It’s a little quieter next weekend in Ottawa, but there’s still lots to do. I can’t believe summer is coming to a close – I am panicking at the thought of having to make lunches. This week we started the back-to-school shopping process. I bought pants, people, PANTS. It’s just so sad.

Anyway! This weekend’s activities are here. Next week, here’s what’s on tap.

On August 18, the Lumiere Festival concludes with its Evening of Light Celebration. Dress like a fairy or knight, and bring your handmade lantern to participate in a variety of fun activities and a parade of lights. The action starts at 5 p.m. in Stanley Park.

August 16 through 19 is the first of two weekends for Ottawa Midway Magic, a fair featuring a huge midway and a series of shows, including magicians, hypnotists, and…um, professional wrestlers. The fair opens at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; it’s also open the following weekend, August 23 through 26. It all takes place at the Rideau Carleton Entertainment Center at 4837 Albion Road. You can buy an advance all-day pass here for $20, which seems worth it if you are going, as the passes are $35 when bought on site.

The pretty little town of Wakefield is holding Wakefest this weekend. It’s mainly an art festival and involves a lot of art displays and workshops, so it’s probably not for the really young kids. However, it’s a great addition to a village that’s fun to explore any other time, and there are fun activities like hula hooping on Saturday, and animation workshops on Sunday. It might make for a nice day trip for you and your art-loving teenagers.

August 17 through 26 is Pride Week here in Ottawa, and they have a surprising number of youth and family-based activities throughout the week. There’s a family picnic on Tuesday, August 21 at 4 p.m. at the Hintonburg Community Centre; there will be face painting, arts and crafts, and storytellers. As well, Capital Pride Youth is hosting a ton of parties and events, including an opening-night party at 6:30 p.m. at Club SAW on August 17.

Over at the Science and Tech Museum, August 18 and 19 are Lighthouse Days, including all kinds of special activities related to ships, navigation, the Coast Guard, and of course, tours of their own lighthouse. Everything’s included with museum admission. Over at the Goulbourn Museum, kids aged 4 through 11 can make their own boat and race it in the museum’s wading pool; the program costs $3 extra and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the 19th.

And that’s all I got! Have a great weekend, folks.