ONE-TANK TRIPS

ILLINOIS

Oct. 7 | JazzCity, 7 p.m., Grand Crossing Park, 7655 S Ingleside Ave, Chicago, (312) 747-6158, www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

This event celebrating the past, present and future of jazz in Chicago, is a collaboration initiated by the Jazz Institute of Chicago with the Chicago Park District. Numerous JazzCity projects have gone from the neighborhood parks to the awesome stages at Millennium Park and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Additional dates: Nov 4: Saxophone Summit at Southshore Cultural Center; Dec 9: Ari Brown & Edward Wilkerson at Hamilton Park.

Through Oct. 29 | Navy Pier Fall Fireworks, 9 p.m. every Saturday, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, www.navypier.com, (312) 595-PIER

Changing leaves aren't the only source of brilliant colors this fall. Spectacular lakefront fireworks continue to dazzle the Chicago skyline. Plus, as part of the Fall Fireworks, Navy Pier presents the "Chicago Celebrity Playlist" series featuring music selected by notable Chicago artists and sports figures. The best place to hear the music and view the fireworks is on Dock Street.

INDIANA

Oct. 6 | Taste of Home Cooking School Show, 7-9 p.m., The Venue at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, (219) 473-6060, www.ticketmaster.com

This year marks The Times' 4th annual show. And just like the previous years, there will also be a vendor booth area off the theater lobby, open from 1 to 5 p.m., prior to the show doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The event also features a private tour of the stage area by this year's featured chef performer Eric Villegas, as well as food provided for both lunch and dinner. You must be 21 or older to attend.

Oct. 7 | Uptown ART Walk, 5-8 p.m., Uptown Arts District, Frankin St, downtown Michigan City, (219) 928-8091, www.michigancitylaporte.com

This event celebrates the first anniversary of the Uptown Art Walk. Seventeen participating business including art galleries, shops, boutiques, restaurants, and theaters, will provide art, photography, architecture, fashion, music, good food, free refreshments and other surprises.

Oct. 8 | Oktoberfest, 3-11 p.m., South Main St, Crown Point, (219) 662-3240, www.crownpoint.in.gov

This fourth annual event features food, festivities and fun for all ages. Activities include a pie-eating contest, chili cook-off, bean bag tournament and more.

MICHIGAN

Oct. 8 | New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest, noon-10 p.m., Lion's Park, downtown New Buffalo, (888) 660-6222, www.newbuffalo.org

The New Buffalo Business Association and the Four Winds Casino are hosting the 5th annual festival featuring a copious farmer's market, world-class wines from Southwest Michigan, tasty fare from area restaurants, live music, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and more.