First, a lighning quick Summer of Awesome update. We went to Saunders Farm this week and it was as awesome as ever – I had to drag the kids away after almost seven hours of fun in the sun. One tip I have over last year: bring refillable water bottles, and refill them often at the fresh water tap that is just outside the Farmer’s Table restaurant. We filled ours at least six times throughout the day. Hydration, people! [End PSA.]

And now, on to the events for next weekend. Events for this weekend, July 14/15, (cutting it close, though!) are here.

July 21 and 22 is Railway Weekend at the Science and Tech Museum. Besides taking a ride in a real steam train, you can take a look inside the big engine that sits out front of the museum, plus there will be special train-based tours and crafts inside. Regular museum admission applies, plus there’s an extra $2 per person ticket requried to ride the steam train (get your tickets inside when you pay for admission).

If you’re really into trains, you can hit the Science Museum on Saturday, then head to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum for their own train day on Sunday, July 22. There you can also do train-related crafts and activities, then ride a real steam engine (weather permitting, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Regular museum admission applies.

In the mood for a fair? The Almonte Fair is on all next weekend and features the usual midway rides, vendors, crafts, and of course, a tractor pull. Sweet! It’s a bit of a drive – 45 minutes from downtown – but should be a fun time if you live in the west end. See the full schedule of events here. Admission is $10 for anyone over 12 and it’s open from 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

And if you’re willing to drive to Almonte, may as well go all the way to Osgoode, and check out Pioneer Day at the Osgoode Township Museum. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 21st, it features a classic car show, BBQ, bouncy castles, cake, crafts, and shows like Ray’s Reptiles – plus a strawberry social (YUMMY). There’s no charge for admission but the food and some of the activities cost money. The museum is technically in Vernon, by the way, which is about a 50 minute drive south of downtown Ottawa, taking Bank Street all the way.

In artsier things, the Place D’Orleans free Movie Under the Stars for July 21 is The Muppets. Over at the Bytown Museum, the first of weekly performances by Ottawa Storytellers is on Thursday, July 19 – it’s free with admission.

If you have a talented teenager, they may be interested in entering the Kwanis Idol competition. Tryouts begin the July 21/22 weekend at Merivale Mall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there’s a $20 entry fee.

Offbeat and super cool kids might enjoy seeing the Rideau Valley Roller Girls kick some ass at the Four-Wheel Fury Double Header at the Barbara Ann Scott Arena, on Saturday, July 21. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, and kids under 10 are free (buy your tickets here). Doors open at 6 p.m. (Thanks to FameThrowa for the tip off on this one!)

Lastly, the Ottawa Fat Cats have their last two home games next weekend, at 7:05 p.m. on the Saturday and 1:05 p.m. on the Sunday. Tickets are $12 adults, $6 for children aged 6-12, and can be purchased via the links at the bottom of this page.

That’s it – have a great weekend!

Upcoming requiring tickets:
Chamberfest kid-friendly concerts on July 26 and Aug 2
A Promise is a Promise at Odyssey Theatre on July 26
Big Time Rush at Scotiabank Place on September 7