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A summer's worth of celebrations

Here are the best of the fests in 2008.

When summer comes, there's no time to waste.

Everyone is throwing a party, and you're invited. Many of the best are listed below.

For even more festivals, see Celebrating roots, a comprehensive list of ethnic festivals. For food events, see A feast of festivals. For arts fairs, see Art al fresco. For dragon-boat festivals, see Waking the dragon.

First weekend in May

Looptopia in Chicago. This dawn-to-dusk cultural celebration in the Loop, from 5 p.m. May 2 to 8 a.m. May 3, was held for the first time last year and drew more than 200,000 people.

Reggae Fest in Trempealeau, Wis. This easygoing festival is on Saturday outside the Trempealeau Hotel, on the banks of the Mississippi. Take a side trip to adjoining Perrot State Park to see the spring ephemerals.

Cinco de Mayo on St. Paul's West Side. More than 100,000 people come to this fiesta, which features a parade, low-rider car show and lots of food, music and dancing.

Maifest in Iowa's Amana Colonies. There's a lot going on in this former communal society in eastern Iowa — a 10 a.m. Saturday parade, polka music, keg-tapping, food-sampling, artisan demonstrations and a swing dance.

Earth Arts Studio Tour on the Upper St. Croix River Valley in western Wisconsin, around St. Croix Falls. Visit more than 30 artists in their studios.

Kettle River Paddle Fest near Sandstone in eastern Minnesota. Watch a kayak rodeo or learn to paddle in a clinic.

Gunflint Green Up festival on the Gunflint Trail in northeast Minnesota. Help plant pine seedlings to replace trees charred in the May 2007 wildfires.

Folklore Festival in Thunder Bay, Ont. Eat, dance and make merry in this multi-ethnic town, the largest on Lake Superior.

100-Mile Garage Sale around Lake Pepin, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's a good excuse to make the scenic, 70-mile drive around this wide spot in the Mississippi (the sales extend south to Winona).

Pella Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa. This Dutch heritage fest in central Iowa draws more than 100,000 tourists.

May Day Parade and Festival in south Minneapolis' Powderhorn Park. This earthy, lighthearted Sunday-afternoon event features the giant puppets of Heart of the Beast Theatre and a people's parade to the park.

Ibsen Fest in Lanesboro, Minn. This bluff-country festival features Scandinavian music, art, dance and the play "Peer Gynt.'' Don't forget to ride the Root River State Trail, too.

Second weekend in May

Bluebell Festival in Carley State Park. This southeast Minnesota park, 15 miles east of Rochester, is famous for its masses of Virginia bluebells. The first annual festival May 10 features a guided wildflower hike, bald eagle presentation, kids' fishing clinic, geocache with prizes and events in Plainview, four miles north.

Grand Marais Jazz Festival on Minnesota's North Shore. Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and the Gunflint Trail will be venues for concerts plus jazz brunches, buffets and dinners, May 9-11.

Bird Festival at Crex Meadows near Grantsburg, Wis., in the St. Croix River Valley. A sunset birding tour will go out May 10. Bird tours start at daybreak May 11, followed by bus tours and bird-banding.

Spring Festival in Gays Mills, Wis. This Kickapoo Valley village in southwest Wisconsin claims the title Apple Capital of Wisconsin, and its fall Apple Festival is a big deal. But its May 10-11 festival next to Log Cabin Heritage Park is folksy, with May-pole dancing and crown-making, kids' concerts and a Folk Festival of Music and Dance. If you go, spend a few hours paddling on the crooked Kickapoo.

Micro Brew Fest in Oregon, Wis., just south of Madison, features more than 100 beers from 23 breweries, including Lake Louie, Tyranena and New Glarus, and two blues bands May 10.

The Past Passed Here in Chippewa Falls, Wis. This festival in Allen Park downtown May 9-10 features fur-trade and logging-era encampments with teepees, a saloon and games.

Third weekend in May

Syttende Mai in Stoughton, Wis., south of Madison, celebrating Norwegian constitution day, the largest in North America and probably the world, May 16-18, with Norwegian parade at 1:30 p.m. May 18.

Syttende Mai in Westby, Wis., southeast of La Crosse, May 17-18, with parade at 1:30 p.m. May 18.

Morel Mushroom Festival in Muscoda, Wis. This town along the Wisconsin River calls itself the Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin. Fried morels are available May 17-18 from 10 a.m. till they're gone, and there's a parade at 2 p.m. May 18.

Afton May Fair in the village on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix. Fine arts, Maypole celebration with Swedish folk dancers, music and wine sampling on May 18.

Fresh Art Tour of artist studios on the Wisconsin side of Lake Pepin on the Mississippi, between Maiden Rock, Pepin and Durand, May 16-18.

Rivertown Art Festival in Stillwater, Minn., along the St. Croix riverfront, May 17-18.

Stand Still Parade in Whalan, Minn., just east of Lanesboro on the Root River State Trail, with music, food and games 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17.

Far End of the Lake Rendezvous at the Galloway House in Fond du Lac, Wis., with a fur-trade encampment, period music and old-time taffy pull, May 17-18.

Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes, Minn., with field trips, tours and demonstrations, May 15-18.

Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival based out of the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center in Ashland, Wis., with bird-banding, hikes and expeditions, hatchery tours and kayaking tours of estuaries, May 16-18.

Fourth weekend in May

BobFest in Spring Green, Wis. The Spring Green General Store in this artsy town on the Wisconsin River celebrates Bob Dylan's 67th birthday May 25 with free outdoor music from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., including the uncannily Bob-like Marty L'Herault & Kin at 6:45 p.m.

Dylan Days in Hibbing, Minn. Bob's hometown celebrates with the May 22 grand opening of the "Tangled Up in Ore'' exhibit at Ironworld in Chisholm, followed by a film festival, singer-songwriter contest, jam session at Zimmy's and, on May 24, a Bobby Zimmerman bus tour and concert by Ramblin' Jack Elliott, with Tony Glover and Spider John Koerner opening.

Awake the Lakes and Heritage Fest in Alexandria, Minn. This western-Minnesota resort town will have a carnival, Rib Fest Cook-Off, fireworks, car show, fishing contests, World Paddleboat Challenge, concert and, on Memorial Day, a parade.

Kite Festival in Thunder Bay, Ont. Kite clubs from around the region will converge May 25 on Chippewa Park, on Lake Superior on the south edge of town.

Chocolate Festival in Burlington, Wis. This big festival May 23-26 in southeast Wisconsin features a battle of the chefs, a geocache treasure hunt, Project Yum-way candy-wrapper design contest and chocolate chase, plus a crafts fair, carnival and Wild West show.

Ho Chunk Nation Powwow in Black River Falls, Wis. May 24-26, 715-284-9343.

Memorial Day Powwow at the Mille Lacs Museum and Trading Post on the west side of the big lake in north-central Minnesota, May 26.

World's Largest Brat Fest, Madison, Wis. It's a music festival May 23-26 featuring the world's largest touring grill (a Johnsonville semi that can cook 750 brats at a time), the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile and brats (last year, 157,655 were consumed). There are also carnival rides and a Cut the Mustard high-school band competition. Admission is free. Outside the Alliant Energy Center.

Last weekend in May/First weekend in June

Grand Old Day in St. Paul. When the weather's nice, crowds turn out for this street fair June 1, during which Grand Avenue is divided into "districts'': entertainment, family fun, sporting, international and art. A '70s flashback parade begins at 10 a.m.

Street Faire at the Lakes in Detroit Lakes, Minn. This western-Minnesota resort town knows what works: a juried arts show with music, fair food and a beer garden. May 31-June 1.

Gospel Festival in Chicago. The big summer festival season begins with this musical celebration in Millennium Park, Chicago's new favorite place. Admission is free. May 30-June 1.

Galena Arts Festival in Galena, Ill. There aren't enough places to shop in this northwest Illinois boutique village, so it's starting a new arts festival. May 31-June 1.

Spring Trail Rendezvous in Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. Volunteers hike the park's trails May 30-31 to map fallen trees and overgrown brush, then have dinner to celebrate and on June 1 explore the park by kayak or pontoon. Discounted lodgings are available. 612-333-5424.

Second weekend in June

Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island, Mich. Most of the events of this 59th annual festival charge a fee, except for the closing-day grand parade, but the island really is gorgeous when its lilacs are blooming (pictured). June 6-15.

Pirate Festival in Port Washington, Wis. 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 on the pirate schooner Windy, fireworks and a parade at noon Sunday. June 6-8.

Blues Festival in Chicago. This is the largest of Chicago's free music festivals, drawing 750,000 people to Grant Park. June 5-8.

Birding Festival in Sandstone, Minn. This environmental-learning center between the Twin Cities and Duluth is offering a great deal to birders: lodgings and meals, as well as field trips, speakers, raptor programs and bird-banding. Cost is $175 for one night and four meals ($155 for three or four to a room) and $219 ($199) for two nights and six meals. June 6-8.

Stãmman Scandinavian Folk Festival in Nisswa, Minn. This festival in the Brainerd Lakes area features visiting musicians from Denmark, Sweden and Norway as well as many North American folk musicians. June 6-7.

Butterfest in Sparta, Wis. There's the usual arts and crafts show, flea market and carnival but also a strongman contest, belly-dancing demonstrations, ventriloquism, a milking contest and butter-making demonstrations. The big parade starts at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. June 6-8.

Rhubarb Festival in Lanesboro, Minn. The festival in this southeast Minnesota hamlet is young but already beloved. 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 will entertain. June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Buffalo Days in Luverne, Minn. 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. Saturday. At nearby Blue Mounds State Park, free bison sandwiches are served from 11 a.m. Sunday and admission is free. June 6-8.

National Trails Day around the region. Check for events near you.

Third weekend in June

Fyr Bal Festival in Ephraim, Wis. It's the 44th annual Scandinavian midsummer festival in this Door County village (pictured). There's a regatta, historic walking tours, art fair, trolley rides, cake walk and, of course, a fish boil. The Fur Ball pet parade begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. June 13-15.

Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival in Worthington, Minn. This southern Minnesota town is a windsurfing hot spot and hosts the U.S. National Windsurfing Championships on Lake Okabena. There's an arts festival, too. June 11-15.

Steel Bridge SongFest in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Jackson Browne, Jane Wiedlin, Louise Goffin and 100 other musicians perform to benefit this town's historic canal bridge. June 12-14. For more, see Door to the Door.

St. Croix Riverfest in Solon Springs, Wis. This northwest Wisconsin festival at the headwaters of the St. Croix River marks the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. There will be a film festival, children's festival, canoe trips, pontoon tours and hikes on the North Country Trail. June 13-14.

Bridgefest in Houghton and Hancock, Mich. There's a cardboard-boat regatta, arm wrestling, family Olympics, rubber ducky derby and a 7 p.m. Friday parade between these towns, one on each side of the Keweenaw Peninsula's massive Portage Lift Bridge. June 13-15.

Stone Arch Festival of the Arts in Minneapolis. This festival around the scenic Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi features more than 250 jury-chosen artists and musicians on five stages. June 14-15.

Rhythm & Ribs Jazz and Blues Festival in Kansas City, Mo. It's in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. June 13-14.

Fourth weekend in June

Steamboat Days in Winona, Minn. The main event is the 12:31 p.m. Sunday parade, one of the region's largest; the popular South Shore Drill Team will be back. There's also a carnival, craft show, power-boat races and car show. June 18-22.

Polish Fest in Milwaukee. This big festival on the lakefront features lots of rollicking, zydeco-laced polka and hearty food. Just down the shoreline at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Lakefront Festival of Arts brings in many of the region's best artists. June 20-22.

Midsummer Fest at Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center in Coon Valley, Wis. This family festival 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. June 20-22.

Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minn. The harbor-side folk school on Lake Superior kicks off summer with food, dancing and displays. June 20-22.

Mad Celt Fest in Madison. This first festival, just north of the airport, includes Celtic music, dance and storytelling. June 21.

Musky Fest in Hayward, Wis. A carnival, crafts, ice cream-eating contest and lots of festivities downtown, capped by the 1:30 p.m. Sunday parade. June 19-22.

Strawberry Fest in Waupaca, Wis. The festival in this central-Wisconsin lakes area features a balloon rally, crafts show, trolley rides and plenty of shortcake. June 20-22.

Last weekend in June

Engineers Day, Tugboat Parade and Races and International Bridge Walk in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. It's the biggest weekend of the year at the Soo Locks, pictured. Engineers Day open house (people can walk across the locks) and tugboat parade, June 27. Bridge walk to Canada and tugboat races, June 28. Stay for Canada Day festivities in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., July 1.

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minn. Devoted fans and two original Munchkins still are making the annual pilgrimage to this northern Minnesota town, Garland's home until she was 4. June 26-28.

Water Ski Days, Lake City, Minn. A parade at 2 p.m. Sunday winds up this festival on Lake Pepin, where water-skiing was invented. June 27-29.

Summerfest in Milwaukee. They call this the world's largest music festival. Stevie Wonder, Rush, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Tim McGraw and Tom Petty are among the musicians performing on 11 stages along Lake Michigan. June 26-July 6.

Taste of Chicago. There's free music and non-stop family activities as well as cooking demonstrations and food from more than 65 restaurants at this huge festival in Grant Park. June 27-July 6.

Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg, Wis. During this popular event in an old mill town north of Milwaukee, you can get strawberries in everything — brats, wine, slush. June 28-29.

Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn. The motto of this large cultural festival is "You have a date to play Nordic.'' It's based at Moorhead's Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, known for its full-size re-created Viking ship that crossed the Atlantic in 1982. June 27-29.

Heidi Festival in New Glarus. Performances based on the children's book are featured in this heavily Swiss town near Madison, where nearly every building is a chalet. June 27-29.

First weekend in July

You won't have to look far for fireworks and festivities over the Fourth of July weekend.

But for an old-fashioned celebration, go to Madeline Island in Wisconsin for A Day on the Green. At 10 a.m., a home-grown parade ends with historical figures giving patriotic speeches at the museum. An art fair, barbecue and fireworks follow. July 4.

Near Milwaukee, an Old World Fourth of July includes a parade, band concert, patriotic hymn sing and frontier games at Old World Wisconsin, a large open-air heritage site. July 4.

In Baraboo, Wis., Circus World Museum is re-enacting Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, with trick riding, a stagecoach holdup and bank robbery and an appearance by sharpshooter Annie Oakley. July 4-6.

The Fourth also is a big weekend for powwows: at Red Cliff near Bayfield, the Red Lake Nation in northwest Minnesota, the Oneida Nation near Green Bay and in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., where the Sault Tribe holds a contest powwow. Grand entries generally are at 1 and 7 p.m. For more, see Powwow primer.

Other festivals include the Blues Festival in Marina Park in Thunder Bay, Ont., July 4-6, and Riverfest in La Crosse, Wis., July 2-6.

Second weekend in July

Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg. For many people, this easy-going, family-friendly festival (pictured) is the highlight of summer. Performers include Joan Armatrading, Ray Davies, Jakob Dylan and Peter Ostroushko. Many camp on-site at Birds Hill Provincial Park. July 10-13.

Heart of the North Rodeo in Spooner, Wis. Look for the four R's in this western Wisconsin town: roping, bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. A parade will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. July 10-12.

Great Midwest Dragon Boat Festival in Racine, Wis. See what happens when 20 people paddle a thousand-pound boat sporting scales and sharp teeth. A parade will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday. July 11-12. In St. Paul, a Dragon Festival is held on Lake Phalen. July 12-13.

Art Fair on the Square and Art Fair Off the Square in Madison. 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. July 12-13.

Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay. This is the big event of the year at North America's largest fur post, with a canoe brigade of more than 150 paddlers from across Canada arriving Saturday. July 10-14.

Bastille Days in Milwaukee. Look for minstrels, beignets, French lessons and a 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower in Cathedral Square Park. July 10-13.

Wacipi at the Prairie Island Indian Community near Red Wing, Minn. This Dakota powwow is a competition, so expect lots of flashy dancing. Grand entries are at 1 and 7 p.m. July 11-13.

Laura Ingalls Wilder pageants in Walnut Grove, Minn., and De Smet, S.D. Both pageants, based on the "Little House'' books, are held outside in the evenings. July 11-13, continuing July 18-20 and 25-27.

Karl Oskar Days in Lindström, Minn. This festival honors the fictional heroes of Vilhelm Moberg's "Emigrants'' novels. There's a Snuff Box treasure hunt, tug of war, 6 p.m. Saturday parade and 6 p.m. Sunday water-ski show and fireworks. July 9-13.

North of Superior Sea Kayaking Symposium in Thunder Bay, Ont. Wilderness Supply is hosting this inaugural festival on Lake Superior at Chippewa Park, on the south edge of town. Cost is $85, including clinics, tours, demos, a barbecue and a Friday-evening party. July 12-13.

Third weekend in July

Agate Days in Moose Lake, Minn. See the beautiful stones on display, then dig for them at 2 p.m. Saturday during the Agate Stampede (pictured), when a load of rocks seeded with 350 pounds agates and $300 in quarters is dumped downtown. Kids get first crack. July 19-20.

Knife River Music Festival on Minnesota's North Shore. Formerly known as the Two Harbors Folk Festival, it's being held in this Lake Superior fishing settlement on Scenic 61. An easy way to get there: the North Shore Scenic Railroad, which leaves Duluth at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, features live music from festival musicians on the ride and returns about 3 p.m. July 18-20.

Aquatennial in Minneapolis. This year, it celebrates the city's 150th anniversary. Highlights are the Nicollet Mall block party on July 18, Lake Calhoun milk-carton boat races on July 20, Hennepin Avenue Torchlight Parade on July 23 and Mississippi River fireworks show July 26.

Stockholm Art Fair in Stockholm, Wis. This hamlet on Lake Pepin becomes a shopping mecca on July 19.

Bavarian Blast in New Ulm, Minn. "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 at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. July 18-20.

Twin-O-Rama in Cassville, Wis. Twins (and triplets and so forth) are honored in this Mississippi River town. There's music, food, carnival rides and a parade at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. July 18-20.

MS TRAM, The Ride Across Minnesota. It's not too late to sign up for this do-good vacation on wheels, which this year is traveling from the Iron Range to Lake Superior, starting in Grand Rapids and following the Mesabi Trail to Chisholm, then continuing to Biwabik, Two Harbors and Duluth. July 20-25.

RAGBRAI, the Register's Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Passes are long gone, but many riders tag along anyway. This year, the 471-mile ride starts near Omaha and cuts through the middle of the state, with stops that include Ames, Tama, North Liberty (near Iowa City) and Tipton, ending at Le Claire, just north of the Quad Cities. July 20-26.

Fourth weekend in July

Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wis. You can't see this kind of thing just anywhere: cut-throat log rolling, boom running, springboard chopping and speed climbing (pictured) in competitions between the best modern-day jacks and jills. July 25-27. For more, see Hayward's lumberjacks.

Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa. 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. July 24-26. For more, see Nordic nirvana.

Three lakeside festivals in Clear Lake, Iowa. They're all in the pretty City Park of this northern Iowa town: Iowa Storytelling Festival, July 25-26, Art Sail juried show, July 26, and DixieFest, July 26-27.

Kickapoo Country Fair in La Farge, Wis. The festival in this hotbed of sustainable living features music, food, children's activities and a workshop and talk by pioneering author Frances Moore Lappé. July 26-27.

Lumberjack Days in Stillwater, Minn. This massive festival takes over the pretty St. Croix River town with lumberjack and dog shows and big musical acts (Soul Asylum, Bodeans, Boz Scaggs). An 1860s baseball festival starts at 11 a.m. Sunday and the big parade at 1:02 p.m. Sunday. July 23-27.

Waterama in Glenwood, Minn. This festival on the shores of Lake Minnewaska is famous for its lighted pontoon parade, 9:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by fireworks. At 1 p.m. Sunday, there's a parade on land, followed by a 3:30 p.m. water-ski show. July 24-27.

Blueberry Arts Festival in Ely, Minn., and Blueberry Festival in Lake George, Minn. Music, food and fun in Ely, gateway to the Boundary Waters, and Lake George, gateway to Itasca State Park. July 25-27.

North Star Stampede in Effie, Minn. 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.

Festival of Arts in Bayfield, Wis. There are few settings better for browsing than this village on Lake Superior. On Saturday, Bayfield artists hold a Gallery Walk. July 26-27.

Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival in Davenport, Iowa. Since 1972, fans of this Jazz Age cornetist and composer have held this festival in his hometown on the Mississippi. July 24-27.

Great Folle Avoine Fur Trade Rendezvous near Danbury, Wis. Re-enactors will occupy the banks of the Yellow River at this re-created North West Co. fur post. July 25-27.

First weekend in August

Three arts festivals in south Minneapolis: Uptown Art Fair, Powderhorn Art Fair and Loring Park Art Festival. Streets will be crowded; take the free Art Hop bus from the Midtown light-rail station. Or ride your bikes; the Midtown Greenway will deliver you straight to Uptown and passes three blocks from Powderhorn Park and a block from Loring Park (from the west end of the Greenway, take the Kenilworth Trail past Cedar Lake to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden). Uptown, Aug. 1-3; Powderhorn and Loring Park, Aug. 2-3.

Folklorama in Winnipeg. This Manitoba prairie town celebrates its heritage with pavilions representing 44 nationalities, offering music, dance and food at many venues. Aug. 3-16.

Fishermen's Picnic in Grand Marais, Minn. There's a lot going on at the North Shore's biggest festival, including loon-calling, log-rolling and rock-skipping contests; a boat parade at noon and cutest-puppy contest at 6 p.m. Saturday; and the grand parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. July 31-Aug. 3.

Buffalo Bill Days in Lanesboro, Minn. Ride the Root River State Trail then enjoy music, games and food in this bluff-country burg. Parade is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Aug. 1-3.

Taste of Dorset in Dorset, Minn. 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. 3.

Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, Wis. The fair in this Milwaukee suburb features lots of contests, including hog-calling, cookie-stacking and cream puff-eating. July 31-Aug. 10.

Brat Days in Sheboygan, Wis. This town on Lake Michigan is sausage central. There's music, a carnival, beer and, of course, a brat-eating contest. The parade is at 9 a.m. Saturday. July 31-Aug. 2.

Maritime Festival in Duluth, Minn. Three tall ships will arrive Thursday, then moor in the harbor and open for tours. Fireworks provide a backdrop Friday. Aug. 1-3.

Swissfest in Berne, Minn. This southern Minnesota hamlet near Pine Island puts on an Old World festival, with Swiss guests to yodel and demonstrate such crafts as Scherenschnitte, or scissor cutting. Aug. 2-3.

River City Days in Red Wing, Minn. 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 at 1 p.m. Sunday. Aug. 1-3.

African World Festival in Milwaukee. Another great heritage festival on the Lake Michigan waterfront. Aug. 1-3.

Pie Day in Braham, Minn. Minnesota's official Pie Capital near Cambridge holds pie-eating contests, a pie trivia contest and performances of the Pie-Alleuia Chorus. Aug. 1.

Second weekend in August

Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. See a diaper derby, outhouse races and mullet contest and don't miss the butter sculpture of a cow and, this year, Olympian gymnast and Des Moines native Shawn Johnson on a balance beam. The kick-off parade is at 6:15 p.m. Aug. 6 in downtown Des Moines. Aug. 7-17.

Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minn. This big heritage fest on the banks of the Mississippi includes an Irish Fair Idol contest, tugs of war, sheep-herding demonstrations, ceili classes, children's games and lots of music. Aug. 8-10.

National Water Ski Show Tournament in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Originally set to be held in Janesville, where the Rock River flooded in June, the elite Division I tournament now will be hosted by the Aqua Skiers at Lake Wazeecha in South Wood County Park. Aug. 8-10.

Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Festival in Richmond, Minn. This 29th annual family-friendly festival includes music on five stages and workshops at El Rancho Mañana Campground, 20 miles west of St. Cloud. Aug. 7-10. 

Fish Days in Lansing, Iowa. This village in northeast Iowa has one of the most picturesque settings on the Mississippi River. There will be a ping-pong tourney, river cruises, horse-drawn carriage rides, Saturday-night fireworks and a parade at 1 p.m. Sunday. Aug. 8-10.

Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth. The 20th annual music fest showcases national and regional acts on three stages. Aug. 7-10.

Third weekend in August

Air & Water Show in Chicago. The 50th annual free show starts at 3 p.m. Friday with the Blue Angels and Bill Murray parachuting to the North Avenue Beach with the Golden Knights, followed by a 5 p.m. concert by Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band, more aerobatics and 8:45 p.m. fireworks. Extreme flying, wave riding, water-skiing and wakeboarding continue. Aug. 15-17.

Oronoco Gold Rush in Oronoco, Minn. 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 Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 15-17.

Anishnawbe Keeshigun Native Festival in Thunder Bay. Fort William Historical Park hosts northwestern Ontario’s largest competition powwwow, which includes an arts and crafts market, music and the Grammy-nominated Northern Cree Drum. Aug. 15-17.

Venetian Festival in Lake Geneva, Wis. In this southeast Wisconsin vacation area, the festival includes a carnival, arts and crafts fair, firefighter water fight and, on Sunday, a 6 p.m. water-ski show followed by a lighted boat parade and fireworks.  Aug. 13-17.

Maritime Heritage Festival in Port Washington, Wis. Five tall ships hold a Parade of Sail at 6 p.m. Thursday to start this Lake Michigan festival. Tours of three are Friday-Sunday, and a fourth, the Appledore IV, offers day sails. There's a fireworks show Saturday. Aug. 15-17.

Fourth weekend in August

Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival in Superior, Wis. The festival on Barker's Island begins Friday with a parade of teams, fireworks and a concert by Lamont Cranston and continues Saturday with races in the harbor (pictured) and family entertainment. Aug. 22-23.

Porcupine Mountains Music Festival in Silver City, Mich. Few settings are more beautiful than Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on Lake Superior; 25 national and regional blues, folk and bluegrass acts will perform. Aug. 22-24.

Boundary Waters Blues Festival in Ely, Minn. Here's another music festival with a beautiful north-woods setting, Fall Lake east of town. Aug. 21-23.

Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee. Another big heritage festival at the Henry Maier festival park on Lake Michigan, this year with a rodeo. Aug. 22-24.

Potato Days in Barnesville, Minn. This goofy central-Minnesota festival features mashed-potato sculpting, a golden potato hunt, potato car races, a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head contest, peeling and eating contests and a 5:30 p.m. Saturday parade. Aug. 22-23.

Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul. It's the annual extravaganza of competitions, concerts, carnival rides and food on a stick. Aug. 21-Sept. 1.

Latin Music Festival in Chicago. Hear non-stop concerts, all free, in Grant Park on Lake Michigan. Aug. 23-24.

Artstreet in Green Bay, Wis. Artists, performers and craft and food stands will fill streets downtown near the Fox River. Aug. 22-24.

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, Mackinac Island, Mich. Besides fudge, there will be hiking and biking tours, music, dance and extreme kite flying. Aug. 22-23.

Labor Day weekend

Mackinac Bridge Walk across Michigan's Mackinac Straits. Once a year, on Labor Day, people can walk across the five-mile span, the third-longest suspension bridge in the world. Sept. 1.

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw in Prairie du Sac, Wis. There's chip-chucking contests in this Wisconsin River town, but also music, kids' games and an arts and crafts fair. Sassy folk singers Lou and Peter Berryman perform Friday night, and the Tournament of Chips parade is at noon Saturday. Aug. 29-30.

Wilhelm Tell Festival in New Glarus, Wis. This Swiss town near Madison has been putting on an outdoor William Tell pageant, with one performance in German, since 1938. A children's lantern parade is on Friday, and festivities include yodeling, an arts show and ethnic fashions. Aug. 29-31.

Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary in Milwaukee. The whole town is the venue for this big festival, which features a Bruce Springsteen concert Saturday, street parties, concerts by Foghat and the Foo Fighters, bike shows and riding competitions. A 4½-mile parade from 9 a.m. Saturday ends at the Summerfest grounds on Lake Michigan. Aug. 27-31.

Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, Minn. 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. 29-Sept. 1.

Chicago Jazz Festival.  The 30th edition of this free festival opens with a Thursday evening concert by Sonny Rollins in Millennium Park, then moves to adjoining Grant Park for three days of music, ending with a concert by Ornette Coleman. Aug. 28-31.

Riverblast in New Ulm, Minn. This festival along the Minnesota River features free camping, a fishing contest, horse-drawn trolley rides, a bike tour, music and a river parade and flotilla at 1 p.m. Saturday. Aug. 29-30.

Marquette Area Blues Fest in Marquette, Mich. Two days of music in Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior. Aug. 30-31.

Festival of Iowa Beers in Amana, Iowa. Sample craft beers at Millstream Brewing Co., Iowa's oldest microbrewery. Aug. 31.

First weekend in September

Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield, Minn. There's a riverfront fine-arts festival, rodeo and Saturday bike tour in this town, a hour south of the Twin Cities, but don't miss the re-enactments of the famous bank raid (6 and 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday). The Grand Parade is at 2 p.m. Sunday.  Sept. 3-7.

Rock Bend Folk Festival in St. Peter, Minn. This free, easygoing festival in this Minnesota River town's Minnesota Square Park features Watermelon Slim, Lehto & Wright and local favorites The Divers. Sept. 6-7.

St. Paul Classic Bike Tour in St. Paul. Ride a 15-, 30- or 45-mile route along the Mississippi, lakes Como and Phalen and St. Paul parkways, starting and ending at the University of St. Thomas and punctuated by food and live music. Sept. 7.

Boulevard Lakefront Tour in Chicago. Ride the 15-mile South Side Ramble, the 35-mile Boulevard Tour or the 62-mile Ultimate Neighborhood Ride; there's a festival afterward at Midway Plaisance, the start and finish. Sept. 7.

Sputnikfest in Manitowoc, Wis. In 1962, a piece of the satellite Sputnik 4 landed in front of the Rahr-West Art Museum. Now, this port town on Lake Michigan is celebrating with an Artta This World art fair, a family space walk, a costume contest and build-your-own Sputniks. Sept. 5-6.

James J. Hill Days in Wayzata, Minn. The festival in this western suburb of Minneapolis is best known for its dachshund races, in which more than 100 dogs compete in the hurdles, sprints and sofa jump, followed by a costume contest and smart pet tricks. Races start at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wayzata West Middle School. 952-473-9595. There's also an arts and crafts fair, kids' carnival and parade at 1 p.m. Sunday on Lake Street. Sept. 6-7.

Indian Summer Festival in Milwaukee. It's in Henry Maier Festival Park and features a powwow, fireworks, lacrosse tournament, fine arts and tribal village. Sept. 5-7.

Villa Louis Carriage Classic in Prairie du Chien, Wis. The Victorian estate on the Mississippi River hosts horses, restored carriages and drivers in period dress for competitive arena and cross-country sport driving, a passion of the frontier aristocrats who built it. Sept. 6-7.

Pufferbilly Days in Boone, Iowa. This festival in central Iowa, just west of Ames is named for a steam engine and features a spike-driving contest, parachute jumps, mud volleyball and rides on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. A parade starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Sept. 4-7.

Second weekend in September

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days in Pepin, Wis. The famous author was born in the bluffs above this Mississippi River town, which celebrates with guided bus tours to the birth site, kids' pioneer games, traditional music and crafts and a Pepin Laura contest that tests knowledge of the "Little House'' books. The Grand Parade is at 2 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 13-14.

Minneapolis Bike Tour. Ride a 14- or 27-mile route on parkways along the Mississippi and the Chain of Lakes. Start and finish is Parade Field, across from the Walker Art Center; there's a party afterward. Sept. 14.

Celtic Fest in Chicago. This free festival in Grant Park celebrates the music and traditions of the seven Celtic nations, including sheepherding and Scottish heavy athletics. Sept. 13-14.

Younger Brothers Capture in Madelia, Minn. Sept. 13. A three-part re-enactment in town and in the countryside shows what happened in a small western Minneota town after Northfield chased off the Jesse James gang. There's also music, dancing and a gunslinger show. Sept. 13.

Ethnic Fest in Walker, Minn. Alphornists, Irish and Czech-Slovak dancers, an Andean band, the Winnipeg Bag Pipe Band and the Great Anishinaabe Nation Drum and Dance Corps perform in this town on the shores of Leech Lake. There's also a Viking encampment and an 11 a.m. parade. Sept. 13.

Wo-Zha-Wa Days Fall Festival in Wisconsin Dells. There's a juried arts and crafts show, street carnival and parade at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 12-14.




Last updated on September 3, 2008