Along with the midway, shopping, games, food, the Telus Stage (Shane Yellowbird tonight, Metric tomorrow, Hedley Saturday, Default Sunday), casino, stuff for the kids, and the food and wine experience (Sip!), you can also just people-watch.

Plus there are fireworks. And mini donuts.

You know, when you write it all down, there actually does seem to be quite a bit going on up there at Northlands.

If tonight is a night to venture out, regardless of rain probability, then maybe you should really throw it in Mother Nature’s face and sit out at the ballpark.

You’ve got two options this evening.

It’s Weiner Wednesday at Telus Field for tonight’s game between the Edmonton Capitals and Calgary Vipers.

The Capitals also have a new mascot, Captain Capital.

(You know what they don’t have? A “home” button on their website.)

It’s also the last game of the season for the Edmonton Prospects. They’ll be playing Okotoks at 7:05, at John Fry Park.

Fans are all going to be getting something for attending the last game. Hotdogs and concessions are also on sale.

Haydamaky

Most of the time it’s because I’m not going to mention the same week-long event again and again. Or I’ve missed a fun event by a few hours (like pancake breakfasts, I always forget about early morning stuff).

But I always find something. Because there’s always something happening in this city.

Today I’ve found one, thanks to ShareEdmonton and YEGLive.ca, that I didn’t know about. But it sounds like a good time.

Haydamaky and the Kubasonics are playing the Edmonton Event Centre this evening and it’s probably going to be one raucous Ukrainian party.

Kubasonics

Haydamaky is from Kyiv, Ukraine, while the Kubasonics are from right here in E-Town.

They both play what would be considered somewhat traditional Ukrainian music, but turned on its head, mixed up with rock (and other forms of music) and thrown out there in a new, eclectic, exciting mix. I’ve been grooving to their MySpaces while writing this.

I also enjoy the fact Haydamaky’s next few shows are here, Winnipeg, and Dauphin, Manitoba. We prairie folk keep it old country.

I already feel full just talking about all of this food.

Yes, A Taste of Edmonton has 40 restaurants ready to serve a pair of their menu offerings. For $10-20 you’ll probably get a nice selection of items from a couple of your favourites, or some new winners.

If you’re not heading down during your work day (or perhaps, even if you are) they’ve also got a nice selection of beer and wine to try.

I haven’t been down this summer, yet, so let me know what I should be eating, and what I shouldn’t waste precious food tickets on.

Sally is likely just going to use all of her tickets on deep-fried Mars bars.

This is where your mettle for festival season begins to be tested, Edmonton.

We’ve had great festivals this summer, like the Jazz Fest, SOS Fest, Doors Open Edmonton and the Street Performers Festival. But now, now, is when you need to hydrate and find sleep when you can.

Now is when Edmonton becomes an endless string of carnival rides, mini donuts, race cars, deep-fried food, arts, music, theatre and parties.

This weekend we’ve got the Honda Indy Edmonton. That’s three days of race action at the City Centre Airport. There will be spin-off parties, including the tent on Jasper and the Race Week Music Festival at the Sutton Place hotel. (Side note: Drake is playing the Edmonton Event Centre, Saturday, with an after-party at the tent.)

Capital Ex kicks off its ten day run today. The only way you’ll be slowed down here is if you eat that giant hamburger they’re calling The Monster.

The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is into its final days of Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing.

Churchill Square is full of food. That’s because Taste of Edmonton is back to fill your stomach with a selection of tasty treats from city restaurants.

You can draw at Draw. The annual arts event that includes, umm, drawing, DJs, food, dancing, and who knows what other kinds of fun. It’s at more than one location this year. Find yourself some space to express yourself visually at Latitude 53, Harcourt House, and SNAP. Things finish off at FAVA.

And that’s just the festivals.

We’ve got live music all over the place, including some Old Ugly action at Axis Cafe, featuring Kumon Plaza, Jessica Jalbert, and Jaded Hipster Choir. Wolf Parade is at the Starlite Room. A guy you’ve probably heard of, Neil Young, is at the Jubilee tonight.

You can refuse to believe the rumors, but SkeptiCamp Alberta is happening Saturday, at the U of A.

For the family, Sesame Street Live is at Rexall for shows throughout the weekend.

The Edmonton Prospects are home to Medicine Hat at John Fry Park.

Don’t forget you can seek air-conditioned refuge in a movie theatre.

Remember to pace yourself. Right after Capital Ex and Taste of Edmonton we’ve got the Heritage Festival, Folk Fest, the Fringe (and the edmontonian and Unknown Studio birthday party). It’s going to be September before we know it. (And once it is September we’ve got Symphony Under the Sky.)

p.s. If you’re by a computer Saturday night, at 9pm, why not come right back here and catch our attempt at a TV talk show: “Saturday with Samsonow.” It’ll be something. It might even be good.