Calendar

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's …

30th Annual Superman Celebration, Metropolis, Ill., June 12-15. A Guinness World Record attempt at the "Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Superman" will be open to adults and children wearing a complete Superman costume that must be approved in advance to meet the Guinness World Record Corp. requirements. Superman-related celebrities on hand will include actor Ned Beatty from "Superman I & II", "Smallville's" Allison Mack and the original Lois Lane, Noel Neill. There also will be comic book artists, vendors, family-friendly events, crafts, a carnival and music. (374 miles from O'Hare, (800) 949-5740, www.metropolischamber.com)

Be Polish, if only for a day, in Milwaukee

27th Annual Polish Fest, Milwaukee, Wis., June 20-22. America's largest Polish festival recognizes the culture of Poland with polka music, folk dancing, cultural village, exhibits, folk-art demonstrations, fireworks, marketplace, children's stage and food. Also celebrates the 10th Annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition. (80 miles from O'Hare, (414) 529-2140, www.polishfest.org)

Watch racing balloons in Galena

Galena Balloon Race, Galena, Ill., June 20-22. Offers spectators three balloon races with more than 20 hot air balloons, a car show and live music.(148 miles from O'Hare, (800) 892-2269, www.greatgalenaballoonrace.com)

Have your coffee cup read in Detroit

Arab International Festival, Dearborn, Mich., June 20-22. Heritage music, international food and merchandise, plus coffee cup readings and children's activities. (298 miles from O'Hare, (313) 945-1700, www.americanarab.com/festival)

Civil War returns to small Illinois town

The Battle of Chaplin Creek -- Civil War Re-enactment and Living History Weekend, Franklin Grove, Ill., June 21 and 22. Depicts a skirmish between Union and Confederate forces. Two battle re-enactments plus living-history areas highlighting aspects of life during the 1860s. Activities include Tours of Chaplin Creek Village and its historic buildings; infantry, cavalry and artillery drills; Union and Confederate campsites and medical tents; sutlers and food vendors; fashion show and Ladies Tea Party; Civil War Ball. (92 miles from O'Hare, (815) 990-5090, www.chaplincreek.com)

Admire the fine art of American Indians

Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market, Indianapolis, Ind., June 21 and 22. Outdoor festival of American Indian fine art, food, music, storytelling and dancing. Features more than 100 Indian artists from more than 50 tribes. (204 miles from O'Hare, (317) 636-9378, www.eiteljorg.org)

Aircraft will dazzle in Davenport

Quad City Air Show, Davenport, Iowa, June 21 and 22. Dazzling tricks, stunts and precision maneuvers during one of the top three civilian air shows in the nation. Features U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the best in military, civilian and warbird performers and aircraft both in the air and on the ground. The lineup also includes the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, USN Super Hornet Demonstration Team, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Shockwave jet-engine powered semi, wingwalkers, the Elvis of the Sky Parachute Team and the Iowa National Guard. On the ground, the adventurous can experience a high-speed trip in a military jet simulator and see military tanks and vehicles plus World War II historical aircraft displays. (172 miles from O'Hare, (563) 322-7469, www.quadcityairshow.com)

Milwaukee museum hosts art festival

Lakefront Festival of Arts, Milwaukee, Wis., June 20-22. One of the nation's leading art festivals held on the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum will feature more than 170 artists from around the country who will exhibit and sell their one-of-a-kind pieces. (80 miles from O'Hare, (414) 224-3854, www.mam.org)

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Get your fill of American folk life

Kutztown Festival, Kutztown, Pa., June 28 through July 6. Premier folk-life festival in the U.S. Quilt barn with more than 1,400 locally made quilts and wall hangings; the 24 quilts judged best will be auctioned off. Demonstrations of traditional crafts by 200 of America's most respected folk artists and craftsmen, including pottery making, woodcarving and weaving. Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies, including roast ox, chicken dinners and shoofly pie. Five stages of entertainment will feature Pennsylvania Dutch folk music and dancing, Mennonite hymn singing and folklore presentations. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult and can visit the farmyard puppet theater, petting zoo, hay maze and the last mule-powered flying swing in America. Fourth of July parade and patriotic music concerts. ((888) 674-6136, www.kutztownfestival.com)

Montreal fest draws top jazz artists

Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal, Quebec, June 28 through July 6. Entertainment from noon to midnight downtown with several city blocks closed to traffic for cafes and bistros, an art gallery, street performers and a musical park for children. More than 650 performances featuring 370 free shows. Lineup includes Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin, Woody Allen, James Taylor, Steely Dan, Katie Melua, Saxophone Summit with Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Ravi Coltrane, Coral Egan, Omara Portuondo, Charlie Haden, Ladytron, Dee Dee Bridgewater, as well as the reunion of Return to Forever with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola and Lenny White, and the Battle of the Bands featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. ((888) 515-0515, www.montrealjazzfest.com)

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