Calendar

In Rockford, soldiers take the battlefield

A Victorian-era village in Rockford, Ill., transforms into a battlefield each year as actors dressed as Allied and German soldiers storm the field and re-enact battles from World War II. Visit Midway Village & Museum Center Sept. 22 and 23 and take part in the action as more than 300 members of the Historical Re-enactment Society Inc. bring the battlefield to life with real pyrotechnics during the Midway Village World War II Re-enactment. Watch as tanks, armored cars and infantry go into combat, listen to the simulated boom of guns and explosives and look through the fire and smoke from cannons and artillery as the fight continues. View authentic military camps, chat with re-enactors and get an in-depth look at World War II uniforms, weapons, gear and even war vehicles, such as tanks and half-tracks. In the village, see authentic German and Allied headquarters and learn how women took part in the war. Shop for World War II memorabilia and celebrate with a USO-style dance Saturday evening in the 1950s-era barn. Admission is free to those who come in a 1940s costume. Midway Village also offers free admission to World War II veterans. (72 miles from O'Hare, (815) 397-9112, www.midwayvillage.com)

Experience Bavaria in Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest celebrates German culture and heritage in "Michigan's Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth, Mich. On Sept. 20-23 visitors will enjoy the sights, sounds, taste and traditions of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is the first Oktoberfest outside of Munich to be sanctioned by the Parliament and the city of Munich. Authentic German foods will be served and German beers will be available along with the traditional Bavarian Inn pretzels. New this year is Frankenmuth Carnivals with inflatable rides for the kids. (316 miles from O'Hare, (800) 386-3378, www.frankenmuthfestivals.com)

Galena has history buffs in mind

Events in and around Galena, Ill., this month have a historical focus.

On Sept. 22 and 23 the 40th annual Tour of Historic Homes features a guided tour of four private historic homes plus the 1858 Daniel Barrows mansion, now home to the Galena History Museum. Maps and a shuttle will be available.

Old Market Day -- Skills From the Hills on Sept. 22 will be a turn-of-the-last-century open-air market in Old Market House Square with produce, baked goods, jams, jellies and Rada cutlery. There will be music, a craft fair and heritage skill demonstrations.

In nearby Elizabeth, Ill., frontier life will be re-created by costumed interpreters at the Apple River Settlement. A variety of seasonal chores will be demonstrated during Living History Demonstrations Sept. 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30.

(148 miles from O'Hare, (800) 464-2536, www.galena.org/g5-bin/index.cgi)

Food and music on the menu in St. Louis

Top restaurants in St. Louis, Mo., will serve tastes from their menus during Taste of St. Louis Sept. 21-23 at Gateway Mall. In addition to the food, there will be national music acts, a culinary competition, beer garden, artists village, marketplace, art car exhibit and family fun and sports zone. (300 miles from O'Hare, (314) 534-2100, www.tastestl.com, www.explorestlouis.com)

Auction funds world relief

One of the largest quilt auctions in the world takes place during the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale in Goshen, Ind., Sept. 21 and 22. Along with auctions of antiques, new and used items and a silent auction, there will be a smorgasbord of food, crafts and entertainment including live music and horse-and-carriage rides. The event raises funds for worldwide relief efforts. (139 miles from O'Hare, (574) 534-1735, www.mennonitesale.org)

Unwind with autumn festival in Amana

You'll find a bit of Bavaria in Iowa's Amana Colonies Sept. 28-30. The century-old Festhalle Barn in Amana, Iowa, provides the perfect setting for nonstop entertainment, dance and German-style foods and beverages during Oktoberfest. Along with a parade, there will be autumn-themed events, street vendors and entertainment at restaurants and Millstream Brewing Co. Games include the keg toss, bratwurst eating and cross-cut sawing. (244 miles from O'Hare, (800) 579-2294, www.festivalsinamana.com/oktoberfest.html)

Far

Take a tour of 'Canada's Provence'

From Sept. 28-30, the Third Annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival will celebrate Vancouver Island wines, culinary excellence and original music and art. Wineries and farms of the Cowichan Valley, 45 minutes north of Victoria, British Columbia, invite visitors to their doorsteps to experience the best of the region firsthand. Cowichan Valley means the "warm land" in the native Indian language and boasts the longest growing season in Canada. The region is developing a reputation as "Canada's Provence" for its high-quality, niche food products and wines locally produced and harvested by a handful of farms and producers who together create a cast of local culinary characters. ((888) 303-3337, http://wines.cowichan.net)

Go fly a kite near Niagara Falls

Top kite fliers from around the world will converge in Lewiston, N.Y., to challenge the "Mighty Niagara" during the Niagara International Kite Festival Sept. 27-30. Participants from dozens of countries will compete in the only kite event that attempts to re-enact a historical event: the Homan Walsh kite contest of 1848. The original contest was designed to secure a line across the Niagara gorge to facilitate the building of the area's first suspension bridge. Despite many obstacles, 15-year-old Homan Walsh successfully flew the first line across the turbulent gorge. He won $10 -- at that time an impressive sum. This year, participants will also attempt to connect the U.S. and Canada with a handcrafted arch of diamond kites brought from Switzerland for the festival. Kite fliers from all across the U.S., Canada, England, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Israel and Tasmania have already registered. Along with kite flying, there will be exhibits, kite-making workshops and kite-flying demonstrations. ((877) 325-5787, www.niagara-usa.com, www.niagarakite.com)

• Event details are subject to change; contact organizers for updated information.