Maryland. The Cecil County Fair, in its 59th year, runs July 20-28 at the Fair Hill Fairgrounds in Elkton. It's a 4-H and open fair, with goats, cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, demo derby, midway, truck/tractor pulls, and nightly entertainment. Admission is $5 for ages 13-59, $2 for others, and free for children under 6. The midway opens at 2, 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day, and armbands are mostly $20. cecilcountyfair.org; 410-392-3440.
Massachusetts. Martha's Vineyard Jazz Festival 2012 on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs runs Aug. 4-11 and features all things jazz with live performances, book readings and signings, art exhibits, film presentations. See website for schedule and tickets. www.mvjazzfest.com; 410-205-6585.
New Hampshire. League of NH Craftsmen Annual Craftsmen's Fair is Aug. 4-12 in Newbury. Nine-day event showcases more than 350 items by juried craftsmen. Exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops. Adults: $10; students, seniors, active military duty: $8; children under 12 free. www.nhcrafts.org; 603-224-3375.
New Jersey. The Quik Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is July 27-29 at Solberg Airport in Readington. This is the 30th anniversary of the event, and it has received the New Jersey Governor's Award for Best Special Event. There will be twice daily mass ascensions of more than 100 special shape and sport hot air balloons, concerts by such headliners as Eddie Money, Smokey Robinson, Bret Michaels, and ICONic Boyz and R5; crafters and vendors, food, fireworks, a balloon glow, a 5k run. Tickets, which include lawn seating for the concerts, for adults are $20 till July 26 and $30 after; for ages 4-12, $10 till July 26 and $15 after. www.balloonfestival.com; 973-882-5464.
New York. The Essex County Fair, on Route 9 in Westport, in the Adirondacks, runs Aug. 8-12. It features livestock and animal exhibitions, animal shows, horse shows, harness racing, variety shows, motorsports, and food. $10 admission includes rides. www.essexcountyfair.org; 518-962-8650.
Pennsylvania. The Endless Mountain Music Festival runs July 28-Aug. 12 in Wellsboro, Tioga County. Under the baton of Stephen Gunzenhauser, the festival features 25 events in 16 days; a 62-piece orchestra; workshops; and receptions with the musicians. Concerts are $25 each. A flex pass for six concerts is $124; a season pass for all concerts is $199. www.endlessmountain.net; 570-787-7800.
Rhode Island. The Newport Jazz Festival is Aug. 3-5 at Fort Adams State Park. The lineup includes Dr. John & The Lower 911; Jonathan Batiste; Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Dianne Reeves; Pat Metheny Unity Band; and many more jazz notables. Ticket prices vary by venue. Check for availability. Information and schedules: www.newportjazzfest.net
Virginia. The Virginia Mountain Peach Festival is Aug. 3-4 in Roanoke. Since 1990 the festival has brought together all things peach, plus other foods, craft vendors, entertainment, kids' activities, games, Mill Mountain Zoo animals. Free. 540-342-0233.
