A guide to everything you want to do this summer

The sunnier days are upon us, and Canadians across the country can’t wait to get out and enjoy everything the warmer weather has to offer.

Here at The Globe, we’ve also been anticipating the joys of summer fun, taking a look at everything from which concerts to attend, where to travel across our great nation and what to watch on the small screens if you feel like spending time indoors.

Dive into summer with us.

Summer Culture Preview • •

What to watch on the big screen: Superman, and a dozen other big-screen heroes, to the rescue

There’s a lot of previously loved franchises going at it again this summer, from Jurassic Park (Jurassic World Rebirth) to 28 Days Later (28 Years Later) to The Naked Gun (with Liam Neeson in the Leslie Nielsen role) and the ubiquitous Superman. But there’s also plenty of new IP to be had, including a Brad Pitt-led Formula 1 sports drama and Pixar’s Elio about a kid’s alien encounter.

Read on for Barry Hertz’s full list of blockbusters – and check out our readers’ selections for a favourite summer flick.

What to watch on the small screen: The Bear and Squid Game are back

Perhaps you’re less of an “enjoy the hot summer nights” type of person and more of a “feel the breeze of the fan and glow of my screen” creature. Fortunately, the TV gods smile on your kind, and are offering some favourites including The Bear and Squid Game, new options such as Too Much and an adaptation of Giller Prize-winning novel Washington Black for your summer viewing pleasure.

Check out all the shows coming your way this summer.

What to listen to: Kick off the season with these 10 new releases

The sound of summer 2025 can be summed up by fresh starts, new collaborations, reunions and second chances. No matter what music genres you’re into, regeneration is waiting for you, from a new Neil Young album to Lorde’s return to “bangers” to The Beaches’ seasonally appropriate vibes.

Check out the full list.

What to watch on stage: The theatrical performances you can’t miss

All the world’s a stage, especially in summer, when air-conditioned theatres (or even the more sweltering ones) show off some of their best programs. Get a taste of Atlantic Canada (that isn’t Come from Away), indulge in the sweetness of Waitress, and get a load of Shakespeare under the stars.

See the full list of shows across Canada.

What to watch on stage: The live music on tour at a venue near you

Summer is unquestionably concert season, and there are plenty of acts (both old and new) who are taking their shows on the road this year. Those include a few farewell tours (The Who, Wu-Tang Clan, Cyndi Lauper and Black Sabbath), stars on the rise (Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams, Doechii) and some acts that have already been around for years, even if it doesn’t feel like it (Coldplay, The Weeknd, Avril Lavigne).

Our full list of shows and farewells is right here for you.

What to see in a museum: The Canadian artists being featured this summer

Museum after museum, gallery upon gallery are offering works by homegrown artists, whether living or historic. From spotlights on New Brunswick artists to the work of Algonquin artist Nadia Myre and Haudenosaunee artist Skawennati to a showcase of Edward Burtynsky’s photographs of B.C.’s mountains, bask in the glory of Canadians talent and creativity all summer long.

Discover new exhibits across the country.

Illustration by The Globe and Mail. Source: iStockphoto/Getty Images

What to read: 35 new books to fit your summer mood (whatever it may be)

Summer, for a lot of us, is peak reading season. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up 35 new titles, sorted by genre. From bestsellers-in-the-making to sharply observed literary fiction to non-fiction that spans crime, history and memoir, this list is your guide to the most anticipated forthcoming releases.

Discover your next great read here.

Where to travel in Canada

When we asked readers to tell us where they were going within Canadian borders this summer, we received a treasure trove of places both beloved (Calgary Stampede, anyone?) and original (a road and bike trip into Quebec’s Eastern Townships to search out inspirations for Louise Penny’s novels).

Get inspired and delighted by Globe readers’ itineraries.

Where to travel in Europe

For those who are looking to go across the Atlantic but aren’t interested in the crowds that tend to rush to European cities during the summer, our travel writer put together a list of serene spots that will satisfy your wanderlust. From the adventure-filled coast of Croatia to the quirky designs of Antwerp, these options provide something new amid old European charm.

Browse our list of destinations.