Milwaukee

Explore all things Italian during Festa Italiana, one of the country's premier Italian festivals Friday through next Sunday at Festival Park. Thousands of residents and visitors will gather downtown, along the shores of Lake Michigan, for ethnic food, music, games, gondola rides, a Sunday mass and nightly fireworks. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. festaitaliana.com.; 1-414-223-2808.

Oshkosh, Wis.

EAA AirVenture, the World's leading aviation celebration that brings pilots, history buffs and aviation fans from around the world together, will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport. Military plane flyovers, aerial team maneuvers, vintage aircraft, aviation films and more than 800 exhibitors will keep visitors excited. For the first time this year, air shows featuring the Martin Mars, the world's largest flying water bomber and the new Paradigm Aerobatic Team will be included. The event will also feature the Canadian Snowbirds, speakers, an Aeromart, a Veteran's parade (1 p.m. Fri.) aircraft rides and much more. airventure.org; 1-800-564-6322.

Glenwood, Minn.

A night-time pontoon parade on Lake Minnewaska followed by fireworks will highlight Waterama July 26-31 in Glenwood. Attendees of the four-day festival can also enjoy a 100-unit Grande Day parade, water and car shows, dances, sporting events, a medallion hunt, children's other activities in or near City park. waterama.org.

Colleen A. Coles