Is it just me or did the summer of 2007 pass by way too quickly? Then again, don’t all summers vanish in the blink of an eye? If the German fall is as wacky as this past spring was, maybe there will be more 80 degree F days to look forward to. And maybe the UK’s wet spell will finally draw to a close. Those of you who might be suffering from oppressive heat, send some our way, please!

So, what to do on this, the traditional “farewell to summer” weekend? Here’s a list of just some possibilities. For the most part, these suggestions were found on the fabulous www.whatsonwhen.com Web site, one of my favorites for general events information. Combine that with the sites of the country’s national tourist boards (a handy directory of them all can be found at www.towd.com) and you’ll give a pretty good idea of what’s going on, wherever you may be headed.

Belgium

Sample the wares of forty-four different breweries at Brussels’ 9th Belgian Beer Weekend. It’s on at the Grand’ Place both Saturday and Sunday, or get an early start on Friday, Aug. 31, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

See an original language version of a movie at the drive-in at the Esplanade du Cinquantenaire. Load up the car -- it’s 16 euros for all. No vehicle? Enter the park with a chair in tow for just 1 euro. On Friday, Aug. 31, it’s “Shrek: The Third,” and on Saturday, Sept. 1, you can see “Ocean’s Thirteen.” That will conclude the 2007 drive-in season.

Germany

Heidelberg: Catch the last of the city’s summer series of Castle Illuminations on Sat., Sept. 1. The open-air events start after dusk, from 10:15 p.m. The Web site suggests the banks of the Neckar as a prime viewing site.

Karlsruhe: From Friday to Sunday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, check out the Bierbörse, held in the Innenstadt-Schloßplatz. One thousand types of beer from 75 countries will be available. Live music will be performed on all three evenings.

Konstanz: Rock am See is held Saturday, Sept. 1. This year’s lineup includes Nine Inch Nails, Billy Talent, and Razorlight, among others.

Mainz: The city’s annual Wine Market runs from Thursday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 2. Find countless stands and hundreds of vintners scattered throughout Rosengarten and Volkspark.

Italy

Amalfi hosts celebrations of Byzantine New Year on Sat., Sept. 1. Web information is slim, but parades, tournaments and a re-enactment of the coronation of the Duke of Amalfi seem to make up the bulk of the festivities.

Arezzo, in Tuscany, holds The Saracen Jousts on Sunday, Sept. 2.  

Naples kicks off its festival of the Madonna of Piedigrotta on Sat., Sept. 1, which continues on various dates through Sept. 12. Special Masses and artistic performances are on the agenda.

On Sunday, Sept. 2, catch one of Venice’s most traditional celebrations, the Regata Storica. The fest begins with a historical procession and continues with boat races whose oarsmen stand while rowing.

The Arena of Verona hosts a performance of “Aida” on Saturday, Sept. 1. Seats look to still be available at a cost between 24.50 euros to 161 euros. This will be the last performance hosted by the arena in its 2007 season.

Netherlands

Alsmeer, just outside Amsterdam, hosts a Flower Parade on Saturday, Sept. 1, followed by fireworks at 11 p.m. On Sunday, performers on each of the floats will offer a musical show tied into its specific theme. According to the event’s Web site, it sounds as if this year’s parade will be not only its 60th, but its last ever.

If there’s anything good going on out your way, feel free to let us know.