Midwest travel: Music, beer, cheer at Chicago's Square Roots Fest, Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Chicago
Roots, rock, reggae
Old Town School of Folk Music's Square Roots Festival is a casual, comfortable craft beer and music experience returning to Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. There will be more than 50 acts on four stages including music, dance parties, jam sessions and plenty of family activities, so bring the little folkies. Expect an eclectic mix of music like the band Cracker as well as local indie rockers and world music stars, while you sip among 30 regional craft brews and nosh on bites from Lincoln Square's finest restaurants. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 8; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 9; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 10, on Lincoln Avenue between Montrose and Wilson, Chicago. Suggested admission is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and kids younger than 12. (773) 728-6000 or squareroots.org/.
Patty-pa-looza
In its 10th patty-licious year, the Roscoe Village Burger Fest offers a dozen vendors, two stages of live music including bands like 10,000 Maniacs and Liquid Soul, artists and merchants with items to browse and buy and a kids' zone with tons of activities (arts and crafts, outdoor basketball hoops, rock climbing, kids' yoga, miniature golf, jousting, a 35-foot slide, and hockey and soccer workshops). Burger vendors include Butcher & the Burger, Chubby Wieners, D.S. Tequila Company, Dive Bar, Fatso's Last Stand, Hackney's, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, Select Cut Steakhouse and more. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, on Clybourn, from Diversey to Wellington, Chicago. The gate donation is $10. Proceeds benefit the Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. (773) 868-3010 or roscoevillageburgerfest.com/.
Who is the captain now?
If your yacht is in the shop, you can still be "Captain for a Day" at Hotel Lincoln. The Lincoln Park hotel is celebrating Chicago hosting America's Cup, the fastest racing yachts speeding on freshwater for the first time in the sporting trophy's 165-year history. The package includes accommodations at Hotel Lincoln with an upgrade to a lake view room (if available); "Intro to Sailing" lessons for two through Chicago Sailing; Captain's hats; a compass and binoculars; and a $50 New England Seafood Co. restaurant gift card for lunch or dinner after the sailing expedition. Now through Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Hotel Lincoln, 1816 N. Clark St., Chicago. Packages start at $349 per night, subject to availability, 14-day advanced booking required and blackout dates apply. All reservations are fully prepaid and non-cancellable. (855) 514-8112 or jdvhotels.com/hotels/illinois/chicago-hotels/hotel-lincoln/.
Midwest
Happy trails
Forget Texas - head to Spooner, Wisconsin, for the Heart of the North Rodeo. You'll witness bull riding, trick riders and ropers, steer wrestling, mutton bustin' and barrel racing as well as a 100-plus unit parade during the 63rd annual Spooner rodeo. Professional rodeo contestants from around the country vie for points, prize money and to qualify for circuit finals, other rodeo competitions and the National Finals held in Las Vegas each December. Watch cowboys and women barrel racers then nosh on tasty victuals, shop vendors' booths and enjoy music after each rodeo performance. Thursday through Saturday, July 7-9, at the Washburn County Fairgrounds, 1000 W. Beaverbrook Ave., Spooner, Wisconsin. General admission is $8-$16; reserved seats are $10-$20; three-day pass is $16-$32. (715) 635-9696 or spoonerrodeo.com/.
Follow your bliss
The 36th Annual Blissfest Music Festival offers lots of live entertainment, culture, art and community in rural northern Michigan. Open to families, friends and music-lovers of all ages, the event is a showcase of American roots and world music including bluegrass, blues, reggae, Celtic, folk, jazz, Latin, world music and dance on three stages plus workshop areas for you to follow your own bliss. See and hear Electric Hot Tuna, Peter Yarrow and Keller Williams on the main stage. Rustic camping is available for the weekend with a weekend pass. Plus, there are organized children's activities, a variety of food, and a juried arts and crafts show. Friday through Sunday, July 8-10, at Festival Farm, 3695 Division Road, Harbor Springs, Michigan. Daily ticket prices are $30-$75 for adults, $18-$20 for teens 13-17 and free for kids 12 and younger. Weekend passes are available, too. (231) 348-7047 or blissfest.org/.
Rock the boat
Head south for a "Day on the Lake Package" at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa located on an Ozark mountaintop overlooking Branson, Missouri's Table Rock Lake. The package includes: lake-view accommodations in a newly renovated guest room at the resort for two nights; a $150 credit at the resort's full-service Chateau Marina to be used toward one of the water sports offered; free indoor parking; and a complete picnic lunch for up to four people. Choose among boat rentals such as ski boats, wake boats, luxury pontoon boats and wave runners. Available through Sept. 30. The package starts at $225 per night, plus tax (with a two-night minimum) varying based on dates of stay and room type elected. For reservations, call (888) 333-5253 or see chateauonthelake.com/specials-en.html.