Hello Edmontonians, and welcome to summer.

In between teaching, hosting, hula-hooping and watching football it seems like the summer is melting quicker then the popsicle I forgot in the sun. As we all know, summer is truly the best time to be in Edmonton. The weather is good, the days are long and we have a million things to do in July and August.

Here is what’s cheap (or free) in this city this week.

Until July 18, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival is running in Churchill square. Come on down and see some wonderful entertainment from around the world. Although the cost is free, donations are more then accepted as nobody *really* wants to be a starving artist.

Tuesday night check out “Much Ado About Nothing” in Hawrelak park, part of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. As it is pay-what-you-will night, it makes for an entertaining, low cost evening. The festival runs until the end of the month and tickets usually are priced from $15 to $22.50.

For those women who are interested in spicing it up a bit (and I always say, an educated woman is not only smart, she’s happy) there is the “Orgasams 101″ workshop running out of the Traveling Tickle Trunk. Although people may complain that $25 is a bit much for a few hours, I say it is not. This workshop is priceless. It’s for women only, and you can check out their website for more education opportunities. (July 25 offers a Penis Pleasing workshop….These classes fill up fast though so make sure you register ahead of time.)

Thursday, July 15 gives a few opportunities to work on your inner artist. The AGA is back with their summer adult art classes. This week focuses on the Group of Seven and how to do acrylic landscape painting. At $12 a class these aren’t free, however, they are a wonderful way to try something new. A few blocks away, at Latitude 53, the rooftop patio series is still running, with the 15th featuring JCI.

Friday, the Fava summer party is at the Ortona armory and, being a potluck, means plenty of food and fun. Kick it back here, or enjoy one of Edmonton’s many patios with a walk, after, through the valley, while the sun sets.

And as for Saturday and Sunday… I’ll leave that up to you. For me it means farmers market, hooping at the Leg grounds and coffee at Credo! But who am I to tell you what to do?

Any ideas for what other Edmontonians do? Please leave a comment, or Twitter me at artstylelove.

365 Days of Sunshine, by Angela Ostafichuk

Summer’s almost here and it’s time to celebrate.

Turn off your TV and get going!

After reading “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin, I’ve decided to follow the golden path of having a more fulfilling life. In my quest for happiness this year I want to do as much as I can to see what makes me tick.

So turn off your TV, and feel free to join my 365 days towards a
better life.

Little or no money you say? No worries. Edmonton is one of the best places to be in the summertime with multiple outdoor festivals, events and concerts. There are literally hundreds of things to do here, some better then others.

From sex workshops to looking at the stars to eating popsicles while dancing in the street, the key is to think outside the box this summer. So whether you have 10 cents, 10 dollars or a 50 (call me!) in your pocket there’s something for everyone.

Last week saw Nextfest start around the city. The Enterprise Square Gallery features works from new artists and is worth a stroll through, at no cost. The rest of the festival is still amazingly priced with $5 for the nightclubs and $10 for a show.

Think outside the box for summer 2010.

Tuesday June 8, the Creative Age Festival kicks off. Although deemed as a festival for the 65+ crowds, there is lots to do even if you’re not loud, proud and retired. Grab gramps and head down.

Both Wednesday and Thursday (June 9 and 10) feature free movies at
the EPL. Wednesday is The Girlfriend Experience and Thursday features It
Might Get Loud. Both FREE, they start at 6:30 in the Milner Library.

Thursday also kicks off Pride week with a show at The ARTery titled “Peculiar Peckers: Drag Kings & Other Phallic Things” which will be worth checking out. Tickets are $5 and the entertainment is priceless.

Friday is a day to work out, so come join my friend Elly and I on what we like to call “walk and watch” on the stairs by Victoria Trail. If you have no clue what I’m referencing to, join us and you’ll see.

Friday is also a great time to just chill on one of Edmonton’s lovely patios, enjoy a walk through the river valley or read a book.

Saturday is jam-packed with events.

Of course everyone knows it’s the Pride Parade, that kicks off on Jasper at 1pm.

Before that, though, there are many events downtown including a pancake breakfast before, and a block party after on 104th, which goes until 10 pm. Add the Nextfest wrap-ups to Pride and downtown is the place to be.

Stay tuned for more cheap thrills as I figure out how to go big without going broke.

Where is the best place for cupcakes? Bubble tea? People watching? This summer I plan on solving these mysteries so keep reading Edmonton and keep it fresh.

More from Angela at her blog, or on Twitter.