Eat your art out at 52nd Annual Gold Coast Art Fair
Chicago
Eat your art out
An art fair is usually an art fair unless you're talking about the 52nd Annual Gold Coast Art Fair, rated one of the top 25 festivals in the nation. It's the third oldest fair in the city and nearly a half-million art enthusiasts head to the River North neighborhood over the free, three-day festival to see the work of 300 juried artists from around the globe. The neighborhood is home to more than a few fantastic restaurants so expect everything from fresh fruit smoothies and roasted nuts to upscale small plates. Get creative with interactive projects in sand art, tie-dyeing and painting. Kids can get involved in a free "Make A Book" art project and search through the festival for different types of art listed on a scavenger hunt card. There also will be live tunes from an acoustic rock duo, French guitarist Michelet Innocent and a harpist.
Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, July 31; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1-2, at North Clark Street and West Superior Street in Chicago. Amdurproductions.com
Fiesta del Sol shines in its 37th year
The streets of Pilsen sizzle when Fiesta del Sol puts up its tents filled with bouncy live music, interesting wares and authentic Mexican food: tacos, sopes, tamales, refreshing beverages and much more. Celebrating its 37th year, Fiesta del Sol started as a one-block festival and today is one of the largest Midwest festivals of its kind. Admission to the four-day festival is free. Bring the kids for their own activities in the children's area, browse the art pavilion and college fair, and take in tons of entertainment and sports tournaments.
5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 30; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at 1400 W. Cermak Road in Chicago. (312) 666-2663 or fiestadelsol.org.
Just wild about Harry?
You say your young Muggles can't get enough of Harry Potter? If there's anyplace in Chicago that could double as a room in the film, it's Lawry's The Prime Rib in the historic McCormick Mansion. A magic wand transforms the English manor-style restaurant into the fanciful Great Hall with a Potter-themed feast on two Sundays in August along with tickets to "Harry Potter, The Exhibition" at the Museum of Science and Industry. Sup upon starters like a Pumpkin Juice Shooter; Dwarf's Mini Pie Appetizer and a Broomstick Salad. Adults move on to the Headmaster's Favorite, Lawry's Prime Ribs of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Wand Whipped Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potion Potatoes (or a vegetarian option). Kids can sink their teeth into Wizard's Chicken Fingers, Magical Creamed Corn and Mashed Potion Potatoes. Of course, there's dessert for all and to add to the fun, there's communal seating at team tables a la Hogwarts. The package is $68 for adults and $42 for children ages 11 and under (prices include tax and gratuity).
2 p.m. reserved ticket admission to the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and 4 p.m. Harry's Themed Dinner in Lawry's Great Hall on Sundays, Aug. 23 and 30 at 100 E. Ontario St. For reservations, call (312) 523-0319 or visit lawrysonline.com.
Midwest
The cheese stands alone
You better believe that cheese takes a starring role at a new festival coming to the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wis. Taste of Wisconsin presents all things tasty and uniquely Wisconsin among 30 food and beverage vendors lining the promenade along Kenosha's lakeshore. Sample artisan cheeses, organic meats, homemade pies and ice cream, fresh produce, Wisconsin brats, pulled pork, buffalo wings, gourmet spices and sauces and more. Quenchers include a variety of microbrew and traditional beers, and wines. Twenty live bands on three stages provide music and culinary demonstrations, cookbook signings and family-friendly exhibits and activities. Admission is free.
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at Kenosha Harbor, 6th Avenue and 54th Street in downtown Kenosha. (800) 654-7309 or tasteofwi.com
Folk festival
Get a sense of the Midwest's post-WW II immigrant populations through ethnic and folk arts as well as blues and bluegrass music at the ninth annual Midwest Folk Festival in historic Bishop Hill, Ill. The annual festival offers free admission to enjoy live music and dance performances, hands-on learning opportunities, master artist demonstrations, craft displays and activities for all ages. Don't miss Philippine folk dances courtesy of local artists, the Filipina Dancers from Des Plaines. Alternately hosted in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, the 2009 Midwest Folk Festival will be held in Bishop Hill in western Henry County.
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, in Bishop Hill, 30 miles northeast of Galesburg. Bishophill.com or visithenrycounty.com
On the road again
See today's hardscrabble hoboes or become a little like the "King of the Road" yourself at the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. Actual and would-be hobos gather each August to celebrate the migrant lifestyle with a flea market, parade, poetry readings, arts and crafts, and a veteran's memorial. Pick up some hobo beads, key chains or a cookbook. The Hobo Museum turns 20 this year so the Hobo Foundation will be serving ice cream treats and free tours of the museum. Ring (641) 843-9104 or wander around www.hobo.com for details.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Monday, Aug. 6-9, 51 Main Ave, Britt, Iowa. The Hobo Museum is open during Hobo Week. Times for other events vary. (641) 843-9104 or hobo.com
Worth the trip
Heart of the Alleghenies Music Festival
Fiddle me this: where can you spend an extraordinary weekend immersed in the sounds of old-time bluegrass, dulcimer, French-Canadian, Scottish, Irish and world folk music? Learn, listen, jam and dance in informal settings with an impressive lineup of talented musicians at the sixth annual Heart of the Alleghenies Folk Music and Dance Festival. Headlining performers include Claudia Schmidt and Randy Miller and his Celticcladda band. Join workshops, jams, square dancing, after-concert jamming, instrument swaps, open stage, a gospel sing and a farewell dance. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford provides dorm-room housing and meal service at various fees, including weekend packages, or consider camping facilities or nearby hotels.
Noon to midnight, Friday, Aug. 7; 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, at Blaisdell Hall, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Pa. (800) 473-9370 or hotafest.com