Happy Birthday Canada! As our nation soon celebrates its 153rd birthday on July 1, it’s no doubt that things will be a little bit different this time around! While we all obviously won’t be able to gather to celebrate Canada Day, it doesn’t mean that things will be any less exciting and fun! From virtual events and televised fireworks, to live concerts with some of your favourite Canadian musicians...all the ingredients are still there to make this year’s Canada Day party one to remember! Let’s take a look at some of the special events lined up for this year’s party and other ways to have fun!
VIRTUAL CONCERTS AND EVENTS
Just because we’ll probably be at home doesn’t mean we can’t kick back and enjoy some great music this Canada Day. In lieu of live concerts, there are a ton of live streamed shows that will be broadcast online instead. Here are a few of the ones we’re most excited for:
OFFICIAL OTTAWA CELEBRATION
While crowds won’t be gathering in our nation’s capital as we’re used to seeing every year, Canada’s official birthday celebration in Ottawa is still sure to be one we won’t forget! With virtual activities and shows, artistic performances, music, and more...Canada is sure to celebrate in style. Stay tuned to www.canada.ca as well as their social media channels for further info as we get closer to the date!
SURREY BC CELEBRATION
Traditionally, Surrey BC hosts Western Canada’s largest celebration, and this year starting at 6pm PT you’ll be able to tune into YouTube or Facebook to watch a live concert from such Canadian stars as 54-40, Bif Naked, Colin James, and Said The Whale! There’s also going to be a children’s concert earlier in the day at 10:30am PT.
CANADA DAY HOUSE PARTY
I'm definitely looking forward to this one! One of the coolest virtual 'festivals' scheduled is the Canada Day House Party. You can go to the official website to tune in to a ton of awesome Canadian musicians performing throughout the day from 12-6pm PT. There'll be activities, ways to donate, and even exclusive merch to buy if you're a super fan of one of the acts! Featuring music from all genres including Cadence Weapon, Dean Brody, Dear Rouge, The Sam Roberts Band, The Trews, and more...you're sure to have a great time. You can watch on your smartphone, tablet, computer, or even your TV with Apple TV or Google Chromecast!
FAMILY FUN
BOARD GAMES
You can’t get much better than putting on some music, grabbing your favourite snacks and drinks, and playing a board game with your family. Today’s games are better than ever, so regardless of whether or not you think you can get the longest road in Catan or own all four railroads in Monopoly, you’re sure to have an awesome Canada Day evening!
VIDEO GAMES
I can’t recommend Jackbox Games enough when it comes to having fun with your family! Available on PC and video game consoles, you create a lobby and get a room code, then all players go to the Jackbox website on their smartphones and enter the code to join the room to play. This also means that you can play online with friends and family even if they’re not at your location! I’ve lost track of the hours playing this with my family and friends, it’s always a great time.
CRAFTS FOR KIDS
If you’re looking for fun to have with your little ones, you’ll be able to find an endless number of fun craft activities to do with them for Canada Day! Some of my personal favourites include making Canada Day lanterns and popsicles or decorations to help spruce up your home for the big day.
How will you be celebrating Canada’s birthday this year? Sure things will be a bit different, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a blast. Let me know in the comments if you’ve got any fun ideas, and Happy Canada Day!