Here are some of the more interesting events, deals, websites and other travel tidbits that have come across our desk recently:
•The Great Galena Balloon Race will be June 21-23 in the popular northwest Illinois town. There will be balloon races each day, along with night glows and a car show. An art show and live music are also on tap. www.greatgalenaballoonrace.com
•Tickets are on sale for Dinner in the Vineyard, a five-course meal at Gathering Ground’s vineyard on Washington Island in Door County, Wis. The event isn’t until Aug. 29, but it’s limited to 50 people, so early ticket purchase is advised. The meal will be prepared by Door County chefs. http://tinyurl.com/y3ks5yhv
•The Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour will get rolling June 29 in Kalamazoo, Mich. There will be routes of 15, 31, 62 and 100 miles, as well as a 10-mile guided family ride. New this year are challenging routes of 31 and 62 miles on gravel roads. http://tinyurl.com/yy7d6r4f
•St. Louis is planning a big Fourth of July bash with Fair Saint Louis at Gateway Arch National Park. Scheduled July 4-6, the free event includes concerts, an air show, fireworks, family activities and more. www.fairsaintlouis.org
•Coaster Campout is an opportunity to camp under a canopy of roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure amusement park in Muskegon, Mich. The event is the night of June 28 and includes exclusive ride time and food. You have to bring your own tent. The fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of America has very limited availability, so early reservations are a must. http://tinyurl.com/y6ocm8an
•The S.S. Badger car ferry offers a unique way to watch Fourth of July fireworks. The ship will depart from Ludington, Mich., the night of July 4, cruise along the shoreline until sunset, then anchor offshore to view the waterfront fireworks display. Tickets are $52 per person and include a picnic buffet. Two cash bars will be available. http://tinyurl.com/y625oc7h
•The 44th annual Sturgis Falls Celebration will be held June 28-30 in Gateway Park and Overman Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Live music will include jazz, Dixieland, country, rock ’n’ roll and blues. There’s also a parade, carnival, market and lots of food and drink. www.sturgisfalls.org
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•Q-Fest takes place June 28-30 in downtown Quincy, Ill. The weekend will include an art festival, live music, a food court and beer and wine tent. http://tinyurl.com/y3n26u63
•Summerfest, billed as the world’s largest music festival, will have Milwaukee rocking June 26-30 and July 2-7. Among the headliners are Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Richie, Michael McDonald and Megadeth. www.summerfest.com
•The 21st Annual Bay Harbor Vintage Car and Boat Festival will be June 20-22 in Bay Harbor, Mich. Highlights include the parade of classic cars on June 22 and the display of vintage wooden boats. http://tinyurl.com/y4f8p2f4
•Renewable energy and sustainable living will be the focus of the 30th anniversary Energy Fair in Custer, Wis. There will be speakers, workshops and exhibits, along with live music. www.theenergyfair.org
•If you’ve wondered how pickles are made, you can find out on a tour of Sechler’s Pickle Factory in St. Joe, Ind. The tours are offered Monday through Thursday until October. https://tinyurl.com/yxvcngcb
Deals and websites listed here have been checked for availability as of press time. Listings are not endorsements. Send tips at least a month in advance to ChicagoTribTravel@gmail.com.
Phil Marty is a freelancer.
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