Five cool things to do this week (June 28 to July 4)

1. Care for Calgary

The city of Calgary remains in a state of emergency after the recent devastating flood that has put a large part of the province underwater. As a Canadian, the coolest thing you can do over the coming weeks is to help put the province back together. Visit Getdown.ca to find out ways in which you can care for Calgary.

2. Raise the flag

East to west, fellow Canadians will be gathering at the flagpole to sing a happy birthday to our home and native land. Wear your patriotism on your sleeve and join the inaugural flag raising ceremony happening in your community in honour of Canada Day. Even sweeter, there is a good chance there will be cake!

3. Hit the streets

Leave your car parked at home and spend the weekend on foot. Road-blocks will be keeping motorists off main streets to enable celebratory street parties featuring international buskers, mouth-watering snacks, live bands, and local artisans. Top picks: Take a stroll and score some vintage goods in Kensington Market; head to Sparks Street for Artist Alley and catch an artist doing a live demonstration of their craft; or see men and women walk on fire and swallow knives at Vancouver's International Busking Festival.

International Busker Festival, Vancouver, June 29 - July 1

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sunday, Toronto, June 30

Sparks Street Artist Alley, Ottawa, July 1

4. Cruise on at dusk

Is there a more romantic way to catch fireworks than on a sunset cruise? This weekend, set sail with your loved one and watch as the sky lights up with the colour wheel at dusk.

Sunset Firework Cruise, Port Carling, June 29

Sunset Firework Cruise, Vancouver, July 1

Sunset Firework Cruise, Halifax, July 1

5. Listen to Jay Z

The last few years have been monumental for the music industry's favourite power couple with the arrival of daughter Blu Ivy. Now, Jay Z is preparing to give birth again, but this time to his follow-up record to critically acclaimed Blueprint 3, released in 2009. Magna Carta Holy Grail, is predicted to be nothing short of greatness, which is not very surprising coming from his highness. Keep an ear out: 1 million copies will be going out for free to Samsung subscribers. Available July 4.