AAA Chicago's September/October Events and Festivals Calendar

AURORA, Ill., July 17 -- The Midwest is the place to be in September and October to enjoy a wide variety of fall festivals. Following is a list of monthly events and festivals in the region complied by AAA Chicago.

Sept. 12-13, Chicago -- The Shedd Aquarium. Grab your sleeping bag and bring the whole family for "Asleep with the Fishes - Family Overnighter." Guests can sack out with reef residents and other aquatic animals. (312) 939-2435.

Sept. 12-14, Elgin, Ill. -- "Oktoberfest," Enjoy festive German food -- schnitzel, sauerkraut and brats -- and watch dancers perform to traditional music. (630) 830-9120.

Sept. 20-21, Cedarburg, Wis. -- Wine & Harvest Festival. Located in the downtown historic district, the festival offers a feast for the senses. Winery features award-winning wine and the "great grape stomp" for kids and adults. (262) 377-9620.

Sept. 26-28, Pontiac, Ill. -- Threshermen's Bluegrass Festival. Listen to Bluegrass favorites from regional, national and international bands and prepare for an "impromptu jam session." Featured bands include The Lewis Family, Lost & Found, and European band Fragment. (217) 243-3159.

Sept. 27, Freeport, Ill. -- Pretzel City Quarry Day. Come to the quarry to ride a backhoe or bulldozer, dig for fool's gold, target practice with a slot shot and other educational activities. (800) 369-2955.

Sept. 27-28, Greenbush, Wis. -- Civil War Weekend. History comes alive at the historic Wade House with the biggest Civil War re-enactment in the Midwest. Observe the clash of cavalry, infantry and artillery units during battle. (920) 526-3271.

Oct 9-12, Alpena, Mich. -- Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. Tour area lighthouses by plane, boat or bus; attend nightly dinners and brunch Sunday morning; bid at silent and live auctions; and learn about the restoration and preservation of Great Lakes Lighthouses. (989) 595-3600.

Oct. 10-19, Mansfield, Ind. -- Covered Bridge Festival. This festival spans all of Parke County with five towns showcasing bridges. Along the way more than 2000 vendors will have crafts, food, original art and family activities set up. (812) 876-8580.

Oct. 11-26, Marshall, Mich. -- Scarecrow Festival. More than 1000 Scarecrows around town dance, sing and entertain visitors to will celebrate the four seasons of Michigan. (800) 877-5153.

Oct. 18-19, Wisconsin Dells -- Autumn Harvest Fest. Celebrate the harvest season in the Dells with a craft fair, farmers market, petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides and live entertainment. (800) 223-3557.

Through Jan 11, Fort Wayne, Ind. -- From Mickey to the Grinch: Art of Animated Film. Exhibition explores the art, history and process of the American animated film at the Museum of Art. (260) 422-6467.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada.