Floating on air

Looking for a hot-air balloon festival? Keep your eyes on the skies.

© Beth Gauper

If you've ever seen "The Wizard of Oz," you probably love hot-air balloons.

They're great and powerful and definitely eye-filling. And they're coming to a festival near you.

See balloon launches and, at night, a "glow" as the balloons are lighted. At many festivals, the public can go on tethered-balloon rides, and at some, private companies offer flights over the countryside.

Balloon rides are very popular, so reserve in advance when a festival offers them.

One caveat: If it's a windy day, owners won't be able to inflate their balloons.

June

Monroe Balloon Rally in Monroe, Wis . This event in the southern Wisconsin cheese capital also includes a blues festival, classic-car show and arts and crafts fair.

Great Galena Balloon Race in Galena, Ill . This event at Eagle Ridge Resort offers public flights and rides on tethered balloons. There are also night glows, music, a car show and a Friday-night Alefest.

July

Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest near Pella, Iowa . This festival on Iowa's largest lake includes launches, night glows, music and paddling and nature programs offered by the Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the recreation area.

Balloon Rally & Glow in Wausau, Wis . Events that weekend also include Ribfest and, downtown, Chalkfest.

Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival in Waterford, Wis. , between Milwaukee and Lake Geneva.

Galesburg Balloon Race in Galesburg, Ill. , on Lake Storey.

National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa . There are rides for the public during this big fest in central Iowa.

August

Balloon Rally in Seymour, Wis . This is part of the Hamburger Festival in this town near Green Bay.

Balloon Fest in Centralia, Ill . This southern Illinois fest also includes music, cardboard boat races and fireworks.

September

Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days in Creston, Iowa . In addition to balloon races and night glows, there's a parade with marching-band contest, an arts and crafts fair and a flea market.

Quad Cities Balloon Festival in East Moline, Ill . This festival at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds includes balloon glows, launches and tethered rides.

For more festivals, check HotAirBalloon.com.