Moorhead, MN

    This festival at the Hjemkomst Center includes demonstrations, performances and goods that tell about society and culture in Viking-age Scandinavia and beyond.


  • (Jun 28 – 29)Engineers Day/Bridge Walk

    Sault Ste. Marie, MI

    It's the biggest week of the year for boat nerds at the Soo Locks. Friday is the Engineers Day open house (people can walk across the locks). Saturday is the 2.8-mile International Bridge Walk (people can walk to Canada).

     


  • (Jun 29 – Jul 6)National Cherry Festival

    Traverse City, MI

    This town on Lake Michigan attracts half a million people to events that include air shows, an arts fair, music, races, the big Cherry Royale Parade and many contests, including pie-eating and pit-spitting.


  • (Jun 29 – 30)River Rendezvous

    Manitowoc, WI

    The Wisconsin Maritime Museum hosts the schooner Denis Sullivan for tours and Lake Michigan cruises and offers a boat-building contest and race, music and guided canoe paddles on the Manitowoc River.


July

  • (Jul 2 – 7)Summerfest

    Milwaukee, WI

    They call this the world's largest music festival. Big-name musicians perform on 11 stages along Lake Michigan.


  • (Jul 3 – 7)Eyes to the Skies Festival

    Lisle, IL

    This large festival on the west edge of Chicago features a daily hot-air balloon launches, glows and fireworks shows, plus children's activities and a craft fair.


  • (Jul 3 – 7)Petunia Festival

    Dixon, IL

    This festival in the Hometown of Ronald Reagan features music, a carnival, fireworks and a Sunday parade.


  • (Jul 3 – 6)Riverfest

    La Crosse, WI

    This big riverfront festival features water-ski and air shows, music on four stages, a lip-sync contest, a Venetian and family parade Wednesday and children's races Saturday.


  • (Jul 3 – 4)Red White and Boom

    Minneapolis, MN

    On Wednesday, there's a 5K fun fun, followed by music and a movie. On Thursday, there's a half-marathon in the morning, and music and family activities starting at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks.

    Festivities are along the riverfront downtown.

     


  • (Jul 3 – 7)Ribfest

    Naperville, IL

    Big-name bands perform in Knoch Park, where there's also magic shows, kids' games, food and fireworks on the last evening.


  • (Jul 4)Fourth Fest

    Duluth, MN

    Duluth claims to have Minnesota's largest fireworks show, part of festivities in Bayfront Festival park. Watch from Skyline Parkway.


  • (Jul 4 – 6)Mississippi Valley Blues Festival

    Davenport, IA

    In LeClaire Park on the river, blues musicians celebrate the music that traveled up the Mississippi.


  • (Jul 5 – 7)Blues Festival

    Thunder Bay, ON

    This festival has a scenic location in Marina Park, on the Lake Superior waterfront. Headliners include Collective Soul, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, Great Big Sea, the Groove Merchants and Davina and the Vagabonds.


  • (Jul 5 – 7)Iowa City Jazz Festival

    Iowa City, IA

    This downtown festival features a Culinary Row, Fun Zone for kids and Sunday fireworks in addition to music.


  • (Jul 5 – 7)Wild Rice Festival

    Deer River, MN

    This northern town near Grand Rapids offers a powwow Friday, wild-rice lunch, bike rodeo, sawdust scramble, singing competition and fireworks Saturday and a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday.


  • (Jul 10 – 14)Winnipeg Folk Festival

    Winnipeg, MB

    This easy-going, family-friendly festival features 70 performers, food and hand-made art from around the world plus a fun play area for children.

    Many people camp on-site at Birds Hill Provincial Park. Tickets are cheapest when bought in advance.


  • (Jul 10 – 14)Taste of Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    The big free festival in Grant Park continues with national headliners but a shorter length and more emphasis on food.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Bastille Days

    Milwaukee, WI

    Look for minstrels, beignets, French lessons, a Mardi Gras celebration and a 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower in Cathedral Square Park.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Heart of the North Rodeo

    Spooner, WI

    Look for the four R's in this western Wisconsin town: roping, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. A parade is on Saturday.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Iola Old Car Show

    Iola, WI

    This show and swap meet brings up to 130,000 people to this village east of Stevens Point.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Hodag Country Festival

    Rhinelander, WI

    This year, performers at this big fest include Gretchen Wilson, Lee Brice and the Charlie Daniels Band. There's a band contest, too.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Balloon Rally/Ribfest/Chalkfest

    Wausau, WI

    At the airport, Balloon Rally & Glow features barnstormer plane rides, kite-flying, pig-racing, music and fireworks. Also at the airport, the Big Bull Falls BBQ Ribfest is Thursday through Saturday.

    On Saturday and Sunday, artists decorate downtown during Chalkfest.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Karl Oskar Days

    Lindstrom, MN

    The festival in this Swedish town just north of the Twin Cities features a tug of war and fireworks Friday, a car show and 6 p.m. parade Saturday and a lumberjack show Sunday.


  • (Jul 11 – 14)Tall Ship Celebration

    Bay City, MI

    This Lake Huron town is a port on the 2013 Tall Ships Challenge, commemorating War of 1812 battles on the Great Lakes.


  • (Jul 12 – 20)Aquatennial

    Minneapolis, MN

    Among the highlights of this big festival are the Lake Calhoun milk-carton boat races and sandcastle contest, the Hennepin Avenue Torchlight Parade and Mississippi River fireworks show.


  • (Jul 12 – 21)Northwest Water Carnival

    Detroit Lakes, MN

    This big festival celebrates its 78th year with a sand-castle contest, water fights, ship-building (in less than 30 minutes), beer tasting, hat hunt, bike tour and more. On the last day, there's a big parade at 1 p.m.


  • (Jul 12 – 14)Blissfest

    Petoskey, MI

    This very eclectic, family-friendly folk and roots festival includes reggae, country, zydeco, hip-hop, jazz and Celtic music.


  • (Jul 12 – 14)Windmill City Festival

    Batavia, IL

    There's a carnival, pet parade, ice-cream eating contest and live bands in the town on the Fox River.


  • (Jul 12 – 21)Fiesta Days

    McHenry, IL

    There's a Music Fest, carnival and car show in Petersen Park the first weekend and family entertainment, arts and crafts and a Sunday parade the second weekend in Veteran's Memorial Park.


  • (Jul 13 – 14)Agate Days

    Moose Lake, MN

    See the beautiful stones on display, then dig for them at 2 p.m. Saturday during the Agate Stampede, when a load of rocks seeded with 500 pounds agates and $400 in quarters is dumped downtown.

    Fireworks are Friday night. On Saturday, there's also an art fair and antique-car show.


  • (Jul 13 – 14)Phelps Mill Festival

    Phelps, MN

    There's a juried arts and crafts fair, children's activities and music in this bucolic, tucked-away park along the Otter Tail River, next to an 1889 brick and clapboard mill that's open for tours.

    The hamlet of Phelps is just west of Otter Tail Lake and north of Underwood.


  • (Jul 13 – 14)Art Fair On/Off the Square

    Madison, WI

    Nearly 500 artists from around the nation will be selling on Capitol Square and 140 Wisconsin artists around Monona Terrace, attracting more than 200,000 people.


  • (Jul 13 – 14)Grand Marais Arts Festival

    Grand Marais, MN

    This juried art show along the Lake Superior harbor includes children's activities, art demonstrations, a pie social and live music.


  • (Jul 13)Festival of Flavors

    Eagle River, WI

    This north-woods fest includes chef demos, music, a street-food row, a cheese carver and root-beer float and church-basement supper contests.


  • (Jul 18 – 21)Festa Italiana

    Milwaukee, WI

    A celebration of all things Italian at the lakefront Henry Maier Festival Park.


  • (Jul 18 – 20)Moondance Jam

    Walker, MN

    This big classic-rock and camping festival celebrates its 22nd year.


  • (Jul 19 – 21)Bavarian Blast

    New Ulm, MN

    "Das Fest Mit Fun'' features German music, food and beer at the Brown County Fair Grounds in this Minnesota River Valley town. The big parade is Sunday.


  • (Jul 19 – 21)Highland Fest

    St. Paul, MN

    This street fair in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood includes an arts fair, music, carnival rides and food.


  • (Jul 19 – 21)Sinclair Lewis Days

    Sauk Centre, MN

    The hometown of the famous novelist celebrates with music and fireworks Friday, a craft fair, family fun festival and parade Saturday.


  • (Jul 19 – 21)Tall Ships Festival

    Sault Ste. Marie, ON

    In 2013, the nonprofit Tall Ships Challenge comes again to the Great Lakes, commemorating War of 1812 military battles.


  • (Jul 19 – 21)Celtic Fair

    Thunder Bay, ON

    This festival on the grounds of Fort William Historical Park features rock, folk and flamenco as well as Celtic music, plus jousting, juggling, magic and Highland Games.

    There's camping on-site.


  • (Jul 20)Stockholm Art Fair

    Stockholm, WI

    This hamlet on Lake Pepin, a favorite day trip destination for Twin Citians, becomes a shopping mecca during this big fair.


  • (Jul 20)Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival

    Duluth, MN

    Hear island music on Lake Superior, from Bayfront Festival Park.


  • (Jul 20 – 21)Oregon Trail Days

    Oregon, IL

    This town on the Rock River, south of Rockford, celebrates its heritage with a Native American encampment and cowboy and frontier acts, including a medicine show, gun-spinning and rope-cracking. There are covered-wagon rides and and a canoe rally and 8K run on Sunday. Rent a tepee or covered wagon to stay in.

    Proceeds go to restore Oregon's 48-foot statue of Chief Black Hawk, made in 1911.


  • (Jul 20 – 27)Charlevoix Venetian Festival

    Charlevoix, MI

    A week of music and games winds up with an 11 a.m. street parade and 10 p.m. lighted boat parade, followed by fireworks.


  • (Jul 20)ArtBike + ArtCar Parade

    Minneapolis, MN

    Decorated bikes, cars and one Couchmobile will circle Lake Harriet at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring a decorated conveyance and join the parade; meet at 5 p.m. at the Rose Garden.


  • (Jul 20 – 21)Ethnic Arts Festival

    Evanston, IL

    Dawes Park on Lake Michigan turns into a global village for this celebration of music, dance, arts and food.


  • (Jul 21)Woodstock Folk Festival

    Woodstock, IL

    Music on the square in this town not far over the Wisconsin border from Lake Geneva.


  • (Jul 21)Chinatown Summer Fair

    Chicago, IL

    This neighborhood street festival includes a lion-dance procession, baby and cutest dog contests and food from the many restaurants.


  • (Jul 23 – 28)Waterama

    Glenwood, MN

    This festival on the shores of Lake Minnewaska is famous for its lighted pontoon parade, followed by fireworks. On Sunday, there's a parade on land, followed by a water-ski show.


  • (Jul 24 – 30)Tall Ships Duluth

    Duluth, MN

    In 2013, the nonprofit Tall Ships Challenge comes again to the Great Lakes, commemorating War of 1812 military battles.


  • (Jul 25 – 27)Lumberjack World Championships

    Hayward, WI

    You can't see this kind of thing just anywhere: cut-throat log rolling, boom running, springboard chopping and speed climbing.


  • (Jul 25 – 27)Nordic Fest

    Decorah, IA

    Ole and Lena host this friendly, authentic, very fun and very large festival of Scandinavian culture. The parade, one of the region's best, is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.


  • (Jul 25 – 28)German Fest

    Milwaukee, WI

    Look for dachshunds, dirndls and lots of oompah music at this big party at Henry Maier Festival Park on Lake Michigan.


  • (Jul 26 – 28)North Star Stampede

    Effie, MN

    The rodeo in this town of 90 is a good excuse to explore the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, which winds through Chippewa National Forest north of Grand Rapids.


  • (Jul 26 – 28)Pierogi Fest

    Whiting, IN

    This suburb of Chicago exalts the plump Eastern European dumplings, filled with cheese, mashed potatoes or sauerkraut, with pierogi eating and tossing contests, a Mr. Pierogi songfest and a Polka Parade.


  • (Jul 26 – 27)Laura Ingalls Wilder pageant

    Walnut Grove, MN

    The festival in this western Minnesota town revolves around the book "On the Banks of Plum Creek.'' Family Festivals are held each Saturday.


  • (Jul 26 – Aug 3)National Balloon Classic

    Indianola, IA

    This giant hot-air balloon festival includes daily flights, rides for the public, music, night glows, fireworks and a parade.


  • (Jul 26 – 28)Taste of Wisconsin

    Kenosha, WI

    This free harborfront festival features locally produced specialties as well as cooking demonstrations, gardening workshops and music on three stages.


  • (Jul 26 – Aug 4)Coast Guard Festival

    Grand Haven, MI

    There's nightly entertainment on the waterfront, a downtown carnival, tours of Coast Guard cutters, a Grand Parade and fireworks.


  • (Jul 26 – 27)Prairie Dog Blues Festival

    Prairie du Chien, WI

    This Mississippi River festival on historic St. Feriole Island features 12 bands on two stages, with onsite camping.


  • (Jul 26 – Aug 4)Riverfest

    Ottawa, IL

    At the confluence of the Fox River with the Illinois, there's a carnival, paddleboat races, Art in the Park, Taste of Ottawa, live bands and a parade at 1 p.m. Aug. 4.


  • (Jul 26 – 27)Riverboat Days

    Wabasha, MN

    There's a lighted boat parade Friday, and on Saturday an arts fair, firemen's water fight, waterfront carriage rides and a 6 p.m. Grande Parade.


  • (Jul 27)Kickapoo Country Fair

    La Farge, WI

    The festival in this hotbed of sustainable living features music, food, children's activities and workshops.


  • (Jul 27 – 28)Lakefest

    Clear Lake, IA

    The charming lakeside park in this northern Iowa town hosts three festivals, Lakeside DixieFest Saturday and Sunday and the Iowa Storytelling Festival and Art Sail arts fair on Saturday.


  • (Jul 27)Circus Celebration Day

    Baraboo, WI

    In the downtown square, there will be circus-themed performances, walking tours, music, children's activities and a Big Top parade.


  • (Jul 29 – Aug 4)EAA AirVenture

    Oshkosh, WI

    This huge Experimental Aircraft Association festival includes air shows, fireworks, big-name concerts, children's activities, workshops, exhibits and rides in historic aircraft.

    Reserve lodgings early; it fills rooms within a 60-mile radius.


  • (Jul 30 – Aug 4)Mississippi Valley Fair

    Davenport, IA

    There are chainsaw artists, a zip line and alligator and bear shows as well as a carnival and grandstand acts that include national country musicians.


August

  • (Aug. 1 – 11)Wisconsin State Fair

    West Allis, WI

    The fair in this Milwaukee suburb features lots of contests, including hog-calling, cookie-stacking and cream puff-eating.


  • (Aug. 1 – 3)Brat Days

    Sheboygan, WI

    This town on Lake Michigan is sausage central. There's music, a carnival, beer and, of course, a brat-eating contest. The parade is Saturday.


  • (Aug. 1 – 4)Fishermen's Picnic

    Grand Marais, MN

    There's a lot going on at the North Shore's biggest festival, including loon-calling, log-rolling, doughnut-racing and rock-skipping contests; Saturday fireworks; and the grand parade at 1 p.m. Sunday.


  • (Aug. 1 – 4)Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival

    Davenport, IA

    Since 1972, fans of this Jazz Age cornetist and composer have held this festival in his hometown on the Mississippi.


  • (Aug. 1 – 3)WE Fest

    Detroit Lakes, MN

    This big fest in west-central Minnesota snags the biggest names in country music -- this year, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church. There's camping onsite.


  • (Aug. 2)Pie Day

    Braham, MN

    Minnesota's official Pie Capital near Cambridge holds pie-eating contests, a pie trivia contest and performances of the Pie-Alleuia Chorus.


  • (Aug. 2 – 4)River City Days

    Red Wing, MN

    In this Mississippi River town, there's music, food and games in Bay Point Park and an arts show in Levee Park. There's a Venetian boat parade at dusk Saturday and the grand parade Sunday.


  • (Aug. 2 – 4)Buffalo Bill Days

    Lanesboro, MN

    Ride the Root River State Trail then enjoy music, games and food in this bluff-country burg. A parade is Sunday.


  • (Aug. 2 – 4)Uptown Art Fair

    Minneapolis, MN

    This large juried art fair in the Uptown neighborhood draws crowds. Take the Art Hop bus to avoid congestion and to get to the two other art fairs in south Minneapolis.


  • (Aug. 2 – 4)Bayfront Jam Music Festival

    Duluth, MN

    It's the second year for this festival on the lakefront.


  • (Aug. 3 – 4)Loring and Powderhorn arts festivals

    Minneapolis, MN

    These smaller festivals in Powderhorn Park, in south Minneapolis, and Loring Park, on the edge of downtown, are not far from the Uptown Art Fair. All are easily reached by bus shuttle or by bicycle on the Midtown Greenway.


  • (Aug. 3 – 4)Air and Water Show

    Milwaukee, WI

    This show, between Bradford and McKinley beaches on the lakefront, features the Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Black Daggers and many aerobatics.


  • (Aug. 4 – 17)Folklorama

    Winnipeg, MB

    This Manitoba prairie town celebrates its heritage with pavilions representing 44 nationalities, offering music, dance and food at many venues.


  • (Aug. 4)Taste of Dorset

    Dorset, MN

    Ride the Heartland State Trail to this tiny "burp in the road'' near Park Rapids, then eat your way down the street. And don't forget to vote (or run) for mayor. Food is served 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.


  • (Aug. 7 – 11)Tall Ships Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    In 2013, the nonprofit Tall Ships Challenge comes again to the Great Lakes, commemorating War of 1812 military battles.

    The festival starts Wednesday with an International Parade of Sail and continues with ship tours, crew challenges, music and fireworks.


  • (Aug. 8 – 18)Iowa State Fair

    Des Moines, IA

    See a diaper derby, outhouse races and mullet contest, and don't miss the butter sculptures.


  • (Aug. 8 – 11)Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival

    Richmond, MN

    This 34th annual family-friendly festival includes music on five stages and workshops at El Rancho Mañana Campground, 20 miles west of St. Cloud.


  • (Aug. 8 – 10)Tug Fest

    LeClaire and Port Byron, IAIL

    The two towns stretch a 680-pound, 2,400-foot rope across the Mississippi River for the ultimate tug of war. (Over 26 years, the score is Illinois 16, Iowa 10.) There's also a parade, fireworks, children's games, concerts and carnival rides.


  • (Aug. 8 – 11)National Blueberry Festival

    South Haven, MI

    Eat until you're blue in the face during the festival in this Lake Michigan beach town. There's a pie-eating contest, riverfront concerts , an arts fair and a big parade on Saturday.


  • (Aug. 8 – 11)Festival of the Horse

    Mackinac Island, MI

    There's a carriage parade, saddle-horse parade, horseback riding and driving demos, historic stable tours and pony rides.


  • (Aug. 8 – 11)Sweet Corn Festival

    Mendota, IL

    The festival in this town between Rochelle and La Salle features nearly 50 tons of free buttered corn, live music, a flea market, a carnival and a parade.


  • (Aug. 9 – 11)Grand Portage Powwow & Rendezvous

    Grand Portage, MN

    Re-enactors from across the continent gather at Grand Portage National Monument for the annual fur-trade rendezvous; next door, the  Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa holds a powwow. Reserve lodgings far in advance.


  • (Aug. 9 – 11)Bayfront Blues Festival

    Duluth, MN

    The 25th annual music fest on the Lake Superior harbor showcases national and regional acts on three stages.


  • (Aug. 9 – 11)Irish Fair

    St. Paul, MN

    This big heritage fest on the banks of the Mississippi includes Irish Got Talent and best legs in a kilt contests, hurling demonstrations, dancing and lots of music.


  • (Aug. 9 – 10)Cache Ba$h

    West Bend, WI

    This town north of Milwaukee calls itself the Geocache Capital of the Midwest. For the festival, it hides 50 new caches and gives away $1,000 in cash prizes.


  • (Aug. 9 – 11)Twin Cities Polish Festival

    Minneapolis, MN

    This celebration of Polish culture is on the St. Anthony Main riverfront across from downtown, with music, art, food and free polka lessons.


  • (Aug. 9 – 10)Legends & Logging Days

    Park Rapids, MN

    There will be a lumberjack and -jill competition, loon-calling contest, artisan market, food and music at the Antique Tractor Club grounds.


  • (Aug. 9 – 11)Ship & Shore Festival

    New Buffalo, MI

    In this Lake Michigan beach town, there's a lighted boat parade, fireworks, microbrew-sampling, an art fair and ice-cream and watermelon-eating contests.


  • (Aug. 10)Bud Billiken Parade & Picnic

    Chicago, IL

    It's the 84th year for this big parade on the South Side, which draws 75,000 participants and 1.5 million spectators.


  • (Aug. 14 – 18)Venetian Festival

    Lake Geneva, WI

    In this southeast Wisconsin vacation area, the festival includes a carnival, arts and crafts fair, firefighter water fight and, on Sunday, a water-ski show followed by a lighted boat parade and fireworks.


  • (Aug. 15 – 18)Irish Fest

    Milwaukee, WI

    The nation's largest Irish festival features more than 300 entertainers on 17 stages, plus children's activities and demonstrations by Irish dog breeds. In Henry Maier Festival Park.


  • (Aug. 16 – 18)Oronoco Gold Rush

    Oronoco, MN

    The antiques show and flea market in this friendly little village just north of Rochester off U.S. 52 includes more than 400 vendors and 1,200 booths. There's also pancakes for breakfast, homemade pie and music.


  • (Aug. 16 – 17)Big Bull Falls Blues Fest

    Wausau, WI

    Enjoy national and local blues musicians in Fern Island Park. There's a beer garden, of course.


  • (Aug. 16 – 18)Tall Ship Festival

    Green Bay, WI

    Tall ships come to Leicht Memorial Park for the 2013 Tall Ships Challenge, commemorating War of 1812 battles on the Great Lakes.


  • (Aug. 17 – 18)Air & Water Show

    Chicago, IL

    The 54th annual free show features aerobatics, extreme flying, wave riding, water-skiing and wakeboarding off North Avenue Beach.


  • (Aug. 22 – Sep 2)Minnesota State Fair

    St. Paul, MN

    See the Luminarium, try beer flights at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, eat food on a stick and listen to free concerts.


  • (Aug. 23 – 25)Artstreet

    Green Bay, WI

    Artists, performers and craft and food stands fill streets downtown near the Fox River.


  • (Aug. 23 – 24)Potato Days

    Barnesville, MN

    This goofy central-Minnesota festival features mashed-potato wrestling, a golden potato hunt, potato car races, peeling and eating contests and a Saturday parade.


  • (Aug. 23 – 25)Porcupine Mountains Music Festival

    Silver City, MI

    Few settings are more beautiful than Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on Lake Superior; 25 national and regional blues, folk and bluegrass acts perform.


  • (Aug. 23 – 25)Mexican Fiesta

    Milwaukee, WI

    Enjoy the best of Mexican culture at the Henry Maier festival park on Lake Michigan.


  • (Aug. 23 – 24)Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival

    Superior, WI

    The festival on Barker's Island begins Friday with a parade of teams, fireworks and a concert and continues Saturday with races in the harbor and family entertainment.


  • (Aug. 23 – 25)Maritime Heritage Festival

    Port Washington, WI

    Tour a schooner and go for a day sail at this Lake Michigan festival. There's also music and fireworks on Saturday.


  • (Aug. 23 – 24)Vinton Boomtown

    Vinton, IA

    Fireworks provided by the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association are the centerpiece for this fest, which includes arts & crafts, food and kids' activities.


  • (Aug. 24)Crossroads Blues Festival

    Byron, IL

    A day of blues downtown, with food from local restaurants. Advance tickets are just $5.


  • (Aug. 24 – 25)Festival in the Pines

    Eau Claire, WI

    There's music on two stages, children's games, a petting zoo and an arts fair in Carson Park. Entry to Paul Bunyan Logging Camp and Chippewa Valley Museum is included.


  • (Aug. 26 – Sep 1)National Old Time Country Bluegrass Festival

    LeMars, IA

    More than 600 musicians perform on 10 stages in this town in northwest Iowa.


  • (Aug. 29 – Sep 1)Chicago Jazz Festival

    Chicago, IL

    This free festival features one day of music at the Chicago Cultural Center, one evening at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park and two days in Grant Park.


  • (Aug. 30 – Sep 2)Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion

    Rollag, MN

    Revel in the past during this show of antique machinery, which includes rides on trains and a carousel, square dancing, roving musicians and nightly jamborees.


  • (Aug. 30 – 31)Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw

    Prairie du Sac, WI

    There's chip-chucking contests in this Wisconsin River town, but also music, kids' games and an arts and crafts fair. The Tournament of Chips parade is at noon Saturday.


  • (Aug. 31 – Sep 1)Marquette Area Blues Fest

    Marquette, MI

    Two days of music in Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior.


  • (Aug. 31 – Sep 1)Wilhelm Tell Festival

    New Glarus, WI

    This Swiss town near Madison has been putting on an outdoor William Tell pageant since 1938. Festivities include a children's lantern parade, yodeling, an arts show and ethnic fashions.


  • (Aug. 31 – Sep 1)Taste of Madison

    Madison, WI

    This free benefit festival on Capitol Square includes 300 menu items from more than 80 restaurants, all priced at $1-$4. There's also music on three stages.

    On Sunday, there's a lighted boat parade on Lake Mendota, followed by fireworks.


  • (Aug. 31 – Sep 2)Frankfort Fall Festival

    Frankfort, IL

    The festival in this southern suburb of Chicago features more than 300 artisans, entertainment, a carnival and a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday.


September

  • (Sep. 1 – 2)Fox Valley Folk Music & Storytelling Festival

    Geneva, IL

    Musicians and storytellers perform on eight stages at this festival in Island Park on the Fox River.


  • (Sep. 2)Mackinac Bridge Walk

    Mackinaw City, MI

    Once a year, on Labor Day, people can walk across the five-mile span, the third-longest suspension bridge in the world.


October

  • (Oct. 12 – 13)Oktoberfest

    Cedarburg, WI

    This festival just north of Milwaukee features music and food plus goofy contests: wife-carrying, sauerkraut-eating, a German spelling bee and a live Glockenspiel show.