Lanesboro, Whalan and Peterson, Minn.

Enjoy a culinary journey this month through nine towns in southeast Minnesota along the Root River Trail during the "Taste of the Trail." On Saturday visitors will be treated to popular local foods, entertainment, art and other cultural highlights in Lanesboro, Whalan and Peterson, Minn. The event continues with activities on Sept. 17 and 24 in six other towns. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. rootrivertrail.org; 1-507-467-3044.

Duluth

Food, music and fun awaits visitors to the lake front city during the 23rd annual Harvest Festival Saturday at Bayfront Park in Duluth. Farmers will display and sell produce and local musicians will perform. The free daylong event also features family activities, exhibits, beekeeping, composting classes and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. sfa-mn.org/harvest-festival; 1-218-393-3276.

Also in Duluth, Hawk Weekend will be held Sept. 16-18 at Hawk Ridge Bird Conservatory. Participants will explore the bird's habitat and history through field trips, lectures, hikes, naturalists programs, demonstrations and more. Bring binoculars. The cost for the field trips and lectures range from $15 for members to $60 for nonmembers. Other programs are free. http://hawkridge.org/.

Des Moines

Downtown on the Court Avenue Bridge the World Food and Music Festival will be held Sept. 16-18. Festival goers will gather for live music by local and national groups, performance and visual art, cultural exhibits and interactive activities; plus cooking demonstrations including a chocolate adventure making experience for children. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. worldfoodandmusicfestival.org.

Colleen A. Coles