Midwest travel: Chicago's Wicker Park goes Green Music Fest
Chicago
The green, green grass of home
One part music, one part eco-living is the idea behind this year's seventh annual Green Music Fest, a street party in Wicker Park that features a pedal-powered bicycle stage. Cycling teams, spinning instructors and bikers of all ilks will power the stage's amps, guitars, spotlights and everything else that needs juice. The fest pairs culturally relevant programs and musicians (Shovels & Rope, The Blisters, Lydia Loveless among many others) with businesses that champion green technology and products, services, arts and crafts and family activities. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, on Damen Avenue between North Avenue and Schiller Street. A $5 donation for entry is requested. greenmusicfestchicago.com.
Newer kid on the block
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel presents The Happiest Hour block party as part of its fourth annual Global Day of Discovery. Headlining the Chicago event will be live, outdoor performances along the Chicago River by Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Robin Thicke, R&B newcomer Natalie La Rose and HXLT. The Chicago property is unveiling its $22 million guest room and lobby transformation, too. 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive. (312) 372 7200 or RenChicagoRSVP.com.
Urban blues
Before the Chicago Blues Festival begins, Chicago Detours hosts a "Jazz, Blues & Beyond Bus Tour" all about the stories and places relating to Chicago music history. The 2½-hour event ventures to a number of Chicago neighborhoods, and, in years past, the tour has sold out. The tour incorporates historic videos and photos, expert guide interpretation, a live blues performance and exclusive access to the stage of a former 1920s and 1930s jazz club where Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines once played. You can also learn to play harmonica with a Chicago blues musician who hops onboard the bus. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13. The tour meets and ends at Jazz Record Mart, 27 E. Illinois St. Tickets cost $65 for adults and $62 for students/seniors/kids. Reservations required. chicagodetours.com.
Midwest
Midweek pig out
Brighten up your Wednesday at the Rock County Pork Fest, a once-per-year event when more than 25,000 pork chops are served. In addition to the food, there's music, kids' activities and a classic car show. The pork chop dinner, served with potato salad, applesauce and roll, and fresh, uncooked seasoned pork chops will be for sale to tote back home. 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at the Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., Janesville, Wisconsin. $10 for two chop dinners/$9 for one chop dinner. Drive-up service begins at 4 p.m. (608) 757-5696 or rockcountyporkproducers.com/Porkfest.html.
Pedal pushers
Make a reservation now for a five-day guided bike tour of Door County, Wisconsin, taking place in July, August and September. Door County Bike Tours include scenic places to explore on the peninsula, with lodging in Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Ephriam and Sister Bay. Bicyclists also enjoy a private cooking class, followed by the dinner they've just prepared. Door County Bicycle Tours are geared toward the casual bicyclist, with a maximum of 16 people and an average ride of about 20 miles a day. June 13-17, Aug. 21-23 and Sept. 11-13. The all inclusive package starts at $1,650 for singles and $2,450 per couple. Package rates for weekend tours are $825 for singles and $1,250 for double, depending on the room types. DoorCountyBiketours.com.
I see the light
See some of the hundreds of Great Lakes lighthouses dating back to the mid-1800s aboard the Keweenaw Star. The multiday cruises this season offered by the Charlevoix, Michigan-based company feature an open-air top deck and a full walk around lower deck for a great view and photography. All trips include the cruising experience as well as continental breakfast, hot lunch and afternoon appetizers on the boat, overnight accommodations and transportation from the boat to the hotel and back each day. June 22-25, July 13-16 and 20-23, Aug. 3-5 and Sept. 28-30. Prices range from $475 to $750, double occupancy; single rates are slightly higher. (231) 237-9365 or KeweenawExcursions.com.