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If you plan to explore the entire north-central US, June through September is the best time to visit the Midwest. Hot and humid summers offer excellent road conditions to drive across the region with bonus open-air festivals and events such as Twins Days in Ohio and state fairs in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, or North Dakota. On the other hand, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Missouri have higher rainfall during summer months. October and November see a sizable drop in temperatures but sunny days, comfortable for walks in colorful foliage, don't go anywhere. Why not join the Allstate Hot Chocolate Run in Chicago to see the city in different shades of fall? From December to February, you'll meet bitterly cold and snowy weather around the Great Lakes. But there is no better time for witnessing mysterious snow rollers in Ohio or spectacular light festivals in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and other states.

126 things to do in Midwest

Snake Alley Criterium

May 24-25, 2024 Event

Burlington, Iowa, hosts one of the most challenging races on one of the most crooked streets in the world

Wisconsin Cranberry Harvest

late September–early October Nature

Cranberry Country welcomes everyone to visit the harvest celebrations

International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship

July 1, 2023 Event

Anyone can take part in this competition, which promises great fun for the whole family

Snow Rollers

mid-January–mid-March Nature

These huge white 'doughnuts' surely raise questions. Like, what is a 'snow roller' and where does it come from?

Pictured Rocks Winter Hike

December–February Nature

Winter has its special power to create majestic landscapes. And the area of Pictured Rocks in Michigan during winter period turns into a real ice and snow masterpiece

Cicada Mania

May–mid-June Nature

A billionth population of American cicadas come out during final weeks in their lives to rejoice in a huge mating par

Sandhill Crane Migration

mid-February–mid-April Nature

Half a million feathered travellers take a break during their spring migration to feed and rest at the Platte River

Total Solar Eclipse

April 8, 2024 Event

Some spots on Earth wait for the moment of solar totality for hundreds or even thousands of years. To capture a spectacle, you have to be truly lucky

Holland Tulip Time Festival

May 3-11, 2025 Event

Fun and flowers! Skim the cream off in Holland during the tulip festival

Dublin Irish Festival

August 2-4, 2024 Event

Go experience the Irish attitude at the largest three-day Irish festival in the world

Chicago International Film Festival

October 16–27, 2024 Event

The longest-running competitive film festival in the USA

Ohio State Fair

July 24-August 4, 2024 Event

Experience traditional Midwestern summer entertainment

Minnesota State Fair

August 22-September 2, 2024 Event

Witness the largest state fair in the USA by daily attendance

Iowa State Fair

August 8–18, 2024 Event

Feel the spirit of the Midwest at one of the oldest and best-known state fairs in the USA

Wisconsin State Fair

August 1-11, 2024 Event

Get on a roller coaster and snack on corndogs in the town of West Allis

Indiana State Fair

August 2-18, 2024 Event

A major Midwestern entertainment attracting a million people every year

Illinois State Fair

August 8–18, 2024 Event

Nothing can beat a good ol' fair in the Midwest

Nebraska State Fair

August 23-September 2, 2024 Event

Visit the fair from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" movie and enjoy Midwestern style entertainment

Missouri State Fair

August 8-18, 2024 Event

The annual showcase of agriculture also offers fun for the whole family

Michigan State Fair

August 29-September 2, 2024 Event

See the second oldest state fair in the United States

DuQuoin State Fair

August 23–September 2, 2024 Event

One of the nation's best agricultural events is full of fun experiences

North Dakota State Fair

July 19–27, 2024 Event

The largest event in the state draws people with country music, fun rides and competitions

South Dakota State Fair

August 28–September 2, 2024 Event

Experience the charm of the Midwest at this traditional state fair

Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

all year round Activity

A massive religious shrine built by a priest contains thousands of rare stones and minerals and is considered the largest humanmade grotto in the world

Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)

March–November Nature

Michigan’s largest freshwater spring is a geological phenomenon and a great fishing spot

Niagara Cave

April–October Nature

A huge cavern is famous for its impressive underground waterfall

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025 Event

A popular drive-through holiday lights display in Cincinnati, Ohio

Wayne County Lightfest

November 21–December 24, 2024 Event

A Christmas fantasy drive-through not far from Detroit

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 Event

Voted #1 Zoo Lights in the country as a favourite​ Ohio family holiday tradition

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the largest drive-through holiday displays in Ohio

East Peoria Festival of Lights

November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Illinois

Dragon Lights Columbus

November 23, 2018–January 6, 2019 Event

A magical annual show held in the Ohio Expo Center

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

January 25-February 3, 2025 Event

One of the oldest and most popular annual festivals in Minnesota

Plymouth Ice Festival

early February 2024 Event

Skilfully carved ice sculptures line the streets of downtown Plymouth

Lake Geneva Winterfest

January 29–February 2, 2025 Event

A place to celebrate art, winter, and have fun with over a dozen themed events in Wisconsin

Zehnder’s Snowfest

January 29-February 2, 2025 Event

One of the top snow sculpting events in North America held in Frankenmuth, MI since 1990

MTU Winter Carnival

February 7–10, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual winter festivals in the U.S. takes place on the campus of the Michigan Tech University

Powell Gardens Festival of Lights

November 14, 2024–January 4, 2025 (sleected dates) Event

A popular holiday attraction in Kansas City area, Missouri

Garden of Lights at Green Bay Botanical Garden

November 29–December 30, 2024 (on selected dates) Event

A magical Christmas-themed garden keeps spirits up during the holidays in east Wisconsin

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

November 21, 2024–January 1, 2025 Event

This festive seasonal illumination brightens the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Blue Jacket Fantasy of Lights

November 18–December 31, 2024 Event

Northeast Indiana’s best winter holiday event

Lakes Jam Fest

June 26–29, 2024 Event

Lots of rock and country near the beautiful Brainerd lakes

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

September 19–22, 2024 Event

Don't miss America's largest Oktoberfest

Savage Race Ohio

June 17, 2023 Event

One of unique action sports and adventure events in the U.S.

The Abominable Snow Race

January 25, 2025 Event

Premier winter obstacle course race in Wisconsin held in Lake Geneva

Rock Fest

July 18-20, 2024 Event

The largest rock and camping festival in the United States

Stillwater Lumberjack Days

July 14–16, 2023 Event

Celebration of the people, history and heritage of Minnesota

University of Okoboji Winter Games

January 23-26, 2025 Event

Winter festival with lots of fun games, fireworks, and a polar plunge in Okoboji, Iowa

Electric Forest

June 20–23, 2024 Event

Join in the forest family and feel the vibes and energy of this exuberant music festival in Rothbury, Michigan

Pictured Rocks Kayaking

late May–September Activity

Paddle along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the waters of Lake Superior in Michigan

Country Concert

July 11-13, 2024 Event

One of the best summer country events in Ohio and all of the Midwest

Morton Pumpkin Festival

September 11–14, 2024 Event

The "Pumpkin capital of the world" celebrates the harvest season

U.P. Fall Beer Festival in Marquette, MI

September 7, 2025 Event

A large event for beer enthusiasts in Michigan

Michigan Summer Beer Festival

July 26-27, 2024 Event

A large outdoor beer brewers event near Detroit

Apple Festival of Kendallville

October 5-6, 2024 Event

Go back in time to the 1800s and try delicious treats made of apples

Beaverdale Fall Festival

September 20–21, 2024 Event

One of the most popular community festivals in Des Moines, Iowa

AppleJack Festival

September 20–22, 2024 | September 28–29, 2024 Event

Celebrate the kickoff of the apple harvest season in Nebraska

Barberton Mum Festival

September 28-29, 2024 Event

Celebrate fall watching millions of blooms at a scenic park

Historic Irvington Halloween Festival

October 19–26, 2024 Event

The oldest and one of the largest Halloween festivals in the United States

Clinton Fall Festival

September 27–29, 2024 Event

A fun-filled fall weekend in a historic village

Boats and Bluegrass Festival

September 26–29, 2024 Event

An outdoor festival on the banks of the Mississippi

Bayfield Apple Festival

October 4-6, 2024 Event

Join an amazing celebration of fall!

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival

September 26-29, 2024 Event

Giant pumpkins highlight the fall harvest celebration

Ohio Renaissance Festival

August 31–October 27, 2024 (weekends only) Event

Find yourself in a 16th-century English village

Ohio Bike Week

May 24–June 1, 2024 Event

The largest motorcycle rally of the Midwest and rock concerts roll out in Sandusky on the shores of Lake Erie

KC Restaurant Week

January 10-19, 2025 Event

A favorite time of the year for foodies

Kansas City Renaissance Festival

August 31–October 14, 2024 (Saturdays & Sundays) Plus September 2 and October 14 Event

Go back in time to the 16th century and meet King Henry VIII and his royal court

Kansas City Irish Fest

August 30-September 1, 2024 Event

One of the best Irish Festivals of the Midwest

Kansas City FilmFest International

April 12-14, 2024 Event

The oldest and largest festivals in the Kansas City metro area

Kansas City Air Show

August, 2024 Event

World-class aerobatic performances in the heart of America

Ethnic Enrichment Fest

August 16-18, 2025 Event

The largest cultural diversity event in Kansas City

Columbus Arts Festival

June 7-9, 2024 Event

One of the largest outdoor summer events in Columbus

Western Farm Show

February 23-25, 2024 Event

The best event for dairy farmers and cattle ranchers in Kansas City

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

September 6-8, 2024 Event

Sternwheeler races and other fun activities to watch

KC Beer Fest

September 14, 2024 Event

A popular craft beer festival at The Kansas City Power & Light District

Pirate Family Daze

June 5–7, 2020 Event

A family-friendly event with a nautical and pirate theme in Port Washington

Annunciation Greek Festival

September 6–8, 2024 Event

Lots of delicious food and excellent music in Kansas City, Missouri

Twins Days Festival

August 2–4, 2024 Event

The world's biggest gathering of twins in the city founded by twins—Twinsburg

CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show

June 22-23, 2024 Event

One of the leading air shows in the U.S.

Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual parades in Missouri

Dublin, Ohio, 4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Shows

June 29–July 4, 2024 Event

The suburb of Columbus is famous for its Independence Day celebration with an Irish twist

Wisconsin Dells Kayaking

May–September Activity

Visit a favorite family vacation destination in Wisconsin

Warrens Cranberry Festival

September 27–29, 2024 Event

The largest cranberry celebration in the world

Summerfest

June 20–22, 27–29, July 4–6, 2024 Event

The giant music festival in Milwaukee on the shore of Lake Michigan

Brickyard 400

July 19–21, 2024 Event

One of NASCAR's most iconic races at an iconic location

Port Huron Float Down

August 18, 2024 Event

Summer water fun event in Michigan

Pierogi Fest

July 26-28, 2024 Event

Great food and some wacky fun in just 30 minutes from Chicago

Japanese Festival

August 31-September 2, 2024 Event

One of the largest and oldest Japanese festivals in the United States

Columbus Pride Festival and Parade

June 14–15, 2024 Event

One of the largest pride festivals in the Midwest

Woodward Dream Cruise

August 17, 2024 Event

The largest one-day classic car event in the world, drawing over 1-million people and 40,000 classic cars each year

Arlington Million

August 14, 2021 Event

A perfect opportunity to enjoy live racing, entertainment, and fancy group outings

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

July 3–7, 2024 Event

America's largest festival combining air show and hot air balloons

Kings Island WinterFest

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

One of the best Christmas festivals in the Cincinnati area

Allstate Hot Chocolate Run

November 3, 2024 Event

The sweetest run in the world takes over the United States from coast to coast

St.Louis Mardi Gras (Soulard Mardi Gras)

January 6–March 1, 2025 Event

The second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race

September 20-21, 2024 Event

The second oldest hot-air balloon race in the United States

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual celebrations in Plymouth, Indiana

World Cow Chip Throwing Contest

August 18–24, 2024 Event

Find similarities between ultimate frisbee and cow dung tossing

National Balloon Classic

July 26-August 3, 2024 Event

The premier ballooning festival in Iowa held since the 1970s

Saint Louis 4th of July Fireworks, Parade & Concert

July 4 Event

The largest America's birthday party of the Midwest

Ice Shards on the Great Lakes

mid–February–late March Nature

The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter

Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival

August 16-17, 2024 Event

A great occasion to enjoy the summer!

Fall Colors in Iowa

October Nature

Warm days and cool nights, very few insects, and the vibrant autumn colors make the fall season one of the best times in Iowa

Christmas Lights

early November–early January Event

Get dazzled by millions of magical lights in Branson

Kansas City Christmas Lights

late November–early January Event

Downtown KC looks the best during the holiday season

New Year's Eve in Kansas City

December 31 Event

Countdown bashes, gourmet food, and live music to mark the most festive night of the year

Chinese New Year in Columbus

February 8, 2024 Event

Colorful annual festivities at Ohio State University and around Columbus

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Fall Foliage

mid-September–November Nature

For four to six weeks every year, Branson becomes the epicenter of Ozark's fall foliage observation

Halloween in St. Louis: Events, Fests & Haunted Houses

October Event

Explore all the haunted places in historic St. Louis

Planet Comicon Kansas City

March 8-10, 2024 Event

The largest popular culture convention in the region

Festival of the Little Hills

August 18-20, 2024 Event

The premier arts and crafts show of the Midwest

Happy Harry's Ribfest

June 5–8, 2024 Event

A 4-day grand-scale festival of food, music, and entertainment in Fargo, North Dakota

Missouri Fall Colors

late September–mid-November (best mid-October) Nature

Show Me State showcases amber, golden, and bronze shades in the fall

Central Missouri Renaissance Festival

April 27–28, 2024 | May 4–5, 2024 | October 19–20, 2024 Event

Get a glimpse of what people lived like in the medieval times

Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival

October 12–13, 2024 Event

Revel in pumpkins at the annual celebration hosted by a small village in Missouri

Weston Applefest

October 5-6, 2024 Event

One of the best fall events in the larger Kansas City area

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival

October 26-27, 2024 Event

Indulge in the freshly made delectable spread and live entertainment

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival

May 31-June 1, 2025 Event

A chance to step back in time, immerse in history and create lasting memories

North Dakota Renaissance Faire

June 15-16, 2025 Event

Plenty of entertainment, historic musical acts, and medieval games of skill and strength

St Louis Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 25–27, 2024 Event

A gathering with family and friends to honor fallen heroes

Kansas City Memorial Day Weekend Parade, Events, Fireworks

May 25–27, 2024 Event

Celebration at the Station and other signature KC gatherings

Plaza Art Fair

September 20–22, 2024 Event

The best annual gathering in the heart of Kansas City

Uptown Art Fair

August 3–4, 2024 Event

A vibrant celebration of Minneapolis' unconventional art scene in the bustling district of Uptown

Krampus in Milwaukee

December 1, 2024 Event

Join thrilling Christmas revelry in the Brew City, where fear meets fun

Krampus in Columbus

December 1–15, 2024 Event

Experience the thrill and cheer of German folklore in the heart of the American Midwest

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