March of the dragon boats Grand Marais, Minn.
Watch teams of paddlers race boats during the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival Thursday through next Sunday in Grand Marais. Participants will practice and compete in heats in the harbor. Visitors can also check out a parade of teams, music, lighting of flying Chinese lanterns, vendors and other activities (1-218-387-2372; www.northshoredragonboat.com).
German picnic in the park Milwaukee
Get your fill of bratwurst, beer, potato salad, music, art and other delights during German Fest Thursday through next Sunday in Milwaukee. The four-day family festival is held at Henry Maier Festival Park on the banks of Lake Michigan. It includes museum exhibits, a 5K run/walk, games, a worship service and fireworks. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday (1-414-464-9444; www.germanfest.com).
Adventure in flight Oshkosh, Wis.
An opening-day concert by Foreigner, aerial teams and thousands of planes -- military, aerobatic, hand-built and antique -- highlight the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture July 28 through Aug. 3 in Oshkosh, Wis. The event, at Wittman Regional Airport and the surrounding area, includes airshows, speakers, tours, workshops, exhibits, children's activities, theater in the woods and classic aviation films on a large outdoor screen (1-920-426-4800; www.airventure.org).
Dancing with abandon Dunnell, Minn.
Folks will see and hear everything from blues to bellydancing, fiddling to firedancing during the Cornstalk Festival Aug. 1 and 2 in Dunnell. Dozens of local and regional artists will perform; there will also be a Mystic Toyz tent, food and vendors. Free overnight camping is available (1-507-695-2941; www.cornwoman.com).
