When you think of hot air balloons you might think of the big shindig over in Albuquerque, but for those in the Northeast there’s a pretty good festival coming up that might just require a little road trip rather than a flight. The QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place in just a couple of weeks, as it’s set to run between July 29 and July 31 at the Solberg Airport in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

They’ve got like at least 100 different balloons of all different shapes and sizes—including a butterfly, a shark, and the biggest can of Pepsi you’ve ever seen—that will hit the skies altogether twice per day. Besides the balloons there’s a 5K, a lady who shoots herself from a cannon, and 200 different vendors selling crafts and other goodies. ]]> kjb 2011-07-21T09:15:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/24/113737/087

Start preparing your competitve-eating-like skills for Los Angeles' brand-new foodie festival, The Taste. The citywide event will be served up from September 2 to 5, but you'll want to get your tickets now if you want to eat later.

This being L.A., of course celebrity chefs will be in attendance. Food truck godfather Roy Choi, Giada De Laurentiis, Ludo Lefebvre,Top Chef winner Michael Voltaggio, Oprah's personal chef Art Smith and Charm City Cakes' Duff Goldman are among some of the big-name chefs to be featured at the inaugural event. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-06-24T14:16:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/23/111925/175

Chicago, which used to be summer festival central, has taken some big hits lately, with a number of popular fests axed due to budget constraints. The city has had to say goodbye to the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, the city's Fourth of July fireworks (Navy Pier gets the honors this year) and Gospel Fest, among others. Luckily, the standout summer soiree, Taste of Chicago, will go on—it opens tomorrow.

Those who miss the canceled fests will especially want to visit the Taste, since it is incorporating Viva! Chicago Latin Music, Country Music, Gospel and Celtic fests into the musical offerings. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-06-23T13:49:35-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/22/93138/8657

Mashed potato wrestling at Minnesota's Barnesville Potato Days

There must be something about the hot air that brings out the crazies, because summer is when the weirdest festivals pop up all over the country. If you want some cray-cray in your life, TripAdvisor recently released its list of top wacky summer happenings, though some have passed so we added a couple of our own picks. Whether you want to do some mashed potato wrestling or eat bull balls, this calendar will keep you crazy through the warm-weather months.

See the top 10 wackiest summertime fests after the jump. ]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-06-22T10:30:03-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/6/1/1010/45149

Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The best thing about summer is that you can do everything outdoors, and that includes watch movies. Seeing a flick under the stars while huddled on a blanket is a favorite summer pastime, especially since the screenings are usually free. Pack your picnic baskets and pop a squat at one of these outdoor film festivals.

Check out the top five alfresco film festivals after the jump.]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-06-01T08:39:35-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2011/5/11/12453/9718

Chicago is a cosmopolitan city with lots of cultural offerings, but when summer rolls around, one of the must-do activities is to hit up a block party. The city's numerous neighborhoods have their own shindigs that focus on everything from food to hooking up.

Check out our top three block party picks after the jump.]]> Jennifer Kester 2011-05-12T10:11:13-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/8/23/22310/0852

For better or for worse Labor Day is right around the corner. There’s no escaping the end of the summer season, so rather than sulking away the end of the warm weather we suggest making some Labor Day plans as soon as possible. If a cheap getaway isn’t cheap enough, just join the crowds in Seattle for this year’s edition of Bumbershoot.

From September 4-6, the festival brings together an eclectic mixture of music, arts, and all kinds of other cool stuff. It’s the largest urban arts festival on the continent, so expect to get cozy with over 150,000 of your closest friends. Even if you don’t line up for the comedy shows, indie markets, or weird dance performances there’s always the music. This year is a good one, as Weezer, Mary J. Blige, and Bob Dylan bring the best in music to the masses. ]]> kjb 2010-08-24T11:11:04-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/