On the road: Catch a groove at Hyde Park Jazz Fest

Chicago

Dig it, Daddy-O

The South Side neighborhood plays host to two days and nights of dazzling grooves and improvised tunes during the eighth annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Nearly 40 jazz acts, including world-class headliners and local emerging artists, converge upon 15 traditional and unexpected indoor and outdoor cultural venues such as the DuSable Museum, Kenwood Academy, Hyde Park Bank, Oriental Institute and Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House. Highlights include a world premiere by pianist Craig Taborn and performances by the Art Hoyle Quintet and cellist Tomeka Reid.

1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 27, and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at various venues in Hyde Park. The fest is free, but a $5 donation is requested. Get a schedule at hydeparkjazzfestival.org or call (312) 745-2470 for more information.

Snooze and the city

Get away from the grind at the historic Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago with the “Fall Into Autumn” package. Enjoy 10 percent off its Best Flexible Rates, 10 percent off food and beverage, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Designed by renowned architects Rissman and Hirschfield, the gothic-inspired hotel was formerly the Playboy Hotel in the 1970s and boasted a speak-easy on the 14th floor during Prohibition. Celebrating its 87th anniversary, the Knickerbocker is within walking distance to Rush Street, Water Tower Place, Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. Rooms and suites feature plush bedding, spa rain showers in the bathrooms, and access to a 24-hour fitness center.

Valid now through Nov. 30 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, 163 E. Walton Place. Rates start at $199 per night. (312) 751-8100 or millenniumhotels.com.

Wild West Town

West Town's thriving art scene takes over the hip neighborhood for the fourth annual West Town Art Walk. Stroll up and down Chicago Avenue and enjoy fashion, visual, performance, culinary and musical art. The free Art Walk features discounts at coffee shops, special tastings at restaurants, pop-up-galleries, complimentary rickshaw rides for transporting guests throughout the event and after-parties at many participating businesses. Many venues will also run their own exclusive promotions and sales during this time.

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, on Chicago Avenue from Milwaukee to Western. Free admission. (312) 850-9390 or westtownartwalk.com.

Midwest

Sail to Madison via rail

Pullman Rail Journeys offers first-class rail service between Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin, for the first time on the line since 1971. “The Varsity,” a name used in reference to the original Milwaukee Road train on the Chicago-Madison line, features restored rail cars pulled by vintage streamlined locomotives so you can get a feeling for what inter-city rail travel was like in its golden age. Modern amenities include comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Only a few round-trip departures will be available for purchase, so reserve your spot soon. Two-night hotel accommodations can be arranged through the Pullman reservation center. Same-day round trip on Oct. 11 is designed for those attending the Big 10 Illinois at Wisconsin football game at Camp Randall Stadium. Guests will detrain steps from the stadium.

Friday through Sunday, Oct. 3-5; same-day round trip on Saturday, Oct. 11, departing from Chicago Union Station. Fares are $99 for Coach class and $199 First Class, which includes a seat in restored, midcentury dome cars, and onboard meals and beverages, including spirits. Buy rail-only tickets at Travel Pullman.com/Varsity or by calling (888) 978-5563.

Ah-maze-ing

The theme and design of the World's Largest and Most Intricate Corn Maze near Spring Grove, Illinois, is the 200th Anniversary of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry, when Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. The Richardson Adventure Farm's 14th maze is 28 acres with ships, cannons, soldiers, ramparts, an ocean and a rising sun. You can walk a portion of the 11 miles of trails that comprise the design, or the whole thing. In addition, there are activities like pedal carts, a giant slide, jumping pillows, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, corn cannons, pig races, farm animals, a paintball gallery, zorb rides and a zip line. A special fenced area for kids has barrel swings, pedal trikes, a child-sized zip line and a jumping pillow.

3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; now through Nov. 2, plus Columbus Day (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.), at 909 English Prairie Road, Spring Grove. Most activities are included in the admission fee, which is $13 for teens and adults, $10 for children 4-12, free for children younger than 4. (815) 675-9729 or RichardsonAdventureFarm.com.

Lots o' brats

Hosted by Crystal Lake's Raue Center for the Arts, Rauetoberfest showcases traditional food, music and family activities in a German festival setting. Hear live music from Modern Day Romeos as well as oompah sounds courtesy of German bands. Kids get in on a Kinder fest — a mini Oktoberfest all to themselves with lots of free activities. Expect food vendors and a beer garden under a tent.

4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, at 100 S. Main St., Crystal Lake. Entry is $5-$8. (815) 356-9212 or rauecenter.org.