On the road: Berghoff rolls out the barrel for Oktoberfest

Chicago

Dust off the dirndl

Wet the pipes with private label Berghoff beer and root beer in the heart of Chicago's Loop during Berghoff's 29th annual Oktoberfest. The spirited outdoor celebration takes place during the week, so you can stop by for a rousing lunch or a drink before the train ride back to the suburbs. Expect only the finest brats, apple strudel, Bavarian soft pretzels with beer-cheese sauce, chocolate chip cookies, vegan and gluten-free items, as well as Bavarian music at Chicago's largest, longest-running Oktoberfest celebration.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 10-12, at 230 S. Dearborn St., Chicago. Free admission. (312) 427-3170 or theberghoff.com.

The outsiders

Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art's new exhibition, Collective Soul, examines outsider art and how Chicago collectors have influenced the genre. Culled from both established and newer collections, it affords the opportunity to see exemplary works from private collections not often seen at the center, 757 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Browse art by Martín Ramírez, Henry Darger, Lee Godie and Bill Traylor, as well as work from artists frequently overlooked such as David Butler, Aldo Piacenza and Lanier Meaders.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 to Dec. 27. Admission is $5, children 12 and younger get in free. art.org.

Midwest

History unplugged

The Gray/Campbell Farmstead, a Civil-War period dwelling, hosts the 23rd annual 1860s Lifestyle Exposition in Springfield, Missouri. It kicks off with an old-time fiddle and music jam followed by a grand opening with a flag-raising and ribbon-cutting. Check out hearth cooking, fiber arts, horseshoe pitching, seed spitting, apple pie-baking contest, music and dancing. Kids will like making bubble wands, and all ages can learn more during demonstrations from lifestyle historians. The park is also home to the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center and 20 themed gardens, 15 special collections and five naturalized areas.

11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Missouri. The event is free, but donations are appreciated. (417) 725-4921 or graycampbell farmstead.org.

No fail sail

The Traverse Tall Ship Company is offering a series of educational and entertaining multiday cruises throughout the fall color months of September and October. Enjoy a relaxing getaway visiting quaint coastal villages and soaking up the panoramic views of the northern Michigan shoreline. Excursions with remaining availability for this fall include: a four-day wine cruise; a four-day astronomy cruise; and a four-day photography cruise. The trips are limited to 24 sailors, with accommodations provided in 12 double-bunk cabins. Fare includes lodging, all meals and sailing activities.

Cruises are Thursdays through Mondays, Sept. 11-15 and 25-29 and Oct. 2-6, at 13258 S.W. Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, Michigan. Cost is $659-$739 per person. To make reservations for any of the 2014 Manitou sailing adventures, call (800) 678-0383, ext. 2, or order tickets at Tall ShipSailing.com.

Fraught with chalk

You can really experience the fleeting nature of art during Art Infusion 2014 in Janesville, Wisconsin. The two-day event will feature a chalk art creation by Master Chalk Artist Lee Jones and a chalk art competition for all ages with a $250 cash prize for the overall winner. Public viewing of chalk art, centered in and around Firehouse Park, is open throughout the event. To participate, register when you arrive to be assigned a sidewalk square and receive your supplies.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Firehouse Park, Wall and Main streets, Janesville, Wisconsin. There is no fee to draw a chalk mural for fun, but registration and a $10 fee are required to participate in the chalk art competition. For details, call the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (608) 757-3171.