Feb. 29--Illinois
March 18-20: Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend. Advance ticket purchases are a must for the grand tastings, which generally sell out. In addition to those tastings, though, there are dinners, wine tours and mystery pub tours. www.wineloversweekend.com. Miles from Chicago: 165
March 20: St. Patrick's Day Ride, Wauconda. The Wheeling Wheelmen sponsor this annual bicycle ride that offers routes of 16, 20 and 36 miles. There will be SAG (support and gear) wagon help during the ride and music afterward. http://tinyurl.com/zpvb4k8. Miles from Chicago: 45
Indiana
March 19: Think, Eat, Live Green Spring Garden Show, Michigan City. Time to start thinking about gardening. LaPorte County Master Gardeners have planned a day that includes demonstrations and seminars, including cooking with herbs, beekeeping, growing bonsai and more. There will also be vendors . 219-324-9407, http://tinyurl.com/hyrfzqd. Miles from Chicago: 60
March 18-20: Salute to World War I, Vincennes. The Indiana Military Museum hosts this historical tribute that will feature battle re-enactments and a 100-yard-long trench like those used in the war. Military gear will be on display indoors and out. 812-882-1941, http://tinyurl.com/jajmk8j. Miles from Chicago: 240
Iowa
March 16-19: Gathering of the Green, Davenport. Thousands of fans of antique John Deere tractors get together here every year for technical and historical workshops, speakers, vendors and tours. Many events sell out early, so signing up in advance is a must. www.gatheringofthegreen.com. Miles from Chicago: 185
March 18-20: UNI-Dome Antique Collectibles Show, Cedar Falls. More than 150 exhibitors from across the country will offer their wares in what's billed as the state's largest such indoor show. 712-326-9964, http://tinyurl.com/zo2jpbz. Miles from Chicago: 300
Michigan
March 10-13: Saladin Shrine Circus: Grand Rapids. The DeltaPlex Arena Conference Center comes alive with three rings of animal acts, aerial performances, clowns and more. http://tinyurl.com/hn7un5c. Miles from Chicago: 175
March 12: 7th Annual Brew-Ski Festival, Harbor Springs. Head out to Boyne Highlands for skiing and the opportunity to sample beers from more than 65 breweries across the country. 855-688-7022, http://tinyurl.com/gm5t8pc. Miles from Chicago: 370
March 18-20: RAD Fest, Kalamazoo. This is the seventh year for the Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival. It features more than 250 international contemporary dance artists in live performances as well as master classes and a discussion panel. 269-342-4354, www.midwestradfest.org. Miles from Chicago: 145
Missouri
March 19-20: Wurstfest 2016, Hermann. The town celebrates its German heritage with this annual homage to the sausage. There'll be plenty to nosh on, and you can gets tips on how to make sausages and check out the competitions among amateur and pro sausage makers. 573-486-2744, http://tinyurl.com/j8gllvy. Miles from Chicago: 375
Wisconsin
March 18-19: Brew Fest, Green Lake. More than 25 Wisconsin craft breweries will trot out 100-plus brews at this fifth annual event at the Heidel House Resort and Spa. Tastings will be on the 19th, and on the 18th guests staying at the resort can take part in a how-to session on home brewing. 800-444-2812, http://tinyurl.com/zaa2uql. Miles from Chicago: 180
Through May 15: "Arthur Szyk: The Art of Illumination," Milwaukee. The Jewish Museum of Milwaukee has mounted this exhibit of the works of Szyk as a political caricaturist. The exhibit's four themes address democracy/freedom, civil rights, Zionism/Israel and art as propaganda. 414-390-5730, http://tinyurl.com/j45sqw3. Miles from Chicago: 90
Marty is a freelance reporter.
MidwestEventsTrib@yahoo.com
