When I look at my calendar for July it’s all about two festivals, both of which include far more events than I could possibly cope with.

The first is the Toronto Fringe which runs July 2nd to 14th and features 77 shows in 16 venues.  There really is something for everyone from clowns and comics to mass murderers and funeral directors.  There’s even a musical.  Most shows are $18 but that drops to $14 if one buys a ten ticket pass.  I think I’ll be able to get to maybe half a dozen shows given an overlap with…

… the other festival which is Toronto Summer Music running July 11th to August 3rd. The focus is on chamber music and song but the festival opens with a very exciting looking production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen.  Mainstage concerts are mostly in Koerner Hall and Walter Hall but there’s lots more including free concerts at Heliconian, the Academy, community programming and kids’ shows.  It’s a bit pricier than the Fringe but there are lots of Flexpass options and a pretty good deal if you have the stamina to see the lot!  At this stage I’m hoping to get to eleven shows.

Who says the city shuts down for the summer?