Midwest travel: The water's great at Quad Cities' Floatzilla
Chicago
Festa Italiana turns 10
Celebrate your amore for Italian food, culture and fashion at the 10th annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana in Chicago's historic Little Italy. Explore the neighborhood's renowned restaurants, plus take in Italian style singers, an Italian dance ensemble performing the tarantella, a chance to learn Italian card games, buy Italian-themed art and Christmas ornaments, and compete in meatball- and cannoli-eating contests. Bring the kids for the children's stage and tent with fun activities, too. 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 18-19; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, on Taylor Street between Ashland Avenue and Racine Street, Chicago. starevents.com/festivals/festa-italiana/.
European pocket
The Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago's historic Rogers Park neighborhood has a European ambience, narrow cobblestone streets, murals and quaint storefronts. A great time to experience the neighborhood is during the 15th annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, a free, weekend-long arts festival that features more than 120 artists, open studios and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. Shop for handmade arts and crafts, sample items from local food and drink vendors and bring the kids for their own activities. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, at 6900 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. Free. glenwoodave.org/.
Laugh about it
Who doesn't need a few laughs nowadays? Take advantage of The Langham, Chicago 's "Laughter is the Best Medicine" package. One of Chicago's finest hotels teams up with Second City for a package that includes two tickets to Second City's 104th revue, "Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu," a Laugh Lines Facial treatment for two at Chuan Spa, and dinner for two at Travelle Kitchen + Bar, featuring a new chef de cuisine and menu. Valid through Sept. 25 and based on availability with two weeks advance notice prior to the Second City performance guests intend on attending. The Langham, Chicago, is at 330 N. Wabash, Chicago. Rates vary. To book, call (312) 923-9988 or see langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago/.
Midwest
Down to the waterline
Lake Geneva Venetian Festival brings live music, a carnival, an arts and crafts fair, a water ski show and, of course, a boat parade to the popular summer resort town. The theme for the 54th annual festival is the Olympics. The boat parade is held on Sunday night on Geneva Lake beginning at dusk with a fireworks display afterward. 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 17-19, and noon to midnight Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, at Flat Iron, Seminary and Library Parks, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. venetianfest.com/.
Rock and paddle
A perfect weekend to visit the Quad Cities is approaching with two vibrant events. The 25th annual Ya Maka My Weekend is a two-day fest featuring reggae bands, steel drums, Caribbean and tropical music on two stages, Caribbean food, an open-air marketplace, palm trees and a sand beach. River Action's Floatzilla is the largest celebration of paddling on the Mississippi River. The Quad Cities seventh annual paddle sports festival culminates with a Guinness World Record attempt at the largest flotilla of kayaks and canoes on the protected backwaters of Lake Potter at Sunset Marina in Rock Island, Illinois. Ya Maka My Weekend takes place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-20, on the Great River Plaza in The District in downtown Rock Island, Illinois. yamakamyweekend.com/. River Action's Floatzilla takes place on Saturday, Aug. 20. floatzilla.org/.
Treasure trove in Long Grove
Long Grove presents its first Vintage Days - an open-air summer marketplace for vintage, antique, reclaimed, repurposed, upcycled and handmade goods. Pickers will love the new, free two-day event with street food, live Bluegrass and Rock music, an old-fashioned ice cream social, a penny carnival, craft beer and wine and an array of activities for kids. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20-21, in downtown Long Grove. Free admission and parking. longgrove.org/festivals/vintage-days/.