Itching to hop in the car before our all-too-short summer ebbs away? Here are a few great excuses to hit the road this weekend—including some ideas for Friday, in case you want to start your weekend a bit early.
For a trip around the world
Travel around the world, all in one place, at the Festival des Traditions du Monde de Sherbrooke (August 12 to 16). From flamenco dancers and Irish fiddlers to didgeridoo players and Brazilian craftspeople, you’re almost certain to find something entertaining.
For the wine lover
Photo by RBGStock.com.
Designate a driver and head to the shore of Lake Champlain for this weekend’s Adirondack Coast Wine Trail Summer Wine Tour (August 15 and 16).
For the Shakespearean
You have less than two weeks left to catch a performance of The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s classic comedy of two pairs of separated twins, or the famous tragedy Romeo and Juliet, at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott. Both shows run until August 22.
For the locavore
If you love to shop for local foods, crafts and other products, check out the first of this year’s four Taste of the Valley events on Friday, August 14 at the Barry’s Bay Farmers’ Market and Railway Museum (10am to 5pm). The goodies for sale all come from Renfrew County.
For your inner Celt
The village of Killaloe near Barry’s Bay is kicking up its heels this week during a four-day festival called An Irish Gathering (August 13 to 16). Highlights include a performance by Doug Leahy and the Next Generation Leahy on Friday, a parade on Saturday morning and a ceilidh Saturday night.
For the flapper in you
Photo from RGBstock.com.
If you’ve ever thought you were a rum-runner or a champion Charleston dancer in a past life, Cornwall’s Pub in Rockport has the event for you this weekend. Prohibition Days (August 15 and 16) features everything from an antique boat flotilla and a church picnic to a speakeasy and a Great Gatsby Gala dance under the stars.
For the boater
The Rideau Ferry Vintage Boat Race Regatta (August 14 to 16) will see more than 50 heritage watercraft from Canada, the U.S. and even Australia racing across Big Rideau Lake at speeds of over 160 km/h. On shore, the fun includes a canoe-building competition, paddle-making workshops, parrot shows and a mini-golf course.
For the family
The Athens Cornfest (August 15, 8am to 4:30pm) is a full day of free amusements. There’s a children’s talent contest, the adorably named Cutest Niblet Baby Contest, a puppet show, an old-fashioned country auction, concerts and lots of other family fare.
For the blues fan
Flickr/Creative Commons photo of Keb’ Mo’ by Piotr Drabik.
Featured musicians at this weekend’s Calabogie Blues and Ribfest (August 14 to 16) include Keb’ Mo’, Shemekia Copeland, Fathead and Steve Strongman, and there’s also lots of family fun and onsite camping.
For free music
Hear eight bands on two outdoor stages this Saturday (August 15) at the free MUSICWestport festival. The roster includes Jacob Moon, Ariana Gillis and the Foggy Hogtown Boys. You can also cheer on the contestants in the Voice of the Rideau singing competition.
For a good cause (and good food!)
You don’t even have to leave town to sample foods from 10 distinctive vendors at the West-End Food Truck Rally on Saturday, August 15, in the parking lot of Christ Church in Bells Corners (3861 Old Richmond Road). Nosh your way through everything from lobster pogos to curried tofu. The event benefits FAMSAC, a local emergency food cupboard, and the price of admission is one item for the food bank.
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