Up, Up and Away
Catch a cool breeze on a hot air balloon 3,000 feet in the sky at the Chester County Balloon Festival June 18-19. Thousands will delight in the sight of 12 to 18 giant balloons, with the chance to hop in the basket of one—or opt for an hourlong ride high above the treetops. At Friday’s “Balloon Glow,” colorful balloons illuminate the night. The exclusive Glow Party offers the most inspiring view, plus a catered buffet, live music by Late April, and access to the launch field and pilots. Come Saturday for food, face painting, an inflatable fun zone for kids, more balloon liftoffs, and a fireworks display at dusk. Pricing and times vary; Glow Party reservations required. Embreeville Athletic Complex, 700 Ryan Blvd., Coatesville. Call (610) 873-4002 or visit ccballoonfest.com. —Katie Doud
Fit for a Queen
Grab your snorkel and join in the quest to unearth the mystery of Cleopatra VII at the Franklin Institute. Organized by the National Geographic Society and Arts and Exhibitions International, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt makes its world premiere June 5 and continues through Jan. 2, 2011. Initiates will discover more than 250 artifacts recovered after almost 2,000 years from the Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of Egypt. Items include royal remnants from the final Egyptian pharaoh’s palace, gold coins and statues more than 15 feet tall. $11-$29.50. 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia. Call (215) 448-1200 or visit fi.edu/cleopatra. —Tammy Craven
Whodunit?
Few places on the Main Line offer a healthy dose of secrecy and suspense. Luckily, we have Footlighters Theater, home to You Have the Right to Remain Dead, a play-within-a-play that quickly escalates from fluffy melodrama to a full-scale criminal investigation where everyone—even you—is subject to interrogation. Unlike similar shows, Footlighters’ rendition of the classic whodunit encourages a large crowd to create an atmosphere of tension and trepidation in a shadowy theater, making for a sinister departure from the typical family game night. June 4-6, 11-13, 17-19. $12. 58 Main Ave., Berwyn. Call (610) 296-9245 or visit footlighterstheater.com. —Emily Riley
