Lifestyle

Midwest travel: Four days of food, fun at Eli's Cheesecake Fest

Posted July 23, 2016 7:25 am

Jacky Runice

Eli's Cheesecake Festival in Chicago promises samples, music, activities and entertainment like the Jesse White Tumblers from Thursday through Sunday, July 28-31. Courtesy of Eli's Cheesecake

Chicago

Sweet dreams are made of cheese(cake)

Whatever kind of cheesecake you're hankering for, you'll revel in National Cheesecake Day, especially if you get to Eli's Cheesecake World. It's such a big celebration that the Chicago business hosts Eli's Cheesecake Festival, including four days of music, entertainment, giveaways, DJs, games, a classic car show, a craft fair, a farm stand, cake decorating, samples, sales and food. Meet and greet Eli's Big Slice mascot, too. Thursday through Sunday, July 28-31, at Eli's Cheesecake World, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago. Free admission and parking. (773) 308-7000 or elicheesecake.com.

For every Tom, Dick and Harry

Jeff Fest presents local and national acts, food and family fun on Chicago's northwest side. Compare cover bands like The Who's Who; Pearl Jam Chicago Tribute; Kashmir; and a '70s classic rock show. Plus, there's a kids' area and a rotating schedule of innovative food trucks dishing out unique fare. If your name is Jeff, wave your ID at the gate and get in for free. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 29; 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 30; and 2 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago. Admission is $5; free for seniors 65 and older and kids 12 and younger. (773) 736-6697 or jeffersonpark.net/jeff-fest-arts-and-music-festival/.

The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, which runs Aug. 8-28, includes shows such as CPA Productions' "Daphne's Sunset," starring Robert Hager, Michael Warrell, Neal Mayer, Madison Stratton and Charles West. Courtesy of Jenny Anderson

Song and dance, man

The "Hamilton" phenomenon has ignited musical theater, so see what else the genre offers during the third annual Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Featuring 14 new musical productions, the fest will showcase and support Chicago's burgeoning musical theater creators and shows range from a Righteous Brothers tribute to a re-imagined Greek mythology to a celebration of Jewish cuisine and culture. Tuesdays through Sundays, Aug. 8-28, at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. There are four performances of each show; tickets cost $20. See the schedule and purchase tickets or festival passes at (773) 871-3000 or cmtf.org/.

Midwest

Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Ind., celebrates the Eastern European dumpling with food vendors, a beer garden, polka bands and more Friday through Sunday, July 29-31. Courtesy of Pierogi Fest

Dumpling days are here again

Give grandma and her stew pot a rest and take her to Pierogi Fest, a celebration of the Eastern European dumpling. Get ready to meet Mr. Pierogi and enjoy entertainment, including polka bands and international dancers to clown antics and magic shows. Join the Polka Dance Off, hosted by Polkahontas; the Halupki contest; the pierogi toss and pierogi-eating contest; and watch the Mr. Pierogi Songfest. A beer garden and food vendors help you refuel for a round of "Who Stole the Kishka." A 25-minute drive from downtown Chicago, Whiting, Indiana, offers a number of hotels, too. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at 119th Street at Indianapolis Boulevard in Whiting, Indiana. (219) 659-0292 or pierogifest.net/.

The Taste of Wisconsin in nearby Kenosha, Wisconsin, serves a wide variety of fare, including specialty grilled cheese sandwiches, Friday through Sunday, July 29-31. Courtesy of Harold Rail

Lake breeze and Wisconsin cheese

Nearby Kenosha hosts the Taste of Wisconsin, the free harborfront festival featuring locally produced specialties as well as cooking demonstrations, a Kid Zone and music on multiple stages. Fest-goers will find 40 food and beverage vendors lining the promenade along Kenosha's lakeshore. Sample Wisconsin cheese curds; Hawaiian ribs, homemade sausages (Polish, Hungarian, Italian and German brat); all kinds of Italian, Mexican, Polish, Jamaican, Vietnamese and German dishes; hand-dipped ice cream and gelato; deep-fried Twinkies: roasted corn-on-the-cob; grilled chicken tacos; and even a dog treat vendor on site. Count on specialty and traditional beers, plus wine, ciders, smoothies and more. All vendors will accept cash. 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 29; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 30; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31, on Lake Michigan in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin. Free admission and parking. (262) 496-9400 or tasteofwi.com/

The Mississippi Valley Fair in Davenport, Iowa, celebrates its 97th year Aug. 2-7. Courtesy of The Mississippi Valley Fair

Fair time in the Quad Cities

The Mississippi Valley Fair in the Quad Cities is one of the longest running fairs in the Midwest - 2016 marks its 97th year. The Grandstand lineup includes Chris Jansen, Gary Allen, 3 Doors Down, Rascal Flatts and Alabama. Like any great summer fair, there are carnival games, 4-H exhibits, a karate show, a timber logrolling show, animal shows and fair food. Check the website for special discount days for kids, seniors and those with special needs. Tuesday through Sunday, Aug. 2-7, at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa. (563) 326-5338 or mvfair.com/.

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