Ah, summer. I will miss you dearly when you’re gone. Not that I don’t value the two hours I get to myself every day during the school year, but there’s nothing like the lazy days of summer holidays. They’re EPIC, if you will.

Here’s what’s up for next weekend, your second-to-last chance to enjoy the holidays. (Events for this coming weekend, August 18/19, are here.)

Saturday, August 25 is the date of the Almonte Highland Games. I am SUPER excited about this one. Here’s a little-known Lynn fact: as a child I competed in highland dancing competitions, and that meant every summer was a tour of every Highland Games in Southern Ontario. Here in the Ottawa region, the North Lanark Games are just about the only ones within driving distance, so you should TOTALLY GO. There will be dancing, music, feats of strength, and Scottish souvenirs. Ah, memories. Tickets are $17 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12; the games run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Almonte fairgrounds.

August 25 is also Family Day at the Ottawa Greek Festival, featuring face painting, crafts, and a chance to try your hand at Greek baking. (August 18 is also a Family Day at the festival – I left that out of last week’s post.) The festival is just off of Prince of Wales Drive south of Baseline, and there are shuttle buses to take you there and back again.

If you’ve got a teenager who is a budding environmental activist, consider the Urban Agricultural Bike Tour which runs on Sunday the 26th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a 12 km bike ride between several of the city’s community gardens, with locally grown snacks provided along the way. The cost is a $5 donation to the food bank.

Also on Sunday: the Zombie Adventure Challenge at Saunders Farm, to benefit Autism Ontario. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and teams of 4 people will be given 9 challenges to complete – while being harassed by a mob of hungry zombies. Teams are required to fundraise for their entry fee of $200. It’s billed as a family event and I’m sure preteens and teens would get a kick out of it; if you have younger kids, they might just enjoy seeing the fun (or, they may have terrible nightmares, your call). Register your team by August 17 to be eligible for draws for prizes.

Sunday is also the date of the School Bus Safety Awareness training sessions at various points in the city. The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority will be hosting sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where kids can check out the school bus, learn to board safely, and get a colouring book. See here for the list of locations.

Billings Estate is having a Vintage Motorcycle Show on Sunday the 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; cost is included with admission. Also on Sunday, Pinhey’s Point is hosting their Ottawa River Paddle from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; a tour guide will take you exploring down the river as you learn about the area’s history. The paddle costs $10 per person and paddlers must have their own canoe or kayak and life jackets.

Down in the market, you can attend a charity Corn Roast on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be hay rides, door prizes, and of course, freshly picked, roasted corn. Mmmmm.

August 24 through 26 will see Art in the City come to Confederation Park downtown. Many local artisans and food craftsmen will be selling their wares. My girls do love a good craft show.

Don’t forget it is the second weekend for Ottawa Midway Magic, a fair featuring rides and shows.

And I think that’s it! Have a great weekend.

Edited to add: This just in from Amy at Muddy Boots – the first ever International Stone Balancing Festival will be THIS weekend, August 18/19, at Remy Rapids. Apparently some of the structures are already up and are dazzling – Amy’s kids loved them. Check it out!