Events August 2009

Aug. 12-22
Downtown Film Festival
LOS ANGELES
Only in its second year, this festival takes place in the city's historic core, a neighborhood filled with early-20th-century movie palaces (the art galleries came later). The event includes a retrospective of blue-eyed charmer Paul Newman's films, a music documentary series and the "Shorts & Sweets" screenings, which take place at the 7+FIG Art Space. www.downtownfilmfestla.com

Aug. 7 through Jan. 3
"Staged Stories: Renwick Craft Invitational 2009"
WASHINGTON, DC
Both the strange and the profound are shown off at the fourth iteration of this biennial exhibition series at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. There'll be knitted superhero costumes, glass sculptures that incorporate black-and-white photographs, and ceramic statues of women with pink and white seahorses-just don't expect any floral needle-point. www.americanart.si.edu

Aug. 11-15
Back to the Bricks
FLINT, MI
Get your motor running at this annual event, which portrays the car as a work of art rather than just a mode of transportation. More than 20,000 beauties hit the road at last year's gathering, taking part in cruises and drive-ins at the Cultural Center. The event also features a "Women's Marketplace," if fashion shows are more your speed. www.backtothebricks.org

Aug. 13-16
Gen Con Indy 2009
INDIANAPOLIS
Grab your 20-sided dice and wizard figurines, and head to the longest-running gaming convention in the world (attendees have been geeking out at this one for more than 40 years). Last year, more than 28,000 came-some in full regalia, some not-to check out the games, art, film festival, seminars and SPA (short for Spousal Activities, which include everything from knitting to belly dancing). www.gencon.com

Through Aug. 16
Harlem Week
NEW YORK CITY
This annual monthlong event highlighting the culturally rich Manhattan neighborhood premiered 35 years ago as "Harlem Day"-and it proved far more successful than imagined. Enjoy street fairs, an auto show, a film festival, a junior tennis tournament and lots of music-including a night of live performances at area restaurants . It's a great reason to head uptown. www.harlemweek.com

Aug. 28-30
Outside Lands Festival
SAN FRANCISCO
This music and arts festival may be only one year old, but it's attracting some of the biggest names in rock. Headliners (Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys) and up-and-comers (Deerhunter, Los Campesinos!) join local wine artisans and chefs for this event in Golden Gate Park. In the Eco Lands area, you can watch artists perform on a solar-powered stage. www.sfoutsidelands.com

Aug. 29-30
Summer Shade Festival
ATLANTA
Sure, it's hot out, but the shady paths of century-old trees in Grant Park will keep you cool at this event featuring live music, a juried art show and market, and a children's area. Don't miss the Corks & Forks event, featuring dishes from some of Atlanta's top restaurants and wine pairings from around the world. www.summershade.org

Through Oct. 18
"Constellations: Paintings from the MCA Collection"
CHICAGO
More than 100 years after some people proclaimed painting was dead at the advent of photography, the Museum of Contemporary Art is demonstrating how the art form remains relevant. This exhibit groups works by around 75 artists into five "constellations" according to subject, era or technique, connecting generations of artists. www.mcachicago.org

Sept. 5-6
Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival
COLUMBUS, OH
Watch base ball the way it was originally meant to be played (and written, with two words): politely and without any gloves. With more than 25 teams playing, the Ohio Cup is the largest gathering of vintage base ball teams in the country. There may not be peanuts and Cracker Jack (or beer), but this is the real old ball game.www.ohiohistory.org

PASSPORT NOT REQUIRED

Take a trip around the world at these cultural festivals.

Start in LOS ANGELES' Little Tokyo district at the 69th annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival (www.niseiweek.org), Aug. 15-23. Take part in tea ceremonies, and watch taiko drumming and odori dancing. On Aug. 16, the Grand Parade runs through the area, featuring handmade floats followed by more than 100 dancers.

In EAST PITTSBURGH, PA, Aug. 20-23, the Ypapanti Greek Food Festival (www.greekburgh.com) involves more than just cuisine. You can hear Greek folk music and watch (then join!) award-winning dancers. Of course, there will be plenty of authentic food like yiahni (green beans and zucchini stew) and loukoumades (honey pastries).

From Sept. 4-6, Kansas City Irish Fest (www.kcirishfest.com) in KANSAS CITY will feature Irish cooking and music off ering modern takes on traditional styles (Pogey, Scythian).

For competitive types, there will be brewing, baking and photography contests-so a craic ("good time," loosely translated) can be had by all.

This month, it's possible to see international cultures without leaving the country.