Festival Friday: Eyes to the Skies Festival

For a colorful, high-flying fest, hit the Eyes to the Skies Festival where dozens of hot-air balloons will brighten the sky over Lisle. Take the kids up for a tethered-balloon ride ($15-$20) or enjoy the view from a lawn chair. On the ground, find live music, food and kid-friendly entertainment, including face painting, magic shows and a carnival.

On Friday and Saturday, balloons launch at 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., a “balloon glow” takes off at 8:15 p.m. and you can end both evenings with Independence-Day inspired fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

July 3–5 in Community Park, Illinois Route 53 at Short Street, Lisle (eyestotheskies.org). $7, kids 7 and under free.