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Midwest Summer Isn't Long Enough for All This Cool Stuff!

by Arts Midwest

A wide shot capturing a bridge going over a river during the summertime, with people sitting and standing under the bridge and a band playing music atop a river structure surrounded by a few kayakers.
Photo Credit: Trevor Jay Prickett (@TrevorJayPrickett)
"At this point, the secret's out," Lawrence Tome band leader Ben Kinsinger says, who now hosts other bands on the platform during the summers.

The FOMO is real, so here are creative ways to make the season feel a little longer—from outdoor movies and fringe festivals, to road trip destinations and canning recipes.

Every Midwesterner knows the summer dilemma. So much to do, so much to see, so much art and creativity packed into a few short months. Here are some summer ideas to put on your wish list, inspire a weekend jaunt, or just spark a little joy.