Five cool things to do this week (July 19 to 25)

1. Head for the highlands

Whether you're a scot, or not, tartan kilts look flattering on everyone!  So, head to the field and dance a highland fling to some bagpipes while cheering on the brave participants testing their strength during a caber toss (that's when they toss that large wooden pole).

Cambridge Highland Games, Cambridge, ON, July 19-20

Festival of the Tartans, New Glasgow, NS, July 18-21

Orillia Scottish Festival, Orillia, ON, July 19-21

Looking ahead:

New Brunswick Highland Games Festival, Fredericton, July 26-28

2. See the Queen Bey

We've been crazy-in-love with her since her days in Destiny's Child and continue to fall harder and harder with every single she releases.  Lucky for us, this week those in Toronto and Montreal can see Mrs. Beyoncé Carter from a stadium seat – it will be worth the costume changes alone.

July 21, ACC, Toronto

July 22, Bell Centre, Montreal

3. Complete a project

Whether it's a book you haven't had time to finish, a table-top you've been meaning to paint, or that closet that's been in desperate need of organizing for months – this weekend take a bit of the worry weight off by completing one project that's been resting on the back-burner.  Once complete, toast your accomplishment with none other than a cocktail that is also a dessert!

4. Take a tour

Why not indulge in a tourist activity in your hometown?  You may surprise yourself with how little you know about your cities history – or, if you've just moved, it's a perfect opportunity to get to know your new area without the fear of getting lost. Top picks:  Takes notes about Vancouver's risky business during the prohibition era; explore Georges Island and then soak up some local flavour with a picnic lunch; or uncover the beauty and the history behind Toronto's Don Valley and Evergreen Brick Works.

Prohibition City Walking Tour, Tuesday to Saturday, Vancouver

Picnic in the Past on Georges Island, July 20-21, Halifax

The Don Valley and Evergreen Brick Works, July 21, Toronto

5. Shop the sales

Savvy shoppers know that the best time to get a great deal is right before seasonal collections come out.  Before fall fashions hit the racks, stock up on light summer knits as prices continue to get marked down over the coming weeks. (It's currently up to 50 percent off selected items at The Hudson's Bay.)  Best part, remember that you can layer all of your new items during the cooler months.