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Travel to Scotland in Michigan

Alma Highland Festival & Games, Alma, Mich., May 24 and 25. Now in its 41st year, this annual celebration of Scottish tradition, pageantry and competitive spirit includes piping, drumming and band competitions and performances, dancing and fiddling, athletic events, a parade, exhibitors, traditional foods and a mass band of some 1,000 pipers and drummers. Celebrate at a ceilidh (party) on Saturday night. (273 miles from O'Hare, (989) 463-8979, www.almahighlandfestival.com)

See aerial acrobats in Wisconsin

Southern Wisconsin AirFEST, Janesville, Wis., May 24 and 25. Astounding feats of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In addition to breath-taking aerial demonstrations, military and civilian displays and other aircraft exhibitors are scheduled at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport between Beloit and Janesville. (90 miles from O'Hare, (608) 754-5405, www.swairfest.org)

Be young at heart in Loves Park

Young at Heart Festival, Loves Park, Ill., May 23-26. Amusement rides, food vendors, a beer garden, fireworks and great music. Admission $8 for four days. (71 miles from O'Hare, (815) 633-3999, www.youngatheartfestival.com)

Indulge your taste for chocolate

Chocolate Festival, Burlington, Wis., May 23-26. Chocolate sculptures, cooking demos, live entertainment, chocolate-eating contests, a parade, a carnival, chocolate Olympics, a craft fair and a wide assortment of free chocolate delicacies. All chocolate-related activities will be held in the air-conditioned Chocolate Kingdom. (60 miles from O'Hare, (262) 763-3300, www.chocolatefest.com)

Tour historic homes in Rock Island

Broadway Historic District Tour of Homes, Rock Island, Ill., May 17 and 18. Celebration of the Broadway District's historic status will be highlighted by tours of eight historic homes, food vendors, a tea and tour of the stunning Wagner House. A separate ticket, admission fee of $10, will be required for the tea and tour of the Wagner House. Tickets for adults: $15; children younger than 12 are free. (169 miles from O'Hare, (800) 747-7800, www.broadwaydistrict.org)

Michigan's state stone gets a party

Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival, Eastport, Mich., May 24. Recognizes Michigan's official state stone, which is actually a fossil. These pieces of Great Lakes Devonian reef are unique to Northern Michigan. The day includes a stone-skipping contest, arts and crafts featuring the stone, and local foods and music. (379 miles from O'Hare, (231) 533-6265, www.petoskeystonefestival.com)

Revolutionary War relived in Indiana

Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, Vincennes, Ind., May 24 and 25. One of the largest living-history events in the Midwest features Revolutionary War battles, authentic early-American food, merchants and traders. (280 miles from O'Hare, (812) 888-7079, www.spiritofvincennes.org)

Run across the 'Mighty Mac'

Mackinaw Memorial Weekend Celebration, Mackinaw City, Mich., May 24-26. Runners will cross the Mackinac Bridge in the Fifth Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race early Saturday, followed by the state's largest Memorial Parade at 1 p.m. A highlight each afternoon is the re-enactment of the 1763 American Indian siege of Fort Michilimackinac by more than 400 performers. Fireworks light the sky over the Straits of Mackinac on Sunday evening. (415 miles from O'Hare, (888) 455-8100, www.mackinawcity.com)

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Pack your eye patch for Virginia

Blackbeard Pirate Festival, Hampton, Va., May 31 and June 1. Join Blackbeard and his crew at Mill Point Park to see the notorious Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, as he fights his final battle versus Lt. Maynard of the Royal Navy. This family festival celebrates living history and returns the waterfront to the way of life in 1718. Experience full-scale sea battles, tall ships, treasure hunts, sea shanties, historic re-enactments, a pirate camp, strolling entertainers and a fireworks spectacular. ((757) 727-0900, www.blackbeardpiratefestival.com)

Smell the roses in Oregon's 'Rose City'

Portland Rose Festival, Portland, Ore., May 29 through June 8. Grand Floral Parade, June 7, with all-flower floats is largest single-day spectator event in the state. Festival also includes concerts, waterfront carnival, rose competition, fireworks, dragon boat race, home and garden tour and tall ships. ((888) 591-7673, www.rosefestival.org)

Get cultured in Charleston, S.C.

Spoleto Festival, Charleston, S.C., May 23 through June 8. The annual festival features 140 performances that include artists and ensembles from around the world in about 45 productions. Among the offerings are two operas, theatrical presentations, a jazz series, the Boston Ballet, chamber music and Laurie Anderson's "Homeland." Tickets range from $10 to $150. ((843) 579-3100, www.spoletousa.org)

Celebrate the arts in Toronto

Luminato, Toronto's Festival of Arts & Creativity, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 6-15. Celebration of dance, music, theater, film, literature and visual arts. Includes Canadian and world premieres, international collaborations, multi-media presentations and educational and community outreach. ((416) 872-1111, www.luminato.com)

Idaho resort stages food and wine fest

Sun Valley Food and Wine Festival, Sun Valley, Idaho, June 6-8. Celebration will feature epicurean delights and award-winning libations in a series of seminars, cooking demonstrations and vintner dinners. Appearances by Food Network Chef Cat Cora, local chefs and John Tesar, Executive Chef on Mansion at Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. The weekend will conclude with the Sun Valley/Ketchum Grand Tasting, which will offer a spread of food and a diverse sampling of champagne, wines, vodka and a Bartender's Cup. ((866) 305-9897, www.sunvalleyfoodandwinefestival.com)

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