On the road: Millennium Park hosts Monday concerts in August

Chicago

Variations on a theme

Discover a new wave of music that mixes pop and alternative genres with classical music on Mondays in August in Millennium Park. Dusk Variations will kick off with the two-time Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island Quartet.

6:30 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 1-29, at Millennium Park, North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street. Free. Visit millenniumpark.org.

Baby, what a big surprise

Parents-to-be can relax and bask in a prenatal glow with a two-night stay as part of the Babymoon Package at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. The package includes a deluxe suite along with a prenatal massage for Mom, a Trump Classic Massage for Dad and other amenities.

Available through Dec. 30 at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, 401 N. Wabash. The package starts at $1,495 for a two-night stay. Call (312) 588-8000 or visit trumpchicagohotel.com.

Great 'hood gets groovy

A flashback weekend of fun at the Retro on Roscoe street festival features three blocks of global cuisine, entertainment, an antique car show, a children's area with family activities and artisan vendors. Acts like Hairbanger's Ball, 7th Heaven, American English and the Motown sound of R-Gang will hit the stage. There also will be Chicago's Windy City Chili Cook-Off with contestants trying to win a spot at the World Chili Championship.

Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-7, between the 2000 and 2300 blocks of west Roscoe Street in Chicago. Visit retroonroscoe.com.

Midwest

Corn dogs and cow milking

More than 70 county fair queens will be part of the first day of the Illinois State Fair. Each day of the fair has its own unique theme, such as Veteran's Day, Family Day or Agricultural Day. Entertainment includes 3 Doors Down, Jeff Dunham, Oak Ridge Boys and .38 Special in addition to 12 free entertainment stages throughout the fairgrounds. The Ethnic Village will feature food and entertainment with an international flair. There also is a Hobbies, Arts & Crafts Stage for live demonstration and contests and a Kids Korner.

7 a.m. to midnight Friday to Sunday, August 12-21. Admission is $5 for adults 13 and older; $2 for children (5-12) and seniors (60 and older); children younger than 5 admitted free; discounts for veterans, seniors and families on specific days. Visit illinoisstatefair.info or call (217) 782-0775.

Brat stop

Brat Days is a one-of-a-kind brat experience in Sheboygan, Wis. Free entertainment includes lots of live bands such as the Spin Doctors. There also will be a brat-eating contest and brat trot race and more food than you can shake a sausage at.

5 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 5, and noon to midnight Saturday, Aug. 6, at Kiwanis Park in Sheboygan. Visit Brat-days.com.

Fairy fine fellows

If a yearly visit to a local Renaissance Faire can't twist your knickers, head to Vasa Park in South Elgin for the World of Faeries Festival. Browse fairy art and crafts, magic shows, sword-fighting demos, belly dancing and lots of folk music.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, children 12 and younger admitted free. Visit theworldoffaeries.com or call (815) 788-1630.

Worth the trip

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication in Aug. 28 promises to be a historic event for the U.S. and nations around the world. The ceremony will be the culmination of a week of events. Although tickets to the event were very limited, Destination DC has been awarded exclusive rights to offer combination hotel and ticket packages. Visitors can book a two-night stay at one of 16 Washington, D.C., hotels.

Call (855) 201-1655 or visit washington.org/MLK.