The Weekender: Balloons, Warbirds, And Thunderbirds

Weekend-long events coming up on SocialFlight.com include everything from hot air balloons to F-16 flybys. Join EAA Chapter 55 for Mason Aviation Day in Michigan on Saturday, featuring a pancake breakfast, grilled steak lunch, and lots of aircraft plus helicopter and plane rides. Gift bags will go to the first 59 registered pilots.

In California, the Wings Over Camarillo show will run all weekend, featuring aerobatic performances from Vicky Benzing, flying warbirds from the Commemorative Air Force, rides in airplanes and helicopters, and a World War II re-enactment camp.

The Flying Circus Airshow Warrenton, Virginia, will host the Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival Saturday morning through Sunday evening with balloon launches starting at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and rides available during the event.

The 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show will take place all weekend along the lakefront, featuring the USAF Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights, who will perform a tandem jump with retired Chicago Bears cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman to commemorate the USO's 75th Anniversary.