On the road: Fly in to Oshkosh's AirVenture

Let it fly

AirVenture 2011, a weeklong event held in Oshkosh, Wis., is the world's largest fly-in. See the Boeing 787 on display for the first time in the U.S., witness a rare nighttime air show, browse the largest collection of naval aircraft spanning all eras ever assembled in one location and see the Zeppelin NT, the world's largest flying airship. Additional activities and attractions include a children's hangar, concerts by REO Speedwagon and more than 10,000 airplanes.

Monday to Sunday, July 25-31, at EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, Wis. Daily tickets cost $37 for adults; $30 for veterans and active military; $20 for students 6 to 18 and free for kids 5 and younger. On July 31, students will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Visit airventure.org.

Chicago

Cutting-edge fest

If you've yet to explore the uber-hip neighborhood of Wicker Park, consider doing so during Wicker Park Fest. The eighth annual neighborhood festival features a flotilla of music from the avant-garde to the timely, eclectic art, clubs and bars, shops and restaurants.

Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24, at Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Wood Street. $5 donation. Call (773) 384-2672 or visit wickerparkfestchicago.com.

Garden party

Visit more than 100 beautiful neighborhood gardens on a self-guided tour during the 43rd Annual Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival. In addition to the gardens, take guided architectural tours, visit Master Gardener experts who will answer questions and provide handouts, and enjoy live entertainment by bands like Soul Asylum and Poi Dog Pondering. There will be food and drink and activities for children.

Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24, at Webster Avenue and Sheffield Street in Chicago. Admission $7, $10 after 3 p.m. Call (773) 929-9255 or visit sheffieldfestivals.org.

Call of the wild

Now in its 18th season, Jammin' at the Zoo offers entertainment in the classic Chicago setting of Lincoln Park Zoo. Concerts are held on the zoo's south lawn. This year see Sugar Ray with Bronze Radio Return. Bring a blanket or small chairs because it's lawn seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by the Kovler Lion House and Kovler Sea Lion Pool, which will be open during the event. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Lincoln Park Zoo's animals and programs.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Advance sales $23 for adults, $12 for children ages 4 to 12. Gate admission: $28 for adults, $14 for children. Call (312) 742-2000 or visit lpzoo.org/events/calendar/jammin-zoo.

Midwest

Hey, baby

Perhaps you developed a sophisticated palate from your first taste of strained beets? Revisit your baby foodie days in the hometown of Gerber Products in Fremont, Mich., during the 21st annual National Baby Food Festival. Watch the baby food cook-off, baby food eating contests and a real baby crawl, visit the Kid Zone with games and arts and crafts, enjoy a midway full of rides and a parade. Entertainment will include Blue Oyster Cult with special guest Mid-Life Crisis.

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 20; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 21-22; and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 23, on Main Street in Fremont, Mich. Call (800) 592-2229 or visit nbff.org.

The Mozart effect

Woodstock will host its annual Mozart Festival over three weekends in the historic Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren St. This year's performances include Mozart's Symphony No. 25; Beethoven's Symphony No. 1; and Barber's Adagio for Strings.

8 p.m. Saturdays, July 30, Aug. 6 and 13; and 3 p.m. Sundays, July 31, Aug. 7 and 14. Single tickets cost $30 to $52 and $90 to $140 for three performances. Call (815) 338-5300 or visit mozartfest.org.

Worth the trip

It's summer camp for adults, except it's in September and held at one of the most popular lodges in the national park system. The popular Roosevelt Rendezvous offers daytime field excursions followed by comfortable lodging at night in the historic Roosevelt Lodge. Participants will stay at the lodge for four nights, enjoy wildlife watching as well as forays into areas with Yellowstone's renowned thermal and geologic features. Hikers can feel like they have the trails to themselves. The program includes four nights in private cabins with bathroom facilities nearby, expert instruction from naturalists/guides, in-park transportation and meals.

Sessions begin Sept. 9, 13 and 17. Rates are $729 per person for single occupancy and $859 per person for double occupancy. Rates do not include taxes or utility fees. Call (866) 439-7375 for rates and reservations.