Aug. 24-26, Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

On of the most majestic festivals in central Illinois, the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival, marries the beauty of fine art with the colorful grace of hot air balloons. The celebration takes place Aug. 24 through 26 at two locations in Lincoln.

The balloons are housed and launched from the Logan County Airport. Latham Park and the square in downtown Lincoln hold several other displays, shows and activities.

A lights and siren parade kicks off the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival Friday at 3:30 p.m. It winds through downtown Lincoln featuring sponsors, pilots and other local groups, travels past both Scully and Latham Parks, ending at the Logan County Airport.

Weather permitting there will be morning and evening balloon flights on both Friday and Saturday. At dusk the balloons return to the airport and re-inflate for beautiful evening glows. Tethered balloon rides are available for up to six people in one balloon, on both Friday and Saturday. Rides are $15 for adults and $10 for children.

The airport also houses a carnival.

Unlimited rides are offered 1-4 p.m. Saturday for only $15. Also, test your skills on a rock climbing wall or watch the Wisconsin Kiters Club, Saturday, Aug. 25, at 1 p.m. as they fly 30-foot kites. Children can make their own kites and learn how to fly them as well, for only $5. Friday night’s entertainment at the airport includes the bands Vintage Daze and Still Kick’n. Saturday’s musical entertainment is Tru Dat and KFD.

One block north of the downtown Lincoln courthouse square, more than 70 juried artists will wow you with their original work at the Lincoln Fine Art Fair. Browse and purchase art for your home or business on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 40 handmade crafts can be found at the Craft Fair held in Scully Park, downtown. Crafters of all mediums will be set up Friday from 3-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you like finding treasures in others’ used goods, The Oasis Flea Market will also be housed in Scully Park. Days and times are the same as the Craft Fair.

If barbecue is what floats your boat, a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned cookoff will also be held on the square Friday, Aug. 24 and Saturday, Aug. 25 with more than 30 competitors from across the country. Get a taste of some of the best barbecued chicken, ribs, brisket and pork butt.

Other downtown highlights are: the Art of Wine, a wine tasting event that includes music; hot air balloon inflations and displays; family fun and games along Kickapoo Street between Latham and Scully Parks; a car show on Sunday afternoon; a used book sale Saturday and Sunday at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin Street; and a farmers market Saturday and Sunday.

Make sure to check the detailed schedule of events at the Lincoln and Logan Chamber of Commerce website at www.lincolnillinois.com.