Midwest happenings

ILLINOIS

- Labor Day weekend, go-karts rule the streets in downtown Rock Island. The Rock Island Grand Prix is billed as the largest and safest go-kart street race in the world. The free event attracted more than 30,000 last year. Event times are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p. m. that Saturday and Sunday; (309) 788-6311, rockislandgrandprix.com.

WISCONSIN

- Artists throughout the U.S. take to the streets of downtown Green Bay Aug. 28-30 to celebrate art at this free community event called Artstreet. A visual and performing arts festival, fine arts fair, ethnic foods, entertainment, strolling performers and children's activities make this a good family outing; (920) 435-5220, artseventsinc.com.

- Local and native Wisconsin food is the center of attraction at Eagle River Festival of Flavors, a culinary event held in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods. The event showcases local restaurants, food purveyors, culinary artisans and artists using natural products from within the area and throughout Wisconsin. Bring your appetite as plenty of food, cheese and wine tasting are on the menu Aug. 29-30; (800) 359-6315, eaglerivermainstreet.org.

Call or check Web sites ahead because details might change.

E-mail specifics about upcoming Midwest events to Travel Editor Lori Rackl at lrackl@suntimes.com.

Photo: Gran Prix in Rock Island ;