Midwest travel: Head to Chicago for Lakeview arts fest, City Made Fest
Chicago
Arty party
The 11th Annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts takes over that diverse, culturally rich neighborhood for a weekend. The 2015 festival showcases more than 150 juried artists exhibiting original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Explore artists' booths, live music on multiple stages, the interactive children's area, as well as wine and food booths. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on Broadway from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Street. Admission is a $5 donation. Those who donate will be entered to win round-trip tickets to any scheduled destination serviced by Southwest Airlines. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.
Born in Chicago
We may have lost Frango Mints, but Chicago still boasts a sweet collection of goods made right here. And the Third Annual City Made Fest celebrates everything that's Chicago-made. In fact, it's the only fest showcasing artisan vendors, craft beer, food and music that's home-grown. Enjoy music by Eleventh Dream Day, Housesitters, The Aunteaks, PM Buys, and Carla Prather & Company, among the live entertainment and local beer by Andersonville Brewing, Aquanaut, Atlas, Empirical, Finch's, Half Acre, Lake Effect and others. Browse art prints, ceramics, jewelry, body-care products, handmade treats, comics, clothing, handcrafted furniture, bicycles, pet accessories and Chicago-themed home goods. Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, from 5000 N. to 5100 N. Clark St., between Argyle and Carmen, Chicago. Admission is a $5 suggested donation. www.andersonville.org/events/andersonville-city-made-fest.
Midwest
Hey lady!
Ladies Getaway in Galena features a PJ party at the Galena Brewing Company with live music; a next day Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar; plus lots of raffles, shopping, tours and entertainment. Stores on Main Street will have special promotions and sales as well as drawings throughout the entire weekend. Get the gals together to sample wine at various local wineries and tasting rooms; try kayaking, zip lining, canoeing or paddle boarding; enjoy live music Friday and Saturday night at different locations on Main Street; tour Grant's home and the history museum; take a trolley or ghost tour; and have some good old laugh-out-loud fun watching a magic show and a hypnosis demo. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11-13, in Galena, Illinois. Rates at Galena inns and hotels vary. For more information, see facebook.com/ladiesgetawaygalena or bestofgalena.com.
Lake Lawn ladles it out
Get ready for the second annual Wine and Food Festival at nearby Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin. Friday night's wine dinner features guest sommeliers; bring your credit card for a wine and food vendor showcase on Saturday. You can sample among more than 125 domestic and international wines and champagnes while top area restaurants provide complimentary bites throughout the day. Get in on an expert-led seminar to learn about pairing, too. Count on live entertainment, a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Walworth County Boys & Girls Club, a goody bag and a commemorative wineglass. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin. Tickets for the Wine Maker's Dinner are $65 per person and The Great Taste are $40 per person. Inclusive Wine & Food Festival stay packages start at $649 for two nights, plus resort fee and taxes, and include admission to the Wine Maker's Dinner and The Great Taste for two adults. To purchase tickets or to make a reservation, call (800) 338-5253 or visit LakeLawnResort.com.
Burnin' for you
For those who have a hankering for the hot stuff, Chilimania, in Edgerton, Wisconsin, is the place to be next weekend. The heated event includes the Wisconsin State Championship CASI-Sanctioned Chili Cook-Off, a traditional chili cooking contest, public chili tasting, the best Bloody Mary competition and a salsa contest. There will be 12 hours of live blues, Dixieland, rock and Irish music, and plenty for timid eaters like frozen cheesecake, brats and burgers, pizza, hot dogs and ice cream. 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday, Sept. 12, in downtown Edgerton, Wisconsin. Admission is $7 per person and free for kids 12 and younger. (608) 561-7566 or chilimania.com.