Even though September transitions us from summer into autumn, take advantage of the nice weather for your last hoorahs. From outdoor festivals to events in the park this is the ideal month to squeeze every last drop of the summer spirit out.

Pack your camping gear and head to Wheatland (7251 50th Ave., Remus) for one last hoorah to the festival season. This weekend-long traditional music and arts festival has strived since 1974 to preserve the roots of music from around the world with careful precision to bring in the most authentic of acts. Like Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, a true delta bluesman since the ‘50s who played with Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters. The vast hodgepodge of music also includes honky-tonk rockabilly from Wayne ‘The Train' Hancock, mountain music from Craver, Hicks, Watson & Newberry, Americana from Red Sea Pedestrians, the folky sounds of Abigail Washburn & the Village, and a lot more. Remember this weekend is as much arts as it is music. Arts and crafts activities include sculpture, clay, fiber, wood/stone, jewelry, glass, photography and more. There are also instrument tents throughout the weekend for lessons and demonstrations. Kids can enjoy plenty of activities designed just for them.

Civil War Re-enactment
Deerfield Nature Park
Sept. 17-18

Ever wonder what the Civil War was really like? The guys in the 10th Michigan Infantry can give you a vivid idea. While in full costume and acting on a recreated camp, the men will perform battle re-enactments which start at 1 p.m. each day. There are games for you to participate, making for a hands-on history lesson. The event is free but if you don't have a pass into the park the fee is $6 per day. The event is held at Deerfield Nature Park (2425 West Remus).

Art from our Park
Deerfield Nature Park
Sept. 24

Now in its fourth year, Art from our Park is an annual event that gives local artists and the community a chance to come together to celebrate while outdoors, the event runs 12-4 p.m. in Deerfield Nature Park (2425 West Remus). Meet local artists that have picked a spot to create art in the park. There will be an all-ages Creation Station, live music from the Old Foresters, the Central Michigan Music Theatre and a bassoon player. Go on a nature walk and learn about the trees you see, stop to listen to poetry and watch interpretive dancers in the park. It's truly a unique experience for a day in the park. It's brought to you by Isabella County Parks, the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and Art Reach of Mid-Michigan.

Local Production of RENT
Broadway Theatre
Sept. 9, 10, 16 & 17 @ 7 p.m. and 11, 18 at 2 p.m.
RENT was originally performed on Broadway in New York City, then moved to the big screen and is now coming to Broadway Theatre in Mt. Pleasant (216 East Broadway). It's a musical about young people who are dying, clinging to each other and dealing with harsh realities. The characters live outside the mainstream, suffer mistreatment because of poverty, homelessness, disease, sexual orientation and self-destructive behavior. Along the way the story grows steadily darker and ends with a positive and poignant message. The production is directed by John Saint Jones and music direction by Kyle Cozad, tickets are $10 each. Visit friendsofthebroadway.org or call (989) 772-2075 for more information.

Midwest Fest hosts Frontier Ruckus, Chris Bathgate
Sept. 27-Oct.1

The fourth annual celebration of local music made-in-Michigan (and a couple from Ohio and Indiana) is back and bringing four straight nights of rock ‘n' roll, folk and indie pop to Rubbles in Mt. Pleasant (112 W. Michigan Street). Tickets for 2011 Midwest Fest the entire weekend start at $20, $25 for minors. One-day passes start at $7. Purchase tickets at: midwestfest.com. Here's the schedule:

KICKOFF PARTY
Tuesday, Sept. 27
Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company
8-8:45 p.m. - W. Michael Freer
9-9:45 p.m. - Bro. Stephen
10-11 p.m. - Jes Kramer

Wednesday, Sept. 28
Rubble's Bar
9:30-10:05 p.m. - Morseville Bridge
10:20-10:55 p.m. - Mountains for Clouds
11:10-11:45 p.m. - Ghost Heart
12:00-12:35 a.m. - Newday Dreamers
12:50-2 a.m. - Chris Bathgate

Thursday, Sept. 29
Rubble's Bar
9:30-10:05 p.m. - Yoke
10:20-10:55 p.m. - State Bird
11:10-11:45 p.m. - Lightning Love
12-12:35 a.m. - Phantasmagoria
12:50-2 a.m. - Stepdad

Friday, Sept. 30
Rubble's Bar
9:30-10:05 p.m. - Bloomill
10:20-10:55 p.m. - Empty Orchestra
11:10-11:45 p.m. - The Crane Wives
12-12:35 a.m. - Jetpack On!
12:50-2 a.m. - The High Strung

Saturday, Oct. 1
Rubble's Bar
9:30-10:05 p.m. - Elliot Street Lunatic
10:20-10:55 p.m. - Nathan K.
11:10-11:45 p.m. - Ratboy
12-12:35 a.m. - Joe Hertler + The Rainbow Seekers
12:50-2 a.m. - Frontier Ruckus

Pictured: Bloomill, performing at Midwest Fest