Paintings, sculptures, drawings, printmaking, handmade furniture and more will be on display during self-guided tours of art studios this month and next in parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada.

A weekend of culture Park Rapids, Minn.

Visitors will find art and much more during Art Leap 2008, a tour of 14 artists' studios and other cultural sites, Saturday and next Sunday in the Park Rapids area. At the North Country Museum of Arts you can see 17th-century European and Nigerian art; at the Native Harvest and Minwanjige Cafe stop by to explore books, food and art by Native Americans. Folk readings and music will be featured at the Long Lake Theater and wine tasting and art exhibits will be the draw at the Forestedge Winery and Gallery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1-218-237-5900).

An international event close to home Duluth and Two Harbors, Minn.; Thunder Bay, Ontario

The scenic North Shore is the backdrop for the Crossing Borders Studio Tour Friday through Oct. 5. Nineteen artists' studios along Hwy. 61 from Duluth to Thunder Bay will be open to showcase and sell pottery, glass, fabrics, jewelry, woodwork, metal and unusual furniture. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (1-800-388-8698, www.crossingbordersstudiotour.com).

Meander through 30 studios Western Minnesota

You can stroll or drive through several western Minnesota communities during the Meander: Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl Oct. 3-5. More than 30 studios in Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Montevideo and Granite Falls will be open 2 to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (1-866-866-5432; www.artsmeander.com).

Get ready to polka Des Moines, Iowa

Live polka bands, beer gardens and authentic German food will highlight Oktoberfest Friday and Saturday at Principal Park in Des Moines. Scheduled performers include Stratford Rhythm Ramblers, Bill Koncar Band and Bob Malek Fisherman Band (1-515-288-2520; www.oktoberfestdsm.com).

COLLEEN A. COLES