September 2–5:
On the Waterfront Music Fest
Head to Illinois’ largest music festival for a Labor Day celebration like no other, complete with non-stop music in five venues, 25 city blocks of special events and activities, fireworks over the Rock River and more than 50 food booths to satisfy every taste. Downtown, Rockford, 815/964-4388. gorockford.com

September 10–12:
Fall Faire in Monee
Commemorate the first days of fall at this annual family fest, complete with village-wide yard sales, a carnival, live music and performances from Chicago-area talent, a classic car show, a 5K run, fireworks and more. Fireman’s Park, 5160 Court St., Monee, 708/534-8635.. fallfaireinmonee.com

September 18–19:
Vintage Illinois
For a romantic evening or a fun excursion with friends, head to Illinois’ annual wine celebration for an afternoon of sampling and scenery. The fest, held at beautiful Starved Rock State Park, features vintages from 21 Illinois wineries, great food and live music. For those looking to make a night of it, lodging is available at the Starved Rock lodge.  St. Rte. 178, Utica, 800/868-7625. vintageillinois.com

September 24–26:
International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
Illinois celebrates its reputation as “the place where the Mother Road begins” each year with this popular fest, complete with a variety of classic and custom autos, a classic car auction, live entertainment and music and the Rt. 66 City Nights Cruise. Downtown, Springfield, 317/236-6515. route66fest.com

September 4–5:
4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts
Jury-chosen artists — who hail from across the U.S. — will exhibit and sell their hand-blown glass, original paintings and prints, studio photography, home décor items, woven baskets and more, while live jazz, blues, folk and classical music provides a relaxing atmosphere for browsing. Downtown, Fourth and Grant streets, Bloomington, 812/335-3814. 4thstreet.org

September 11:
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Each fall, everyone’s favorite movie snack gets its day — celebrate America’s “Popcorn King” and Indiana native Orville Redenbacher with more than 200 art and craft booths, delicious food, family games, the five-mile Popcorn Panic and the nation’s original popcorn parade. Downtown, Valparaiso, 219/464-8332. valparaisoevents.com

September 17–19:
Indianapolis Irish Fest
This Irish fest goes above and beyond green beer booths and “Kiss Me I’m Irish” merchandise — learn about your Irish history and heritage at the cultural area, participate in the “kilted mile” race, shop in the Irish market, watch sheep-herding demonstrations and enjoy a variety of performances, including music from Indy’s Ceili Band. Military Park, Indianapolis, 317/713-7117. indyirishfest.com

September 25–26:
Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival
Travel through time to a 19th-century pioneer encampment, where you’ll enjoy military drills, antique and craft exhibits, great food and period entertainment, including a period fashion show, a clogging performance and music from the Civil War Company Singers. Hier’s Park, Huntington, 800/848-4282. pioneerfestival.org

September 2–4:
Crowe Fest ’10
At this annual bluegrass fest, now in its tenth year, you and your family will enjoy music from J.D. Crowe, The Grascals and many more, a cornhole tournament, a 5K race, archery demonstrations and music-themed workshops. Ichthus Farm, 9520 Harrodsburg Rd., Wilmore, 859/885-9787.jdcrowefestival.com

September 11–12:
Old Kentucky Home Bicycle Tour
Bask in the warm Indian summer sun on this annual bike tour, a two-day event that offers riders a variety of trips. More experienced riders may choose from Saturday’s 50, 72 and 102-mile routes — which run between Louisville and Bardstown — while others may opt for one of the two 25-mile routes offered on Sunday. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park, Louisville. okht.org

September 18–25:
Casey County Apple Festival
Your jaw will drop — and your mouth will water — when you see the “world’s largest apple pie,” a 10-foot pastry filled with 45 bushels of apples and baked to perfection in 12 hours. In addition to a bevy of tasty offerings, the fest is also home to more than 200 craft vendors, live music, various contests, a carnival, a parade and much more. Downtown, Liberty, 606/787-5355. caseycountyapplefestival.org

September 23–25:
Barbecue on the River & Market Days
There’s no better excuse to pig out than this annual BBQ fest, where more than 50 teams from western Kentucky will cook up more than 60 tons of barbecue. After eating, enjoy live music while strolling through the market, where Paducah’s talented artisans will sell jewelry, clothing and crafts. Ohio Riverfront, Paducah, 270/559-7330. bbqontheriver.org

September 6:
Mackinac Bridge Walk
Join thousands of walkers and enjoy the beautiful view as you cross the five-mile Mackinac Bridge from St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula to Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula using only your feet — and perhaps a little friendly encouragement. Shuttle buses will return walkers back to St. Ignace after the walk. Mackinac Bridge, St. Ignace, 800/970-8717. mackinacbridge.org

September 10–12:
Art and Apples Festival
The state’s second largest juried fine arts fest, held at a beautiful, 30-acre park, features more than 250 artists from around the U.S., entertainment from local performers, a kid’s art zone, three fresh food courts and more. Rochester Park, Rochester, 248/651-4110. artandapples.com

September 18–19:
Harvest Stompede
Run through scenic Leelanau vineyards during this annual race before relaxing with wine samples, gourmet food and self-guided tours of the peninsula’s various wineries. Those looking to stay the night are in luck — the Lake Michigan shoreline is home to a bevy of charming bed and breakfasts. Various Leelanau Peninsula wineries. lpwines.com

September 30–October 3: Four Flags Area Apple Festival
Head to Michigan’s apple-growing region for four days of harvest festivities, including apple-peeling, pie-baking and pie-eating contests, a carnival, orchard tours, a classic car show, fireworks, parades, live entertainment and 190 art and craft booths. Lake and 17th streets, Niles, 269/683-8870. fourflagsapplefestival.org

September 1–6:
Schaghticoke Fair
The third oldest fair in New York state — celebrating its 191st year this summer — offers a variety of agriculture-focused events and exhibits, from fresh produce stands and livestock displays to a horse show, as well as antique and craft sales, a talent show and musical performances. 669 Stillwater Bridge Rd., Schaghticoke, 518/753-4411. schaghticokefair.com

September 11–12:
Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival
More than 90 juried artists from the eastern U.S. will exhibit and sell their work and demonstrate their artistic skills at this lively arts fest, complete with live music throughout the weekend, interactive programming and children’s performances. Downtown, Norwich, 607/336-3378. colorscape.org

September 17–19:
Irondequoit Oktoberfest
Put on your lederhosen and head to this charming waterfront community for a weekend of authentic German food, music and fun. Entertainment includes performances from the alpine band, professional yodeling, family activities and more. Camp Eastman, Lake Shore Blvd., Irondequoit, 585/467-8840. irondequoit.org

September 23–26:
Adirondack Balloon Festival
Your kids will be filled with excitement as the evening sky comes alive with dozens of bright balloons. Enjoy kite flying, military aircraft displays, great food, live entertainment and an art show, too. Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, 433 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury. hudsonvalleyribfest.org

Through September 12: The Psychedelic 60s:
Posters from the Rock Era
In a decade that defined a generation came artwork that defined a musical movement — from the Grateful Dead to Jefferson Airplane and from the Fillmore West to its brother in the east, these posters represent ideas that transcend the bands and music that were made to promote — peace, love, unity and all things groovy. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org

September 4–6:
28th Annual Labor Day Weekend Powwow
The North American Indian Center of Central Ohio hosts this annual celebration of Native American culture and history. Enjoy dance performances, traditional music, art and craft displays and great food. Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard, 614/443-6120. naicco.org

September 17–19:
Ohio Pawpaw Festival
A southeast Ohio tradition for more than a decade, this celebration of North America’s largest native tree fruit offers three days of pawpaw fun, from the pawpaw cook-off and the pawpaw-eating contest to a craft market, informative lectures and demos, live music and the 55-mile Pawpaw Double Nickel bicycle ride. Lake Snowden, Lake Snowden Dr., Albany, 740/698-6060. ohiopawpawfest.com

September 18–19:
Village Peddler Festival
Crafters and collectors alike will enjoy strolling through this outdoor marketplace — a regional favorite for nearly 30 years — where you’ll find Americana and primitive pieces, as well as traditional country crafts from the region’s best artisans. Live folk music and delicious food offerings keep you satisfied during browsing breaks. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 800/366-3276. villagepeddlerfestival.com

Through September 26:
Drama & Desire: Artists and the Theatre
In this unique art exhibit, the dramatic works of Degas, Delacroix, Fuseli and more are presented “on stage” with live performances and full-scale sets. From theatrics to Degas-inspired ballet recitals, the viewer is immersed in the very stage inspiration that the artists were. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dudas St. W., Toronto, 416/979-6648. ago.net

September 4–5:
Monarchs & Migrants Weekend
See southbound migrants prepare for their journey to warmer days, watch bird-banders and monarch-taggers catch and mark their migrating friends, learn about the research that comes from these programs and hike through the park to find a migrant of your own. Presqu’ile Park, 328 Presqu’ile Pkwy., Brighton, 613/475-4324. friendsofpresquile.on.ca

September 9–12:
Shores of Erie International Wine Festival
Enjoy samples from more than 50 Erie-area food and wine vendors, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, live jazz music and beautiful waterfront views at this annual fest, which takes place just north of Windsor, leaving you with a variety of post-festival nightlife options, too. Fort Maiden National Historic Site, 100 Laird Ave. S., Amherstburg, 519/730-1001. soewinefestival.com

September 23–26:
147th Carp Fair
Relax with a weekend of old-fashioned fair fun. This year’s fair will offer a variety of musical acts and entertainers, exhibits of “homecrafts” — from beer and wine to décor items and needlework — agricultural displays and rides. 3790 Carp Rd., Ottawa, 613/839-2172. carpfair.ca

September 3–18:
Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe
Experience the sights and sounds of innovation during this internationally recognized celebration of the performing arts, featuring the world’s best contemporary artists in performances of dance, music and theater. Various locations, Philadelphia, 215/413-9006. livearts-fringe.org

September 4–5:
Pocono Garlic Festival
This unique Labor Day fest draws thousands of visitors each year with its lineup of outstanding local musicians, an abundance of garlic-inspired and infused creations, artisan exhibits, garlic-growing seminars and much more. Shawnee Ski Area, Shawnee-on-Delaware, 570/369-6814. poconogarlic.com

September 17–18:
36th Annual Tailgate Festival
Kick-off harvest — and football — season with this celebration of food, sports and fun. Participate in the sports-themed scarecrow competition and pumpkin bowling, sit in on a tailgate food demonstrations and take in the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch scenery while enjoying performances from a variety of entertainers. Kitchen Kettle Village, 3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, 800/732-3538. kitchenkettle.com

September 25–October 3:
Annual Autumn Leaf Festival
Enjoy nine days of festival fun, including a carnival, car show, children’s power wheel derby, a “crafter’s day” featuring more than 300 craft exhibits, sidewalk sales and the Tournament of Leaves parade. Downtown, Clarion, 814/226-9161. clarionpa.com/eventsite

September 4–5:
Vintage Raceboat Regatta
Celebrate Labor Day with a dose of high-speed excitement as wooden hydroplanes and raceboats race down the Ohio at speeds ranging from 60 to 140 miles an hour. In addition to the races, families will enjoy the SeaQuest Kids program, which teaches youngsters boat-building techniques, boat safety and more. Heritage Port, 12th and Main streets, Wheeling, 304/233-7709. wheelingvintageregatta.com

September 11–12:
West Virginia Wine & Jazz Festival
Toast to the coming of autumn at this annual wine fest, featuring the Morgantown area’s best wineries and restaurants. Fest-goers will enjoy non-stop music, too, including a set from the West Virginia University Jazz Ensemble. Camp Muffly, 4-H Camp Rd., Morgantown. wvwineandjazz.com

September 18–19:
48th Annual Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts Festival
Shop for decorations to make your home homey this fall, do some early holiday shopping or simply pick up some crafting inspiration of your own at this annual fest, featuring more than 200 vendors displaying, selling and demonstrating their craft. City Park, 1920 Park Ave., Parkersburg, 304/424-7311. woodrecreation.com

September 25–26:
Founders Day Festival
During this two-day fest, residents celebrate the founding of Capon Bridge — “West Virginia’s Gateway to the Mountains.” Kid’s activities and games, craft exhibits, military exhibits, historical presentations and tours of historic sites are included in the fun. Fire Company Grounds, U.S. Rte. 50, Capon Bridge, 304/856-1303. cbfoundersdayfestival.com