Quick Trips: Madison, Wis., and Iowa film festivals; maple syrup fests in Minn. and Wis.

Film fans can check out popular film festivals next month in Wisconsin and Iowa. More than 150 movies will be screened during the 21st annual Wisconsin Film Festival April 4-11. Full-length features, documentaries, animated, children's and short films from the United States and abroad will be screened on the campus of the University of Wisconsin and other sites. Tickets are $9-$11 (wifilmfest.org). Movie buffs can enjoy more than 30 films by local, regional and national filmmakers during the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival April 12-13 at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion, Iowa (crifm.org).

Maple syrup is on tap and several spots in Minnesota and Wisconsin will celebrate the signal of spring with festivals. Tap sap from a tree and treat yourself to fresh maple syrup on pancakes during the Maple Syrup Fest April 6 in Vergas, Minn. Visitors can enjoy a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Vergas Event Center. The cost is $5-$10. Events also include a medallion hunt, geocaching, a 5K run/walk ($30-$40), tours of sugar houses (weather-permitting), live music and more (tinyurl.com/y3rkrmc2).

Also on April 6 in Poynette, Wis., the Maple Fest will include tree tapping and other family fun at the MacKen­zie Environmental Center. A pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, with maple syrup-making demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, displays and more (tinyurl.com/yy5h7obg).

Colleen a. Coles