March 28--Illinois
April 9: Stephenson County Fiber Art Fair, Cedarville. Workshops and demonstrations will be held, and vendors will be selling items for weavers and knitters. 815-541-0897, http://tinyurl.com/jzlc3t7. Miles from Chicago: 120
April 14-16: Rootabaga Jazz Festival, Galesburg. Jazz artists will entertain at various venues around town. Among groups performing will be ones from Knox College. http://tinyurl.com/gpogb4d. Miles from Chicago: 200
April 13-17: Ebertfest, Champaign. The late film critic Roger Ebert started this film fest that features movie screenings and panel discussions. Individual tickets are on sale if festival passes are sold out. 217-300-1375, www.ebertfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 140
Indiana
April 13-17: Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, Fort Wayne. They say that more than 50,000 people show up each year for this chance to buy Vera Bradley handbags, luggage and stationery. You have to register to be able to purchase. http://tinyurl.com/zl2tjd7. Miles from Chicago: 165
Through Oct. 2: "200 Years of Indiana Art: A Cultural Legacy," Indianapolis. This exhibit at the Indiana State Museum includes more than 100 works by early Indiana artists, as well as contemporary artists. 317-232-1637, http://tinyurl.com/gw2pent. Miles from Chicago: 185
Iowa
Through May 15: "Cameo Stones: Hidden Gems in the Figge Collection," Davenport. These cameos at the Figge Art Museum became a popular fashion accessory in the Victorian era and reflect society's changing ideas. 563-326-7804, http://tinyurl.com/gma7q8k. Miles from Chicago: 175
Michigan
April 6-10: Capital City Film Festival, Lansing. This is presented as a multimedia affair with films, of course, but also touring bands performing. www.capitalcityfilmfest.com. Miles from Chicago: 220
Missouri
April 8-10: Missouri Tartan Day, Washington. The area's Scottish heritage is celebrated with bagpipers and other musicians, traditional food, Scottish athletic events, such as the caber toss, and more. www.motartanday.com. Miles from Chicago: 350
Ohio
April 22-24: Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Mansfield area. Now in its 15th year, this event features nature-oriented workshops, demonstrations and tours at 11 sites throughout Ashland and Richland counties. www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com. Miles from Chicago: 320
Wisconsin
April 14-21: Wisconsin Film Festival, Madison. Roughly 25,000 people show up each year to view as many as 150 films that include independents, documentaries, classics, Wisconsin-related offerings, kid-oriented films and more. 877-963-3456, www.wifilmfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 145
April 15-17: Midwest Horse Fair, Madison. There will be hundreds of horses, clinics, seminars, vendors and two nights of rodeo. The World Blacksmith Championship will be on hand too. 920-623-5515, www.midwesthorsefair.com. Miles from Chicago: 145
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
MidwestEventsTrib@yahoo.com
