Ugh, I am completely swamped with end-of-school-year tasks and Canada Day planning, so this week’s Year of Epic post is both late and kind of crappy. But in my defense, I have already cooked eight different dishes this morning, and it’s only 1:30 p.m., the kids are alternately hyperactive, screaming, or demanding ice cream, and it’s about 45 degrees in the house thanks to the oven being on for four hours straight. So it’s a quick post and then off for a nap, I think.

Thankfully, July 7/8 is a pretty quiet weekend in the city – I guess everyone figures they’ll still be cleaning up from Canada Day. Note that these activities are for next weekend – if you’re looking for July 1 goings on, see here.

The biggest festival in town next week (and the week after) is Bluesfest which starts the 4th and runs through the 15th. I almost didn’t even mention it here as I don’t really see it as an event for kids – certainly there isn’t any kid-specific or family-specific programming. But quite a few concerts don’t run too late, and kids under 10 are free, so if you’re a better parent than I and are willing to brave an outdoor concert with your kids, bless you, and have a good time. See their website for a full lineup and note that tickets are required for every performance.

Over at the museums, there’s stargazing at the Museum of Science on July 6, and they are also having an interesting Musical Adventure Weekend on the 7th and 8th, featuring shows, crafts, and a scavenger hunt (both free with museum admission, but stargazing requires advance registration). Meanwhile, the Museum of Aviation is having a weekend celebration of Canada’s First Air Mail, featuring a scavenger hunt around the museum (free with admission).

If you live in the west end, or are just curious about their fancy new multi-book self-checkout system, the Hazeldean Branch of the Public Library is having its grand re-opening on July 7 after having been closed for six months of renovations. It’s actually already open, but on July 7 they’ll have a reception with snacks and cake (yay!) at 2 p.m., and then a magic show at 3 p.m.

If you’re willing to drive out to Osgoode, you can check out the Medieval Festival, running all weekend long. There will be jousting and horseshoes and ye olde colouring contest, as well as lots of food. Cost is $6 per person for a day pass or $30 for a family of four.

In arts, the Mosaika light and sound show on Parliment Hill starts on July 6 – it’s a great show but be prepared for a late night as it doesn’t start until dusk. Lastly, the NAC orchestra will be playing Lord of the Rings on July 5, 6, and 7. They’ll be showing the movie The Fellowship of the Ring and the orchestra will play along with all the fantastic music from that film. It’s a long movie and a late night so this is definitely for older kids or teens, but if you have a fantasy lover in your house, it’s a can’t miss. I’ll be there myself on the Thursday evening so say hello if you spot me.

And that’s it – have a great weekend!

Upcoming requiring tickets:
Wicked at the NAC – starting July 11
Chamberfest children’s concerts – July 21 and August 2
Puppets Up! festival – August 11 and 12