Awesome Autumn!

Looking to have a fabulous fall? Here are six local events that will get you out and about our fine city this autumn.

This Circus is a Big Drag

Adam and Steve’s Big Top Circus/Party/Show promises to be unlike the circuses of your childhood (probably), and a whole bunch more fun (definitely). Famed drag queen Jimbo – of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame – headlines, joined by a cast of talented hula-hooping, high-flying, flexible, and overall fabulous performers. The night is guaranteed to be an energetic romp and supports the organizers’ mission to create inclusive, safe, and welcoming spaces in the city for all. 19+ event. Oct. 2, 7 p.m. doors open, show at 9 p.m. bridgeworks.ca

Crawling Back Again

The city will look and sound familiar this fall when Supercrawl returns to its stomping grounds on James Street North for the first time since 2019. With a range of musical performers scheduled, including Sarah Harmer, Tim Baker and The Dirty Nil, it looks like it was worth the wait. Come to crawl, but plan to stay – the music, vendors, food trucks, and performance artists will be an enticing reminder of a vibrant pre-pandemic Hamilton with which you’ll want to get reacquainted. Sept. 9-11. supercrawl.ca

A New Chapter

Telling Tales Festival returns to an in-person format this year where once again the sound of rustling book pages will waft along the breezes of Hendrie Park. While still offering a virtual component, the in-person experience offers a literary extravaganza for the younger set. With five stages and 30-plus presenters representing the best in children’s literature and arts, there will be something to spark the interest of every little reader in your life. Sept. 24-25, Hendrie Park at the RBG. tellingtales.org

Think Outside the Box (Step)

Date night? Dinner and a movie is a solid option, but it’s never a bad thing to keep things fresh. Standard Dance wants to keep you and your date on your toes (or each others’ toes, depending on your skills), offering a multitude of classes perfect for sharing. From date night dance lessons to drop-in beginner swing and salsa classes, as well as themed social practice parties, you’ll acquire a new skill while talking about something other than your childhood pet (RIP Fluffy). Shimmy to the website for more information. From $15. StandardDance.ca

Book it to Concession Street

When your bedside table is looking bare and crying out for some new reading material, skip the shopping apps, and take it outside. Each month, local writers representing a multitude of genres set up shop along the sidewalks of Concession Street for the Hamilton Book Crawl. Presented by the Greater Hamilton Writers’ Association, the event offers ardent authors a rare opportunity to look up from the page and introduce their life’s work to a new audience. Third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. concessionstreet.ca

Get Your Comic On

For two days this fall, Hamilton takes top spot for the happiest place on earth, when Comic Con – a mecca for all things pop-culture – returns. Featured guests this year include Superman’s Dean Cain, Weekend at Bernie’s Johnathan Silverman, and wrestling legend Brother Devon. Come for the autographs and artists’ alley, stay for the dedicated cosplayers, whose painstaking, intricate handiwork deserves a fandom of its very own. Sept. 24-25, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum hamiltoncomiccon.com

Lights, Camera…Arts

The Art Gallery of Hamilton’s annual film fest gets an edit this year, and its re-release is a must-see. The reimagined AGH Festival focuses the lens on a wider variety of disciplines, better reflecting the Gallery’s vision to support and champion greater artistic diversity. Film will still be a feature, but will now be joined by some of the best local and emerging works in visual arts, creative arts, performing arts and more. The 10-day artistic extravaganza – aided by the addition of pop-ups, parties, and an artisan market – runs Oct. 14-23.  artgalleryofhamilton.com