BALLOON FESTIVAL LIGHTS THE SKY

Think you need to visit the American Southwest for a premier hot-air balloon experience? Think again. The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning (July 28-30) celebrates its 40th year as “the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.” With almost 100 balloons ascending five times over the weekend, there’s plenty of chances to sign up for the wonders of floating among the clouds. The festival is held at Solberg Airport in rural Readington, N.J., about 50 miles west of New

York City. The colorful balloons make their mass ascension early in the morning and again in the late afternoon, when winds are at their lightest. The signature festival event is the “Balloon Glow.” Beginning at sundown, during the Saturday evening headliner concert, the pilots blast propane burners at predetermined times to release a burst of fire into the balloons which then “glow” like immense fireflies, creating a magical light show. (Rides $275-$350 per person.) In addition to balloons, the festival offers live music, including headliners KC and the Sunshine Band, Everclear, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Parth Oza and Team saaZ. During the day, tribute bands perform works of Bruno Mars, the Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and more. Stroll the grounds to peruse the work of hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, and taste foods from around the world. Family entertainment includes fireworks, amusement rides, a kids’ concert, and multiple performances of the Fearless Flores Thrill Show, with high-wire aerialists, a “motorcycle raceway in the sky,” and motorcycle stunts in a circular cage. General admission: Adults $32; ages 4-12 $12; under 3 free. balloonfestival.com