On the road: Ain't them bodies art?
Chicago
Loopy bodies
Don't miss the Chicago premiere of "Bodies in Urban Spaces," performed by local dance artists and choreographed by Willi Dorner. The free performances begin at the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza and take a milelong trip through the Loop's public and semipublic spaces to an unnamed, final destination. Along the way, the dancers create a chain of living sculptures. Watch performers test the physicality of the human body and create temporary art installations.
11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, and 11 a.m. Sunday, June 22, at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago. cityofchicago.org/dcase
Summer in the City
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, just blocks from some of the city's top attractions, announces new overnight packages. The Family Escape Package includes luxury accommodations for up to four people; two tickets for 360 Chicago; children 11 and younger eat for free; and kids receive a welcome gift at check-in. The So Shopping Package gets you luxury accommodations for two; 15 percent off at Bloomingdale's; Chanel 45-minute facial and makeup application for her in Bloomingdale's Spa Suite; Lab Series custom facial for him at Bloomingdale's; L'Occitane Shea Butter foot cream; and two glasses of wine or cocktails at Le Bar.
Valid through Sept. 1 at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Book the Family Escape package (rates begin at $220) before June 30 and receive 50 percent off valet parking. Children ages 11 and younger eat for free from the children's menu with paying adult, dine-in only. The package includes a maximum of two welcome gifts per room. Rates for the So Shopping package begin at $235. (312) 324-4000 or sofitel-chicago.com.
Singular sensation
The sixth annual Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival (MAAF) is a three-day cultural event that transforms Logan Square into a pop-up art district with local and national touring bands, food vendors and interactive family activities. Expect dozens of visual artists, two stages of live music, pop-up art galleries, and food and beverage from the neighborhood's eclectic restaurants. Bring the little ones for a family-friendly environment designed for children age 6 weeks to 6 years, including arts and crafts, sand pits, face painters, petting zoo and dance classes.
5 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 27, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29, on Milwaukee Avenue from Kedzie to the intersection of Diversey and Kimball, Chicago. Requested donation is $5. milwaukee avenueartsfestival.org.
Midwest
Eagle (Ridge) has landed
As if you needed a reason to visit the gorgeous geography of Galena and its equally attractive Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, the largest balloon race in the Midwest adds to the appeal. The 13th annual Great Galena Balloon Race is an eyeful as hot air balloons puff across the Illinois sky. Benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, events throughout the weekend include multiple balloon races, two night glows, balloon rides, food and beverage concessions, helium balloon release, classic car show, live music, wine and beer sampling events and activities for the whole family.
Friday through Sunday, June 20-22, at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, Illinois. (800) 892-2269 or eagleridge.com.
Rehydrate in Janesville
Witness the national champion Rock Aqua Jays perform water ski shows at the team's stadium in Janesville, Wisconsin. Shows dazzle with pyramids (including a five-high pyramid), barefoot skiers, ski jump acrobatics, ballet line, swivel line and doubles performers. Free admission, donations appreciated.
7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays in June, weather permitting, at Traxler Park, RAJ Stadium, 600 N. Main St., Janesville, Wisconsin. rockaquajays.com.
Blues power
Canned Heat, Johnny Winter, Selwyn Birchwood, Rick Vito and many other national and regional musicians hit the stage at the annual Northwoods Blues Festival in Spooner, Wisconsin. New in 2014 is a Thursday night Battle of the Bands when admission is free; the winner gets a paid performance contract for the Friday night after-party.
6 p.m. Thursday, June 19; 7 p.m. Friday, June 20; and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Washburn County Fairgrounds in Spooner, Wisconsin. Tickets cost $30 in advance or $40 at the gate. (800) 367-3306 or northwoodsbluesfestival.com.