THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON, BURLINGTON

If you have an event happening in Hamilton and Burlington you would like to see listed here, email HCM editor Meredith MacLeod at meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Theatre Aquarius: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken 
It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken tells a touching and romantic story love, immigration, finding community, and resilience. It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken will immerse audiences in a powerful original story set in Kingston that is integrated with The Tragically Hip’s timeless hits, capturing the raw energy, heartfelt lyrics, and unmistakable spirit that have made them an essential part of Canada’s musical identity. In partnership with Thousand Islands Playhouse. Tickets are here. Until May 24, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

READ OUR REVIEW OF THE SHOW HERE!

Great Lakes at AGH
A major art exhibition celebrating the Great Lakes opens this week at the Art Gallery of Hamilton as part of the multi-media Biinaagami initiative, a collaboration of Canadian Geographic, Swim Drink Fish, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The exhibition and display of an interactive Giant Floor Map of this important watershed coincides with a high-level meeting of the Great Lakes mayors in Hamilton, organized by the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Cities Initiative. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence river watershed is the source of drinking water for 44 million people on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. Conserving this resource is of high importance for generations to come. Curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the exhibition features new works by celebrated artists Michael Belmore, Robert Burley, Bonnie Devine, and Shelley Niro and reflects their lifelong connection to the Great Lakes as both a physical environment and a powerful cultural landscape. Curated by Penelope Smart, The Great Lakes brings together photography, video, and sculpture to explore the ecological, historical, and symbolic significance of the region. Following its Hamilton debut, the exhibition will embark on a two-year national and international tour through 2028, with confirmed venues across Ontario and an international presentation in Paris at the Canadian Culture Centre at the Canadian Embassy. Until May 31, Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W., Hamilton

At The Westdale: The Weber Brothers
The Weber Brothers are a powerhouse rock band with deep roots in music history. As teenagers, Ryan and Sam Weber drove from Baltimore to meet rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins at his doorstep. Impressed by their raw talent, “The Hawk” put the Webers through an intensive “rock ‘n’ roll boot-camp,” and they became full-fledged Hawks, performing alongside Kris Kristofferson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Jeff Healey, and The Tragically Hip. Over 18 years, they’ve recorded 15 independent albums and toured extensively across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In 2012, they performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Chuck Berry tribute alongside legends like Merle Haggard, Lemmy Kilmister, and Chuck Berry himself. Their 2016 documentary Before We Arrive won Best Documentary at the Toronto Independent Film Festival. As sought-after studio musicians, they’ve recorded with Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Hawkins, and Willie Nelson. Known for high-energy performances, The Weber Brothers have earned their reputation as the “Baddest Band in the Land.” Tickets are here. May 8, 8 p.m., 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Sinfonia Ancaster concert season
Sinfonia Ancaster is celebrating 10 years of music with four concerts for its current season. The orchestra, led by Jeffrey Pollock, will conclude its season with “Monumental Statements,” May 8, 7:30 p.m., during which Sinfonia Ancaster’s principal cellist Amber Ghent will dazzle with Elgar's elegiac and contemplative cello concerto. The concert will conclude with Saint-Saens “Symphony No. 3” with Ian Sadler on the organ. Sinfonia Ancaster is a community orchestra made up primarily of volunteer musicians, united by a shared passion for music and a commitment to bringing high-quality orchestral performances to local audiences. Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Grease at HTI
While most of us were introduced to Sandy, Danny, and their Summer Nights in a movie theatre, the 1978 film Grease was an adaptation of a stage show that debuted years earlier, turning into a long-running Broadway hit. Hamilton Theatre Inc. revisits this iconic story of friendship and young love in their spring musical and invites audiences to get swept away by the soundtrack, the energy, and nostalgia – and not get too fussed about why Sandy felt like she had to change herself to get the guy. Tickets are here. May 8-23, 140 MacNab St. N.

Late Company
This Dundas Little Theatre production by Canadian playwright Jordan Tannahill tackles grief, bullying, homophobia, and parental mistakes. One year after the loss of their teenage son Joel, Debora and Michael invite his former classmate — and the boy’s parents — to dinner. What begins as a polite evening becomes a battleground where grief, guilt, and blame collide, and a search for closure spirals into a raw, gripping confrontation about bullying and the true cost of forgiveness. Tickets are here. May 8 and May 9, 8 p.m., May 10, 2 p.m., Dundas Little Theatre, 37 Market St. S., Dundas

READ OUR REVIEW OF LATE COMPANY HERE!

Sew Hungry
Ottawa Street is about to get loud, local, and full of flavour. Sew Hungry is back, on Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and it’s bringing the ultimate street takeover — food + drinks, local shopping, live music, a stacked vendor market, games, prizes, and more. Bring your appetite in preparation for the more than two dozen food trucks, in addition to all the eateries and store that call Ottawa Street home all year round. Ottawa Street North, May 9, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bruce Trail Conservancy fundraiser
Indigenous Trails: Forerunners of Today, is a special Bruce Trail Conservancy fundraising event presented by the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club. Rediscover the Bruce Trail and the escarpment ecosystem through Indigenous eyes and the land’s first stewards. Guests will hear from highly respected Indigenous leaders Tim Johnson and Rick Hill supported by friend Martin S. Cooper, senior archaeologist at ASI Toronto, all followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A hosted by Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald. All funds raised will be matched. Tickets are here. May 9, 1 p.m. Find a full calendar of events here. The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Why Not Wine
Sonic Unyon presents the fourth annual edition of Why Not Wine, a celebration of wine and spirits, featuring over a dozen beverage vendors plus food, activities, music, and fun, available to experience in a five-hour sessions format. Featured wineries include Between the Lines Winery, Byland Estate Winery, Front Road Cellars, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, and Tawse Winery, Featured spirits and cocktail vendors include Coco Rum, Collective Arts Brewing, Rock & Union Spirits, and Willibald Farm Distillery. Music varies by session. Afternoon session (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) features Big Shiny Goons. Evening session (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) features Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute. Tickets are here. May 9, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd. E., Burlington

MAMMA MANIA
Moms just wanna have fun! Get out with your mom friends and your family for MAMMA MANIA 2, an ’80s dance and dinner at the Himalayan Hearth Bar & Grill on Mother's Day Eve for an unforgettable night of trivia, prizes, and fun. We're heating up the dance floor with DJ Jen X and host Andrew Adu Amoah. Tickets at the door or here. May 9, 6 p.m. dinner, dance party from 8 p.m. to late! Himalayan Hearth Bar & Grill, Jackson Square, 110 King St. W., Hamilton

Movies at The Westdale
In The Bearded Girl, on the brink of inheriting the position of The Bearded Woman, a matriarchal leader to an outcast community of circus performers, a young woman defies her overbearing mother and runs away instead. Free from the expectations and responsibilities at home, she seeks romance and adventure with the normies in a tiny farm town. In order to fit in, she reinvents herself with stories of a fabricated past, until the truth of who she is can no longer be concealed. Tickets here. The screening includes a post-film Q+A with writer-director Jody Wilson, moderated by Hamilton actor, director, writer and producer Laura Ellis. Saturday, May 9, 4:30 p.m. Next up are two screenings of the beloved Mamma Mia for Mother’s Day. This ultimate feel-good film takes place on a colourful Greek island with young bride-to-be, Sophie, trying to find her biological father. After a bit of sleuthing, she sends letters to the three different men who she thinks could be the one, and they all return to the island and to Sophie’s mother, Donna, who enchanted them years ago. Tickets here. Sunday, May 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss a screening of the iconic Taxi Driver on its 50th anniversary! Hiding in the shadows of bustling mid-70s New York City, former U.S. Marine Travis Bickle drives the night streets of the neon-lit metropolis in his yellow cab, looking for excitement. But Travis is a nobody amid nobodies. As a result, trapped by an increasingly distorted perception of reality, he delves deeper and deeper into a world of obsession and vitriolic revulsion at the world around him. This is part of The Westdale’s Criminal Mastermind: Three Classics by Martin Scorsese’ series. Tickets here. Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. and May 20 at 9:30 p.m. Part of the Rainbow Reels Film Talk Series at The Westdale hosted by Laura McVey comes Desert Hearts on its 40th anniversary! Donna Deitch’s swooning and sensual first film Desert Hearts was groundbreaking upon its 1986 release: a love story about two women, produced and directed by a woman. In the 1959-set film, an adaptation of a beloved novel by Jane Rule, straitlaced East Coast professor Vivian Bell arrives in Reno to file for divorce, but winds up catching the eye of someone new, the younger free spirit Cay, touching off a slow seduction that unfolds against the breathtaking desert landscape. Tickets here. Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. Finally, don’t miss Black Girl on its 60th anniversary. Ousmane Sembène, one of the greatest and most groundbreaking filmmakers who ever lived and the most internationally renowned African director of the 20th century, made his feature debut in 1966 with the brilliant and stirring Black Girl. Sembène, who was also an acclaimed novelist in his native Senegal, transforms a deceptively simple plot – about a young Senegalese woman who moves to France to work for a wealthy white couple and finds that life in their small apartment becomes a figurative and literal prison – into a complex, layered critique on the lingering colonialist mindset of a supposedly postcolonial world. The presentation of Black Girl will be preceded by the short film: Borom Sarret, the 1963 directorial debut of Sembène. It is often cited as the first film (or first narrative film) made in Africa by an African, the first “professional” African film, and the first such film to be shown widely outside of Africa. Sembène’s Borom Sarret tells the story of a poor man trying to make a living as a cart driver in Dakar. The films are presented by Centre Francophone Hamilton and will be shown in French with English subtitles. Tickets are here. Sunday, June 7, 4 p.m. and Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m.

On at Playhouse Cinema
Amrum is a 2025 film out of Germany that was an official selection for the Cannes Film Festival. Starring Diane Kruger, Laura Tonke, and Jasper Billerbeck, it is directed by Golden Globe winner Fatih Akin. It is the spring of 1945 on the German island of Amrum, where 12-year-old Nanning spends his days working the farm and his nights fishing. Despite the hardship, life on the windswept isle seems idyllic. When farmer Tessa (Diane Kruger) mentions to Nanning that the war will soon be over, the boy, too young to understand the political implications, is pleased to imagine that his Nazi officer father might soon be coming home. But word of Germany’s imminent defeat sends his mother into decline, and as Nanning looks to his community for support, he learns that the true enemy is far closer than he imagined. Showtimes from May 8 to 14. Bee My Love stars Hamilton actor Ann Pirvu and was directed by her husband Christopher Giroux. The couple have recently formed Precious Metal Productions and produced this 2026 movie in association with Super Channel. A private chef competing for her dream job with a celebrity restaurateur finds inspiration in her mother's recipes, the sweetness of honey, and a struggling beekeeper who teaches her to bee-lieve that life, and love, are sweetest when shared. Learn more about bee keeping with Hammer Hives and join for a Q&A with the movie’s cast and crew. May 9, 4 p.m. Nash the Slash is a 2025 Canadian film starring Jeff Plewman, Iggy Pop, and Gary Numan. Nash The Slash was deliciously surreal, verging on demented. A mummy wrapped in surgical bandages, an invisible man in full formal white tuxedo and top hat buzz-sawing his violin through endless reams of electronics, melodies and distortion. His music and image were demanding. His life was rock fantasy. Join writer/director Tim Kowalski and co-writer Kevan Byrne for a post-screening Q&A, moderated by local music promoter Lou Molinaro on May 12, 9 p.m. At the Place of Ghosts (Sk+te'kmujue'katik) is a 2025 film from Canada that was nominated for the Platform Award at TIFF. It stars Blake Alec Miranda and Forrest Goodluck and is directed by Bretten Hannam. Siblings Mise'l and Antle were close as children, but trauma from their upbringing has caused them to drift apart as adults. When they are both haunted by a malevolent spirit of bones and rot, the siblings are forced to reunite. Attendees will receive a complimentary movie poster while supplies last. Showtimes from May 9 to 13. The industry standard format of film presentation for the first 100 years of cinema, 35mm film prints are now considered a rare experience in movie-going. Painstaking care goes into maintaining The Playhouse’s vintage film projection equipment, and preparation of film prints for these screenings. The Playhouse Cinema, built in 1914, is one of a small number of cinemas in Canada that can present archival 35mm film prints. Check out The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (part of a trilogy marathon), May 17; Inception, June 12, 13, 16; Dunkirk, June 19, 20, 23. A full calendar is here. A complete movie and event calendar is here. Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

On at Revival Art Store
Chef Ken LeFebour’s, author of I’m Just Gonna F*cking Cook, will be on hand making gourmet burgers during Sew Hungry on May 9, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Card-making will be facilitated by local artist Lisa Pijuan-Nomura of Studio Beulah. Make your own one-of-a-kind cards using any medium you love – paint, markers, collage, ink, etc. These tiny creations aren’t for selling, but for sharing – swap with fellow artists, spark conversations, and grow your creative circle. Email email studiobeulahart@gmail.com to register. May 16, 12 p.m. Next up is a night of collage, led by Lisa Pijuan-Nomura of Studio Beulah. No experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. Email studiobeulahart@gmail.com. May 21, 6:30 p.m. Come experience the work of photographer Darrell J. Brown, featuring stunning landscape and wildlife imagery. His landscapes often require countless hours and numerous trips to the same location to capture unique scenes with vibrancy and visual depth. May 29, 30 and 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All events at Revival Arts Store, 1165 Cannon St. E., Hamilton

Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail
The 1.5-kilometre Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail is in its fifth season. The goal of BWST is to bring sculpture into the public realm in a free and accessible trail linking major elements of Burlington’s downtown core and waterfront. The Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection has been supporting the commission and exhibition of sculptural works for over 10 years. For the Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail, more than 60 artists from across the country and internationally are paid an exhibition fee to present their work, and the DLISC team works to sell the works to drive additional support to Canadian artists. This year visitors can download the new Digital Passport to collect points by visiting all BWST sculptures, vote for a favourite work, and enter to win prizes one of five $100 Burlington downtown gift cards. The artist selected as the Audience Choice Award winner will receive a $1,000 prize! A series of family-friendly activities are happening at the BWST on May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including: family-friendly performances in the gazebo, every hour, on the hour; guided tours every hour on the half hour from Cornelia Peckart & Nancy Benoy of the Art To Go Podcast and returning BWST artists; Interactive crafts with The Creative Parents and Elizabeth Gardens Creative Collective; a rubber duck scavenger hunt; outdoor games and caricature drawings; and Backed By Bees, with a live (contained) bee exhibit and talk about how bees are sculptors. Back bigger and brighter this year, Friday Night Lights invites visitors to experience the Sculpture Trail after dark – offering illuminated installations and evening musical entertainment, May 22, dusk to 11 p.m. Tuesday Tours on May 12, May 26 at 7 p.m., will offer one-hour guided walking tours starting at the gazebo in Spencer Smith Park and offering insight into the artists, the works, and the vision behind the BWST. An augmented reality experience is also available for visitors to the Burlington Centre, the Burlington Public Library's Central Branch and Alton Branch, and Spencer Smith Park to engage with digital scans of the permanent Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection at the Royal Botanical Gardens. BWST is on until May 31, Spencer Smith Park and downtown Burlington waterfront

Thin Spaces at WAHC
Workers Arts & Heritage Centre this Friday, May 8 for the opening of its new spring/summer exhibition, Thin Spaces: the porous places between. Which exiled labours can keep us afloat in times of crisis? How do we access them in moments requiring care, discernment, and responsibility? Between moments of transition exist thin spaces, areas that are both within and without, here and not-here, allowing for a possibility of profound transformation. These porous places alter arbitrary boundaries and invite new ways of being to be built. Through multisensory artworks, Thin Spaces explores ways of recalibrating our notion(s) of care for one another in between complex worlds. The featured artists delve into the politics of care work, transgender embodiment, and the grieving of ecological collapse. This group exhibition is curated by Elwood Jimmy featuring artists Christine De Vuono, Justine Langille, Kwentong Bayan Collective, and Sal(t) Collective and is presented in partnership with the Musagetes Foundation. The evening's festivities will be celebrating not only the dynamic work on display but will also include a participatory writing project facilitated by Christine De Vuono for her ongoing installation You’re Invited, led by the artist. RSVPs are encouraged but drop ins are welcome. Learn more and sign up here. Until Aug. 1. Opening reception, May 8, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Workers Art and Heritage Centre, 51 Stuart St., Hamilton

On at the Carnegie Gallery
The Carnegie Gallery is presenting photographer Neil Frederick Sharpe’s The Meaning of Life, which explores identity and relationships caught up in a complex time of social media, cell phones and artificial intelligence where anxiety and insomnia are at record levels. Grounded in practical experience and inspired by Martha Nussbaum’s book The Fragility Of Goodness, Sharpe, whose work has been displayed in galleries around the world, explores a world where people fight to maintain identity, values and grace while caught up in days that seem to aimlessly fly by, self-absorbed and disconnected, strange in their hollowness and shifting edges, haunted by memories of children’s innocence somewhere lost and an insomnia wild to ask “does any part of this makes sense?” Sharpe’s raw but dignifying photographs, enveloped in darkness and human vulnerability, not only explore these questions but also pay tribute to the paths leading home. In ¡viva! Color, award-winning, self-taught, Hamilton based visual artist Gordon Leverton celebrates the vibrant colours, rhythms, and textures of everyday life in Latin America. From the bright and charming facades and layered architecture, Leverton captures the unique character of the barrios in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Oaxaca, Mexico and Lima, Peru. Leverton’s portrayal of urban architectural elements rendered with flattened perspective, bright colours, and strong play of light and shadow has become his recognizable style. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Until May 24, Carnegie Gallery, 10 King St. W., Dundas

Spring in the Park
Enjoy fresh air and explore nature as more than 60,000 spring blooms transform Gage Park during Spring in the Park. The event transforms the park pathways into a self-guided floral walking experience, with vibrant displays of tulips, daffodils and a variety of spring favourites. Visitors are encouraged to start at the Tropical Greenhouse, where they can pick up a scavenger hunt and set off exploring. Both indoor scavenger hunts in the Tropical Greenhouse and outdoor Spring in the Park scavenger hunts are available, offering interactive activities for visitors of all ages. The park will change throughout the event as different trees and plants bloom at different times. Redbuds, lilacs, cherries and pear trees will flower first, followed by magnolias and late-season crabapples. Residents are encouraged to visit multiple times to catch every stage of the Spring in the Park bloom. Visitors can also explore Gage Park’s amenities, including the Children’s Museum, Children’s Garden Project, Rose Garden and two playgrounds. Until May 18, Gage Park, 1000 Main St. E., Hamilton

Kinderfest 2026
Kinderfest, presented by Arts for All, is excited to celebrate another year of creating access to arts and bringing live professional theatre from across the country to inspire young minds. Find all tickets and plenty of information here.

Cooo offers an array of percussion and vocal sounds recalling the bells of a monastery, a street call from southern China, rhythmic repetitions, and “I love you” sung in multiple languages. An utterly unique musical experience for very young audiences (six to 24 months) that will linger long after it ends. There are shows at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. on May 19, May 20, May 21, May 22, Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts – Black Box Theatre, 126 James St. S., Hamilton

Ni Nagamoon (Neheyiwak for “my song”) is a First Nation cultural sharing created and performed by Niagara-based performing artist, Nicole Joy-Fraser. Through storytelling and original hand drum songs, Joy-Fraser shares her Anishinaabe teachings, based on her journey and reclamation of Indigenous heritage. May 21, 12:15 p.m., Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts – Studio C, 126 James St. S., Hamilton

Kinderfest will also be at Telling Tales, featuring Carousel Players with the Drama Garden, a multi-sensory theatrical experience for young minds located at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Each Drama Garden offers a series of vignettes including: Dragon on the Hill where audiences animate and dance with a large dragon puppet, to sing a lullaby for the dragon, and to then imagine what might happen next in the story; The Cardinal, where the audience helps a comedic human-sized bird to rebuild its broken nest; The Flower Garden, an interactive musical performance where audience members help to make music to encourage flowers to grow; and Junk Xylophone, a self-guided musical play for all ages. Oct. 4 & Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3 p.m., Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park

In the Carousel Players’ Where the Wild Things Are, jump in and help Max transform his bedroom into an exotic jungle, then transport yourself to where the Wild Things are. After being crowned king of these magical creatures, Max must make a decision: stay and rule the Wild Things or return home. Based on the timeless children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, this interactive adventure is filled with guided play. Together, young ones and their adults can join the wild ride. Nov. 10, 10 a.m., Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, Black Box Theatre, 126 James St. S., Hamilton

On at Mills Hardware and Bridgeworks
Record label and concert promoter Sonic Unyon presents at Bridgeworks: John Shambles, May 7; Elliott BROOD, May 9; Lowest of the Low, May 15; Fruit Salad: Pre-Pride Edition, May 22; Elfrida + Bernadette Connors, May 23; Wintersleep, June 18; Chris Webby, with Quake Matthews and Spose, June 22; GOAT + Golden Feather, July 7; Time Fades Away: NY @80, July 17; Begonia, Oct. 5; The East Pointers, Nov. 6; Tommy Youngsteen: Fleetwood Mac Rumours, Nov. 14. On at Mills Hardware: Bleeker x Texas King + Teddy Ransom, May 1; Mimi O'Bonsawin + The North Sound, May 2; Dead Bob + Mvll Crimes, May 6; Ariel Posen, May 7; Mage Tears x Ebril, May 10; Hobby + Mistaken for Wayne + Nicolette & The Nobodies, May 14, 8 p.m.; The Free Label + Fast Brake, May 15; The Hidden Cameras, May 19; Dallas Alexander + Nayana, May 20; Idioteque Performs The Bends, May 22; Crast, May 23; Brother Elsey, May 24; Lia Pappas-Kemps + Rachel Bobbitt, May 26; Noah Derksen + Claire Hunter, May 29; St. Arnaud + Guests, May 30; Femme Rising: Volume 4 (featuring Melissa Dutch, AOIFE, Jocelyn June, Gigi Noche), May 31; Hank's Dream + Emma Whale + Lydia Stephen, June 6, 8 p.m.; Bend It Like Beck + Sandra Bouza Duo, June 7; Honeybear, the Band, June 9; Sam Singer & The Beautiful Movers + Evan Redsky + Ian James Bain, June 12; Gizmo + Fireball Kid + hi,low, June 19; Lucas Wright + Bernie Hale + Joel Betts, June 20; Loversteeth + Apple of Basilisk + Heat Rash, June 26. Tickets and information are here.

On at TD Coliseum
On at Hamilton’s renovated downtown arena is: Hatsune Miku, May 13, 8 p.m.; Charlie Puth, May 20, 7:30 p.m.; PBR, May 30, 7 p.m.; The Guess Who, June 1, 7:30 p.m.; Five Seconds of Summer, June 2, 8 p.m.; Ne-Yo & Akon, June 27, 8 p.m.; FIBA World Cup Americas qualifiers, July 3 and 6, 7 p.m.; Carin Leon, July 4, 8 p.m.; Ella Langley, July 16, 8 p.m.; Melanie Martinez, July 20, 8 p.m.; i-dle, Aug. 2, 8 p.m.; YOASOBI, Aug. 8 (tickets on sale April 23, 3 p.m.), Bryan Adams, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m., aespa, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Jason Aldean, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Bring Me The Horizon, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Jimmy Carr, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.; Andrea Bocelli, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; Il Volo World Tour, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. (only Canadian date announced so far); Hilary Duff, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets here. 101 York Blvd., Hamilton

On at FirstOntario Concert Hall
Clue, May 24, 7 p.m.; Father John Misty, July 6, 7:30 p.m.; Bonnie Raitt, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Beetlejuice, Sept. 8, 9, 10, 7:30 p.m.; Jim Henson's Labyrinth In Concert, Sept. 13, 8 p.m.; Raffi, Sept. 26, 2 p.m.; (Studio) Sixx Paxx, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Not Dead Yet: John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50, Oct. 4; Vengaboys & Prozzak, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; (Studio) Travelling Wilbury's Tribute, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Owen Riegling, Nov. 1. Tickets here. 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton

Kotaro Migishi art sale
Something about Kotaro Migishi paintings attracts the heart. Even at a glance, they evoke a positive calming spirit. They transcend us to a higher place. His use of a broad spectrum of colour and texture is compelling, sensitive and poetic. Hamilton’s Beckett Fine Art was entrusted to be Kotaro’s sole art representative in North America, hosting Migishi’s Canadian debut solo show in 1998 and continuing with seven more shows until his death in 2009. Beckett Fine Art is offering the final collection of his paintings available in North America. Following this show, any remaining paintings will be returned to the Migishi family in Japan. They are slated for public art museums and corporate collections in Japan. The sale will happen until May 18. Beckett Fine Art Ltd., 196 Locke St. S., Hamilton

Earth: Our Natural World
Beckett Fine Art is hosting an exhibit of first-time-ever available works from famed Canadian naturalists and artists including Robert Bateman, Chris Bacon and many others. Beckett Fine Art has worked with the famed Bateman since 1971. The show will include classic originals and new works, not previously released, directly from Bateman’s studio. Beckett Fine Art, 196 Locke St. S., Hamilton

Beyond Blue & White: Wedgewood Designed for Canada
Curated and circulated by the King Heritage & Cultural Centre, this new exhibit showcases a selection of over 40 unique Canadian-themed Wedgewood pieces amassed by lifelong collector Keith Alyn McLeod (1955-2014). It is considered one of the most complete collections of Canadian-themed Wedgwood in existence. The exhibit explores the growth of Wedgwood and its expansion into North America, highlighting Canadian artists who were employed and inspired by Wedgewood, including Dundas local George Emery. For more information, email museums@hamilton.ca or call 905-546-3168. General museum admission rates apply. Closed Mondays and statutory holidays. Until May 31, Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, 64 Sulphur Springs Rd, Ancaster

Art in the Workplace
Art in the Workplace invites submission by Hamilton artists that will be juried to be exhibited for four months in the Atrium area of McMaster Innovation Park. The portrait work of painter Murray Van Halem will be displayed. The show continues until June 26. McMaster Innovation Park, Atrium, 175 Longwood Dr., Hamilton

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

Root for the home team
Forge FC takes on Supra du Quebec, May 13, 11 a.m., Calvary FC, May 31, 4 p.m., HFX Wanderers FC, June 10, 7 p.m., Vancouver FC, July 1, 1 p.m., Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave. N., Hamilton

Rhyme, Rhythm & Reason
Welcome to Rhyme, Rhythm & Reason, an open mic for all writers. Whether you write songs, poetry, fiction or non-fiction, you're welcome to come on stage and share, including works in progress. Each participant will get five to 10 minutes (depending on attendance.) Your hosts are writer/musician Anya Mia (Anya Wassenberg) and writer/musician Jen Frankel. There will be a first come sign up sheet. A full PA and mics are available, along with a grand piano. (Byo guitar, if needed). Event is free but donations accepted toward keeping the event running. There will be coffee, tea, water, pop & snacks available to buy. Tickets here. May 14, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Laidlaw Memorial United Church, 155 Ottawa St. N, Hamilton

Write On! Write Now
An open mic like no other! Bring your darlings: your poetry, prose, songs, essays, stories -- whatever form your creativity takes. Join host Jen Frankel in welcoming singer/songwriters, poets, essayists, storytellers, and other wordsmiths for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and communion. Five minutes per performer or two songs, double slots if time permits. Signup begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are here. May 15, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.,
Centre for Talking Arts, 154 James St. S., Hamilton

Nathan Macintosh at Levity
Energetic, loud, and funny, Nathan Macintosh is a comedian and writer originally from Halifax, now living in New York City. His comedy special, 'Money Never Wakes' was named Best YouTube Special of the Year by The New York Times. Check him out during two shows at Levity Comedy Club & Lounge. Tickets are here and here. May 15, 8 p.m. and May 16, 8 p.m., Levity Comedy Club & Lounge, 120 King St. W., Hamilton

HAPPENING LATER IN MAY

Sisters in Song
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre's Sisters in Song series, spotlighting a collection of Canada’s magnetic female voices in jazz, blues, rock, and soul, will mark its last show with Selena Evangeline, May 19. All tickets are here. Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Crown & Press: Songs in the Round
There’s nothing quite like hearing great songwriters trade songs in an inspiring room. If you haven't yet, this is the lineup to start with. Songs in the Round features Frank Fiction, the new project from JUNO Award–winning songwriter Elias Dummer (frontman of The City Harmonic). Performing unreleased alt-folk songs and a few sideways covers, he draws from two decades of quietly crafted material. Songs In The Round is a Bluebird Café-inspired night at Crown & Press that feels like a live NPR Tiny Desk session. The next Songs in the Round brings together Jon Harvey (The Wild High, JUNO-winning co-founder of Monster Truck — yes, the band behind the Leafs goal song), singer-songwriter Nick Zubeck (he's played with Sun Kil Moon, Great Lake Swimmers, Donovan Woods, and Sandro Perri) with multi-instrumentalist Liv Cazzola (Tragedy Ann), and your host Frank Fiction. Strangely enough, Jon and Frank (the on-stage persona of Hamilton songwriter Elias Dummer) played in separate bands in the ’90s Hamilton punk scene. They both won JUNOs in 2013. Now they're sharing new and old songs together in the round. That's what this night is about: great songs with old friends. Tickets are here. May 21, 7:30, p.m., Crown & Press, 303 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton

On at the RBG
RBG After Dark is a 19+ after-hours event series that transforms the gardens into a vibrant social night out. Each month features a new theme, live entertainment, food, drinks, and experiences to enjoy. Stroll illuminated garden paths, relax with friends, and discover where nature meets nightlife. The season’s first – Spring Into Summer will transform the gardens into the perfect patio party experience. The night will feature the music of the Dave Murphy Band. Tickets are here. May 21, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., RBG Rock Garden, 1185 York Boul.

Jazz at The Westdale
Johost Karen Thornton for a mesmerizing night of jazz-infused blues, where classic blues tradition meets sophisticated jazz artistry. Featuring talented local performers Michael Dunston, Carlos Del Junco, and Jesse O’Brien, delivering inspired interpretations of legendary artists Louis Jordan, T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, Robert Cray, Big Mama Thornton, and Ray Charles. Experience the perfect fusion of smoky blues soul and improvised jazz brilliance – where every note tells a story and every performance captures the raw emotion and refined musicianship that defines this timeless genre. Tickets are here. May 22, 8 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

CAP CARE Walk, Run & Roll
The 12th Annual Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) CARE Walk, Run & Roll is raising funds for free cancer support services in Hamilton. Participants can walk, run, or roll a 5km route. Show your creativity and heart by designing a team poster or an “in honour of” poster to recognize someone special. You can bring your poster on the day of the walk or drop it off in advance and CAP will proudly display them for you. Fundraising efforts will also be celebrated, with prizes for both the top individual fundraiser and the top team fundraiser. For some extra fun, bring your energy and creativity for the most spirited group and individual awards. Come dressed in your best attire or theme, and don’t forget your noisemakers, signs, and plenty of enthusiasm! More information is here. Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m., two meetup locations: CAP office, 555 Concession St., Hamilton & Sweet Expressions, 3013 Regional Rd 56, Binbrook.

Pianist Robert Bruce
Composer/pianist Robert Bruce presents a program of calming and reflective solo piano music, his fifth concert in a one-year anniversary of the series. His solo piano music is known for creating a tangibly intimate and daydreamy atmosphere that many listeners find comforting and uplifting. More information and tickets here. May 26, 7:30 p.m., Church of St. John the Evangelist (The Rock on Locke), 320 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton

HPYO Spring Concert
The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra culminates the spring season with a performance featuring “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius and “Gaelic Symphony” by Amy Beach as well as a world premiere of a new piece by HPYO musician Cheryl Gao. May 30, 3:30 p.m., doors, 4 p.m., concert. Ticket link to come. L.R. Wilson Hall, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton

Bach Elgar season finale
As the Bach Elgar Choir’s 2025–2026 season comes to a close, it is taking part in a shared musical experience that brings ensembles and generations together. The Three Choir Festival, now in its third year, will feature Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana and Johannes Brahms’ Schicksalslied. This collaboration brings together the Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra, Georgetown Bach Chorale, and Bach Elgar Choir, with this year’s exciting addition of the Oakville Choir for Children and Youth. Together, these ensembles form a powerful 130-voice festival chorus, joined by orchestra, for one of the region’s most ambitious choral collaborations. From the thunderous opening of “O Fortuna,” Carmina Burana delivers a bold and unforgettable musical experience. Paired with the luminous Schicksalslied, this program explores fate, humanity, and the shared power of music. Get tickets here for May 30 and here for May 31. Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m., St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1150 Monks Passage, Oakville

Anuja Varghese: Book launch
Hamilton writer Anuja Varghese, whose acclaimed debut short story collection Chrysalis was published in 2023, is now debuting her first novel, A Kiss of Crimson Ash. It is a medieval India-inspired fantasy full of rich worldbuilding, diverse characters, and high-heat romance. The book launch will see Varghese in conversation with Shalini Abeysekara, author of Sunday Times bestseller This Monster of Mine and the forthcoming highly anticipated sequel This Blade of Ours. Chrysalis won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction, along with the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBT literature, the 31st annual Hamilton Literary Award for Fiction. It was also long-listed for the 2024 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, and shortlisted for the 2024 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize. Registration information for the book launch is to come. May 31, 7 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

HAPPENING IN JUNE AND BEYOND

Glenn Paul Trio at Crown & Press
The Glenn Paul Trio returns to Crown & Press with a full evening built around the Chet Baker songbook, joined by Matt Smith on trumpet and vocals. Expect soulful ballads, swinging standards, and the cool, lyrical jazz that made Baker a legend. Set against the intimate backdrop of Crown and Press Gallery & Café, this one-of-a-kind evening also features specialty cocktails and gourmet bites. It's perfect for a date night or an evening with friends who love great music and great company. Tickets are here. June 5, 7:30 p.m., Crown & Press, 303 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton

Marc Jordan at Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
If you’re familiar with Marc Jordan’s music, you’ve already skipped this part and are looking below to discover where he’s performing and when. However, if you haven’t been introduced, you have a real treat in store. And, actually, despite what you might think … you most probably do know his work. For example, his worldwide No. 1 hit, “Rhythm of My Heart,” or how about “Marina del Ray,” “Tears of Hercules,” “Survival, This” … or any of a vast number of his songs recorded by the likes of Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Joe Cocker, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, Cher, Josh Groban, Diana Ross, Amanda Marshall and many more. The shelves of his home groan with the weight of awards: JUNO, Genie, Grammy … industry-wide accolades, including a recent induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Tickets are here. June 9, 7:30 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Nashville Takeover – Burlington
The Nashville Takeover is a three-day, town-wide experience that will transform Burlington into a hub for original songwriting, storytelling, and community connection. This is not a traditional music festival. It is a takeover, a curated cultural experience that partners with multiple venues and spaces across town, activating them with intimate, ticketed songwriter performances. ​After the success of previous takeovers in Port Stanley and Collingwood, Burlington was selected from hundreds of towns across Canada for its strong cultural identity, engaged downtown core, and deep sense of community. More than 15 hand-selected songwriters from Nashville and Canada will perform across multiple intimate venues and unexpected spaces throughout Burlington. Each day and night features rotating songwriter rounds, special one-off performances, and late-night experiences that feel less like attending a show and more like stepping into Nashville itself. This experience is built around intimacy and discovery. You are not watching from the back of a crowd. You are sitting a few feet away from the artists. You hear the stories behind the songs, feel the room react in real time, and connect with the writers between sets. These are moments that large-scale music events simply cannot create. Every artist is a surprise until they step on stage. The lineup is intentionally unreleased because this weekend is about discovery, not hype. The songwriters performing are among the most exciting emerging artists from Nashville and Canada, many with millions of streams, national radio play, and writing credits for major artists. Some are on the verge of becoming the next breakout names in music. Tickets and weekend passes are available here. June 12-14, various venues, Burlington

Hamilton Originals: The Songs Of George Harrison & Eric Clapton
It will be an uplifting evening of iconic music as acclaimed singer-songwriter Jacob Moon and special guests revisit the songs of two legendary rock icons: George Harrison and Eric Clapton. With his signature voice, masterful guitar work, and heartfelt storytelling, Moon will breathe new life into classic hits like “Something,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Layla.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these anthems for the first time, this is a unique celebration of timeless music you won’t want to miss. Tickets are here. June 13, 7:30 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Within the Glass
In Within the Glass by Canadian playwright Anna Chatterton, two very different couples meet after a critical mistake at a fertility clinic. A fertilized egg has been implanted into the wrong woman. Over the course of an absurd evening, they fight to determine the uncertain future of their IVF child. This extraordinary pregnancy forces each of them to reassess their relationships, the depths of their desire to parent, and their hopes for the future – asking each person what they are willing to give up in the pursuit of a child. This is a production by Hamilton Theatre Project. Tickets are here. June 16 to 20, 8 p.m., June 20, 2 p.m., Robinson Memorial Theatre, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton

Summer at the RBG
RBG is offering open-air dining experiences where exceptional cuisine meets the beauty of the outdoors. RBG invites you to indulge in a curated series of al fresco dinners designed to be savoured under the sky. Each evening brings thoughtfully crafted menus, elegant table settings, and an immersive outdoor atmosphere. This is a 19+ experience. Tickets are here. June 12 (Arboretum), July 10 (Rock Garden), Sept. 11 (Rock Garden).

At the Summer Pride Party move to the beat of dynamic, genre-spanning music from a DJ, and be dazzled by a vibrant drag show hosted by the beloved queen Karma Kameleon! Enjoy vibrant culinary offerings, sip sparkling drinks, and lose yourself in an atmosphere where self-expression shines. This is more than a party, it’s a celebration of artistry, identity, and the power of showing up in full colour! Tickets are here. June 18, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., RBG Rock Garden, 1185 York Boul.

A one-of-a-kind, unforgettable evening of open-air dining awaits. This dinner features a specially curated menu and table-side explanations by Top Chef Canada season 9 winner (2021), Erica Karbelnik. Celebrated for her ingredient-driven approach and refined, thoughtful cooking style, Karbelnik brings a distinctive culinary perspective to this exclusive one-night-only experience – transforming the season’s finest ingredients into an inspired multi-course menu. Tickets are here. Aug. 14, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd., Burlington

Anchorball at RBG
The Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey is coming to RBG! Explore the vibrant sculptural universe of artist and contemporary sculptor Ken Kelleher, internationally known as Anchorball. This massive outdoor exhibition transforms the garden into a vivid sculptural landscape where bold characters, imaginative narratives, and contemporary form merge with nature and blooms to create a world that feels full of wonder, yet deeply recognizable. Featuring 18 monumental sculptures ranging up to 12 feet tall, the exhibition introduces visitors to an evolving fictional universe, known as Low Orbit City, populated by playful and mythical characters. In addition to the physical installations, visitors can discover a hidden digital world using augmented reality with characters known as Cloudwalkers, and unlock an AR Masterpiece, extending the experience beyond the visible landscape and inviting moments of surprise, play, and exploration throughout the garden. Come experience a joyful fusion of nature and art designed for curiousity, fun, exploration, and imagination. Entry to Anchorball is included with your RBG daily admission or RBG membership. More information is here. June 20 to Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. dail (last entry at 4 p.m.), Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd., Burlington

Suzie McNeil at The Westdale
Where Northern roots meet southern soul, Suzie McNeil’s new album Line 49 reimagines Canadian classic songs through the rich, passionate lens of soul music. From coast to coast, these songs celebrate the heart and beauty of life north of the 49th parallel. With powerhouse vocals, rich arrangements and a spirit that’s 100 per cent maple, this performance celebrates Canadian music, and reveals a whole new way to feel it. The JUNO-nominated McNeil is a powerhouse vocalist and performer who gained fame in 2005 as the last woman standing on CBS’s Rockstar: INXS. She starred in the Toronto debut of Queen’s We Will Rock You musical and has collaborated with artists like Alan Frew, Jeff Healey, Dave Navarro, Scott Weiland, Gavin Rossdale, Clay Aiken, and Foreigner. Suzie also toured as a backup singer for P!NK and recently made history performing backup vocals with Steven Tyler at Aerosmith’s Las Vegas residency. Tickets are here. June 26, 8 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Because Beer Craft Beer Festival
Hamilton's craft beer and cider festival returns to Pier 4 Park for an unforgettable weekend! Because Beer offers a unique opportunity to sample hundreds of craft beers and ciders from dozens of craft beer and cider makers, and enjoy hours of fun. Festival-goers can also take in a great music stage as well as delicious fare served up by specialty food vendors, a free retro arcade and more! Confirmed musical acts include Dwayne Gretzky, Born in the Eighties, Wing Night (The Band), Big Wreck, Death From Above 1979, The Flatliners, and Superstar Crush. Craft brewers, cideries, and cocktail vendors will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival. Tickets and more information is here. July 10 and 11 (3 p.m. to midnight), Pier 4 Park

Route 905 Country Festival
The inaugural Route 905 Country Festival is coming to the Ancaster Fairgrounds this July. This new, two-day outdoor event will feature headliners Brett Kissel (Friday) and Chase Rice (Saturday), along with artists including Jade Eagleson, Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Madeline Merlo, Ryan Langdon, Angelica Appelman, and Andy Colonico. There will also be food trucks and a local vendor marketplace. Tickets and information are here. July 24 and 25, Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Hamilton

Theatre Burlington’s new season
For the third year in a row, Theatre Burlington is proud to present an all-Canadian playbill for the 2026-27 season. The season kicks off with Icemen by Vern Thiessen. A wealthy businessman wakes up bound and gagged, kidnapped by two of his own employees. Amid the Depression, Joe and Rennie’s ice-harvesting livelihood is melting away due to the advent of refrigeration. This edge of your seat thriller explores the human cost of capitalism, and asks, when the wealthy exploit the working class, who are the real criminals? Sept. 25, to Oct. 10. Theatre Burlington’s annual family show is Sleeping Beauty by local playwright, the late Vic Hyde. This one-hour production includes music, dancing, comedy and lots of audience participation. It’s a modern twist on the classic fairy tale and the perfect way to introduce the young (and young at heart) to the magic of live theatre. Nov. 28 to Dec. 13. The winter show is How Could You Mrs. Dick by Douglas Rodger. This “whodunit” with a difference, explores the shocking details of a 1940’s true-crime story that happened in our own backyard. It’s the legendary “torso” murder in Hamilton, focusing on the unsolved case of Evelyn Dick, accused in the gruesome death of her husband. It’s a spellbinding story that’ll leave you with more questions than answers. Feb. 12 to 28, 2027. The season closes with Five Alarm by local playwright Kristen Da Silva. At a small-town chili cook-off, Ava tries to piece together her father’s missing Five Alarm Chili recipe, while at the same time piecing together the mysteries of her past. A bitter rivalry rears its head, while the possibility of romance, and a touch of nostalgia, all come to a boil in this charming comedy. April 16 to May 1, 2027. Theatre Burlington will also present Playtime, its annual 10-minute play festival. Come and enjoy several short plays written, directed and acted by local artists. May 29, 30, June 5, 6, 2027. For information about tickets or to become a season ticket subscriber, click here.

RECURRING EVENTS

Craft and Brews
Barton Street’s Mosaic is part bar, part community hub, offering a weekly rotation of activities that have earned a permanent spot on the calendar of many a Hamiltonian. In addition to vinyl Fridays, live music, and trivia nights, Mosaic also offers a weekly Happy Hour Stitch Club, perfect for textile tinkerers who have a pile of fabric and a dream. Whether it’s embroidery, quilting, or just a bunch of socks that need to be made whole, bring your current project and get to work alongside fellow crafties while sharing tips, progress and perhaps a beverage, because being creative is thirsty work. First Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m., 431 Barton St. E.

gritLIT: Pages, Pens, and Pints
Whether you're starting a new book or working on a writing project, this is your chance to connect with fellow book lovers (without the small talk!) while ordering a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) from Mosaic Neighbourhood Bar, 431 Barton St. E. Every second Sunday.

Everybody Crew
Everybody Crew – one of Hamilton’s most inclusive communities – welcomes everybody to join their active meetups where the ensuing connection is just as critical as the fitness. At these thrice-weekly outings, runners, walkers and meanderers are invited to get moving and get talking, while revelling in a camaraderie that is difficult to find as grownups. To feel the air on your face while feeling connected to something bigger, check out their profile for all details, and be certain to read the space agreement to ensure a fit as perfect as that of your running shoes. Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays, meet at Gage Park.

Stairy Tales
Hit pause on your podcasts and audio books and take in an evening of literature IRL. The Staircase Theatre’s monthly LitLive Reading Series features both established and emerging local writers and poets sharing their work aloud in short, 15-minute chapters. This communal storytelling experience, based around a specific theme each night, encourages reflection while creating a community experience out of a typically solitary venture. While every event is different, the bookish audiences are treated to the same epilogue every time — bedtime stories aren’t just for kids. More information here. First Sunday of the month, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 27 Dundurn St. N. 

For the record(s)
Turn the tables on the digital age and go for a low-fi hang at Nanny & Bulls. The Wednesday Wax Club – held monthly – invites audiophiles to sell, swap, or simply listen to a selection of records in their comfy retro Rumpus Room. Enjoy a nostalgic evening with fellow vinyl lovers, taking solace in the fact that you won’t have to explain that the scratches make it sound better, and how dropping the needle into that groove perfectly the first time is one of life’s most special thrills. More info here. Second Wednesday of every month, Nanny & Bulls, 627 Barton St.

A bit dodgy
Anyone else have dodgeball flashbacks from grade school? Average Joe Sports Club can help you right some schoolyard wrongs at its recreational dodgeball leagues, offered throughout the year. Join as an individual or with a group and take workplace teambuilding to a new level. When your coworkers get a load of your mad skills, no one will eat your yogurt from the office fridge again, and we’re talking to you, Janet. For the more faint of heart, more refined sports are also offered, including frisbee, volleyball, or the always popular sports sampler.

Hamilton Haunts
Don your walking shoes, pack your bravery, and hit the streets under the cover of darkness with Hamilton’s Ghost Walks. Led by knowledgeable and fearless storytellers, three separate tours – Hamilton’s Dark History, Dundurn Castle and a city bus tour (on Halloween only), and the eerie secrets of Dundas – are part historical walk, part macabre meander. Participants come away with a passionate reverence for our shady history, and a new wariness of shadowy corners. Have a boo at the website for details and get ready to see the city in a whole new (albeit dim) light.

Night riders
Join the city’s brightest bike gang and take a night ride with the Hamilton Glowriders to help promote safe cycling while spreading some feel-good vibes. Departing from Corktown Park, the monthly group rides feature a colourful crew of cyclists riding blinking, twinkling bicycles, proving that string lights aren’t just for holidays. Music is also heavily encouraged for the full sensory effect, so if you’ve got a Bluetooth speaker kicking around, crank that up, too. Roll over to the website for dates and full details.

Right on Target
Channel your inner Cupid (or Apollo, or Katniss Everdeen, depending on your fav fandom) at BATL Axe Throwing. Best known for its axe- and knife-throwing events – the James Street business has now added archery to its offerings, providing customers with yet another inventive method of moving pointy item A to a receptive location B – carefully. Archers are provided with guidance and safety instructions from knowledgeable staff members, and a quiver-full of digital games featuring multiple interactive targets, ensuring their skills stay sharp.
50 James St. N.

Amped Up about Bingo
Put down those inky daubers and don your listening ears for a different kind of bingo game. Rock & Roll Bingo – offered monthly at The Mule – invites taco-loving participants to turn their phones into interactive bingo cards while tunes are pumped through the speakers as clues, a musical approach much more energizing than a monotonous calling out of random numbers and letters. Each of the three rounds played nightly offers a chance for players to win a gift card to The Mule, and with free tacos at stake, competition is bound to get spicy. Last Wednesday of each month.

Happy Trails
Solo walks are great, but something amazing happens when a group of chill wanderers heads to the woods – and it’s not just having someone to hold your water bottle when your shoe needs tying. Happy Hikers Hamilton invites adventurers of all abilities (and even their furry friends) to join group hikes on local trails with a supportive community and share the experience of being one with nature – together. A recent outing has even included a café crawl – because urban hikes can also be fun, and a bit less sweaty. 

Makers See, Makers Do
Hamilton’s DIY community is welcomed to step away from the kitchen table or come out of the garage to meet like-minded doers at Art Aggregate’s monthly maker meetups. Offering studio space, workshops, and a great community, Art Aggregate’s team welcomes all creatives to the meetups to get advice, expand their network, or simply show off their work to an engaged audience. Creativity breeds creativity – just because you can do it yourself, doesn’t mean you always have to. 637 Parkdale Ave. N.

Hunt Up Some Fun
See ya, sofa. Date night just got a bit more interesting, thanks to the Hamilton Hopper, an app-led outdoor scavenger hunt offered by Let’s Roam. Part tour, part game, participants hit up some of the city’s must-see spots, while completing challenges along the way. Turn your phone scrolling from a solitary activity into a way to connect IRL – we promise, it won’t hurt a bit. No date? No problem. The hunts – offered worldwide – are also perfect for friends, families, and even the co-workers that you wouldn’t mind getting to know a bit better.

Watch Your Temper
Learning more about where your food comes from is rarely as sweet – or delicious – as when you’re talking about chocolate. At the hands-on classic chocolate-making workshop, offered by Chocolate Tales, the history of the confection is unwrapped, while students learn about tempering and molding, truffle-making and decorating, and even some tasting. The best part of the class might actually be the homework – a box of treats to finish on your own time. Check out the website for upcoming dates and to register. 430 York Blvd.

A Co-Worker’s Gotta Eat
Working from home can be lonely and if done right, can also work up an appetite. Fortunately, 541 Eatery and Exchange can solve both conundrums at its Wednesday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) catered co-working events at Last Supper Books. The community focused, not-for profit café serves up a delicious meal with a side of connection at the cozy bookstore, allowing the work-from-homers among us a great reason to venture out, have a bite, and meet some peeps while still getting stuff done. Check out the website for more info and to reserve. 148 James St. N.

Gravity Is Underrated
Being grounded is great, but sometimes having your head in the clouds offers a welcome change of scenery. Check out the view from above at a two-hour guided climb at Gravity Climbing Gym where trained staff take care of the tying, harnessing and belaying, so participants need only to focus on climbing. Meet forearm muscles you didn’t know you had and problem solve your way to the top of the gym’s walls with an average height of 45 feet, while your dedicated belayer offers tips and does the heavy lifting (you). 70 Frid St.

Risky Business ’80s Night
After a 10-year run at the now-closed Casbah, the popular Risky Business ’80s Night (first Saturday of the month) shifts to its new location at The Corktown Pub. Were you fortunate enough to experience the joys of '80s music the first time around (hi!) or were you introduced to the magnitude of its awesomeness at a different time? Either way, fans of that dot on the musical landscape are invited to hit the Corktown! The music that came out of that decade was eclectic and revolutionary – and having a monthly celebration of this fact is totally rad. See you there. First Saturdays of the month. The Corktown, 175 Young St., Hamilton

Improving your improv
If you ever wanted to jump on a stage and beef up your improv chops, The Staircase is the place. There are weekly drop-ins and dedicated workshop series. Check it out here.

Date-night cooking class
Rather than let someone else do the cooking on your next date night, take matters into your own hands by attending a date-night cooking class, offered by chef-run Gastro Market. Held each Friday evening, the classes feature a set theme and ethnic cuisine, and wrap up with participants enjoying the resulting three-course meal by candlelight in the on-site dining room. Not just for couples, Gastro Market can also accommodate private classes for a minimum of 10 students, and also offers several skills courses to help get Hamiltonians cooking. Fire up their website for more details on all the classes offered, pricing, and upcoming schedule. Gastro Market, 193 King St. E.  

Date-night painting class
Add a bit of colour to your next night out by joining local artist Karen Klucowicz at her Cotton Factory studio for a date-night painting class. No artistic experience is required at the intimate monthly class, limited to five couples, each with their own workstation affording a bit of privacy for chatting, admiring, or giggling. The night begins with a drawing exercise, moves to some technique work, and culminates in each couple creating a painting of their own, which will surely be wall worthy. All materials are provided, as is a titch of wine and light snacks, because creativity can work up an appetite. More information here. 270 Sherman Ave. N.

Room and Board Games
Bored with your own board game selection? Hamilton’s own board game café – the Bard and the Bear – offers meetups on the last Thursday of each month where boardies are welcomed to try any of the 900+ games on tap. Come as a group or – if you’re sick of solitaire – meet fellow enthusiasts to discover your new favourite game. With an enthusiastic staff on hand to offer recommendations or help decipher instructions, and a full food menu to provide sustenance, the good times will be sure to roll. Bard and the Bear, 237 James St. N.

Downward doggos
Many things in life can be improved with the presence of a puppy and yoga is no exception. Get your dog-fuelled dopamine pumping at Studio 35 Puppy Yoga, where an instructor leads a 95-minute class as 10 furry free-roaming roly polys “help” guide you through the session. The final 25 minutes of the class are dedicated to the most snuggly savasana you’ve ever had. For the yoga-curious out there, if there was ever a reason to finally roll out a mat – it’s puppies. Check out the website for full details and to book a session.

Float Your Boat
Test the theory that life is better on the water this summer by taking a 50-minute narrated cruise aboard the Hamiltonian, launching from the Pier 7 docks. Gain a new water-based perspective of the city’s skyline while the captain recounts the history of Hamilton’s bustling harbour. As you hop off the boat at the end of the trip, full of fresh air and fun facts – and leave the docking to the staff (so many ropes!) – you can also test the theory that the best boat is someone else’s. Cruise over to the website for schedules, ticket pricing and more info.

Ride On
The Moto Social, the global motorcycle initiative where motorbikes are optional for membership but good vibes are mandatory, cruises again to Hamilton this summer for monthly meetups. Helping build a bit of suspense, the location of each gathering is announced two weeks prior. Past spots include Hutch’s, Grain & Grit and Merk Snack Bar. Regardless of the locale, there will likely be lots of parking at these mobile parties, where those who ride mingle happily with bikeless bipeds.

Smarten Up
If social media scrolling is causing some atrophy of the ol’ thinker, it’s time to get curious and head to Shawn and Ed’s Brewing Co. in Dundas for the monthly Nerd Night. The PWYC event, with proceeds going to the Routes Youth Centre, features an evening of educational talks led by esteemed hosts – their credentials housed in the impressive smattering of letters after their names. Wide-ranging smarty-pants topics cover philosophy, science and more, the brain-bending and social evenings providing way more fun than a Google search could ever offer. Study the website for dates and more details.

Blues for the Sunday Blues
Occasionally, things get a bit blue at Shawn and Ed’s Brewing Co., but not in a bad way. Musicians Chuck Jackson and Tyler Yarema – members of the Juno award winning Downchild Blues Band – perform monthly at the historic brewhouse, adding a pinch of soul-filled rhythm that pairs perfectly with the house-made hops. During the Blues and Brews show, audiences can enjoy some afternoon sustenance from the brewery’s menu of snacks and bevvies – the live music and tasty treats marking an ideal way to start an upcoming week off on the right note. First Sunday of each month.

Soapy Soliloquies
There’s nothing quite so brilliant as those ideas that strike in the solitude of the shower, somewhere between shampooing and conditioning with nary a pen to be found. Monday Press – Hamilton’s independent publisher and arts collective – invites you to Shower Thoughts, their monthly drop-in writing workshop to flesh out these soggy musings on paper. The evening begins with a reading by a featured poet followed by writing exercises and workshopping with a supportive and creative crowd. The night wraps with an open mic where the prose – all cleaned up – can make its official debut. First Monday of every month, 7 p.m., Farside, 288 James St. N.

Mama Mondays and the Townhall Tikes
Just as tots benefit from social outings, so, too, do their caregivers. Join a community of smalls and talls at Townhall Social Eatery during Mama Mondays, where everyone is invited. With the diminutive audience entertained by Storytime with Auntie Amber, the grownups can catch a breath and enjoy a treat from a Townhall vendor – one that they might not even need to share. Swap war stories and share valuable intel with folks who know exactly why it took far longer than you could ever imagine to load up the stroller to come. Mondays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Townhall Social Eatery, 581 Concession St., Hamilton

Plein as Day
The stunningly restored historic Kitchen Garden of Dundurn Castle, which supplies the site’s kitchen with more than 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers is waiting to also supply some inspo to your artistic talents. The idyllic 1.5-acre garden is open monthly to budding artists looking to brush up on plein air painting – a practice fundamental to Impressionism that focuses on the use of natural light. Bring your own materials, settle into
your spot in the garden, and channel your inner Monet. Regular admission rates apply. Check out the website for dates. Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd.

The Cemetery Chronicles
Put down the history book and take a field trip instead to the Hamilton Cemetery, where the poignant setting gives the stories told by the gravestones some reverential gravity. Better yet, join a historical interpreter for a guided walking tour as they recount significant events, pointing out related memorials along the way. Topics include the cholera epidemic, naval disasters and the War of 1812, and with these weighty stories literally afoot, participants will be impressed by the reminder that history happened here. Visit the website for full details and dates. Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd.

We Ride At Night
Be a bright spot in the darkness by joining the Hamilton Glowriders (“Hamilton’s brightest bicycle gang”) on their monthly group bike ride, held under the cover of darkness. With the goal of promoting safe and legal cycling, the group invites riders of all abilities to join in and light it up. Adorn your bicycle in lights, snap that glowstick, and roll through town with the glittering group on its casually paced, 90-minute ride, sharing the unique perspective on our city that – just like this colourful caravan – only comes out at night. Check out the website for details.

All Fired Up
Play With Clay, Locke Street’s interactive pottery studio, wants you to get your hands dirty at one of its drop-in sessions and classes in pottery painting and clay hand-building. Ready to throw your creative hat in the ring? Students can even take a spin on the pottery wheel by booking an hour-long guided lesson. You’ll make a new treasure to take home, and we dare you to refrain from making reference to a certain 1990s film. You know the one.

Shucking School
Oysters can be stubborn little things and knowing how to open one properly (and safely) is one of the universe’s deepest secrets. Fortunately, David Burns, owner of Maisy’s Pearl Oyster Bar on Barton Street is passionate about the beguiling bivalve and eager to share his knowledge. In addition to his restaurant and shop, Burns – an award-winning shucker on both a national and international level – offers private classes where he schools students on all things oyster – their health benefits, sustainability, varieties, and of course, the trick to conduct a proper shuck.

A Collective Tour
Since its inception in 2013, Hamilton’s Collective Arts brewery has been a champion of the creativity of craft beer and artists – the culmination of both fitting easily in the palm of one’s hand in the form of their recognizable, colourful cans. Get a peek behind the curtain and learn how Collective Arts was developed from brand to brews, in a 45-minute guided tour. Each guest is provided one pint of beer to wet their whistles and a discount at the retail shop for souvenirs. Saturdays.

Pet Propaganda
If your dog thinks that they are pretty special because they keep your floor crumb-free, you might want tell them about the latest exhibit at the Warplane Heritage Museum. “Even A Dog Enlists” is an encapsulation of the crucial role that animals played in war – both as active participants on the field and as featured figures in the propaganda of the time, when their images were used to increase national pride and enlistment. These heroic animals throughout the Allied countries made a tremendous sacrifice for us all, so all joking aside – give your own furry friend an extra tight hug tonight. Until March 18, Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope

Pet-ty Fun
Ancaster’s Triple C Farm is a spot quite like no other – an idyllic patch of country heaven that offers sanctuary to a literal menagerie of farm animals. Commune with nature while getting in your furry fix by scheduling a visit to the farm’s petting zoo, and just try to not fall in love with at least one of their charges who, by the way, cannot go home with you. Feeling flexible? Check out the farm’s website for other memorable offerings including animal walks, horseback rides and – no kidding around – goat yoga. Visit the website for full details and to register. Triple C Farm, 500 Carluke Rd. W., Ancaster

Feeling Sketchy 
Do you ever suddenly feel the need to create? Hopefully it happens on a Thursday, when each week visitors are invited to drop in to the McMaster Museum of Art to take part in unguided Sketching Sessions. While surrounded by the museum’s vast collection, budding artists are encouraged to simply sketch, drawing inspiration from the variety of the M(M)A’s works. A little imagination is mandatory, but no registration is required, and neither is preparation – shared art supplies are provided. Thursdays 4:30-6:30, McMaster University

Stories of Migration and Belonging
Hamilton is a diverse and vibrant city thanks to the immigrants who have chosen to come here. Through a video exhibit on immigration produced by the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, viewers can learn about the experiences of immigrants and refugees from all over the world who have made Hamilton their home. The project includes video interviews with six immigrants from Italy, China, Ivory Coast, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Ukraine who moved to Hamilton between the 1940s and all the way up to 2023. The exhibit also includes facts about a wide range of historic and current immigration topics.

Innovation Meets Art
Artefact Social and the Hamilton Technology Centre has unveiled a new rotating exhibition space called Art at Seven Innovation. The first exhibition features 32  local artists and showcases about 50 pieces. A range of artists are taking part, from emerging artists to well-known, established artists such as Paul Elia and Cheryl-Ann Hills and exciting new-to-the-area artists such as Joseph Leanage. Hamilton Technology Centre, 7 Innovation Dr., Dundas

Go for A Beer Run
When it comes to exercise, different things motivate different people, and if you are motivated by either a supportive group or beer – or both – Fairweather Brewery has you covered. Open to runners of all abilities, the Fairweather Runners running club meets every Sunday morning for an easy, friendly 5K group run. You’re welcome to head home for a well-earned hot shower afterwards but consider lingering a bit at the brewery instead, bonding with your new gang, swapping stories about your favourite routes, newest gear, and latest injuries. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.

Buoyed by Hamilton
Viewing any city’s skyline from the water is a magical thing: the new nautical perspective provides a mysterious, almost storybook vantage point. Our Hamilton is no different, and when viewed from the water, with its industrial, commercial, and residential areas on display in one glance, it’s staggering to see the beautiful scope of what the city offers. Intrigued, but no boat? No problem. Now in its 19th season, The Hamiltonian – a 12-passenger sightseeing vessel – offers a leisurely 50-minute narrated tour of the Hamilton Harbour, where guests earn their sea legs while learning about a different side of the city. Tours depart from Pier 7 docks.

Work As A Group, Individually
Being an artist can sometimes be a solitary endeavour, yet at the same time, creativity breeds creativity. With this dichotomy in mind, the Youth Art Collective regularly welcomes young artists 14+ to come together to share their skills and hone their craft with like-minded cohorts at art-making meetups. The casual drop-in events are offered each month at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and offer a welcoming and inspiring space for sketching, painting and creating en masse. 6:30-9 p.m., Art Gallery of Hamilton

A Moment At The Mic
Have a song, comedy set or poem you’re itching to debut, but no audience? The Staircase is ready to provide one for you at its monthly open mic nights. Performers simply need to sign up for a 10-minute time slot upon arriving and then wait for their chance to take the cozy stage. Relay Coffee is in the house providing coffee and snacks, so expect a fully caffeinated and alert crowd cheering you on in the welcoming air of the theatre. Check out the website for details and more dates. Wednesdays, The Staircase

Tree For All
Get up to something new this spring at Treetop Trekking at the Binbrook Conservation Area. Visitors looking for a bit of adventure can test their skills – and bravery – on an array of suspension bridges, Tarzan swings, or zip lines that promise to offer more than the usual walk in the park. Rest assured that the younger crew is not left behind in the trees, as a lower-to-the-ground course is available for visitors five to eight years old. For a more reflective visit with less screaming, the park will also offer a forest bathing experience, where participants are led by a certified forest therapy guide who will help them connect with nature, and themselves, on a new, deeper level. Binbrook Conservation Area.

Hiding in Hamilton
When you’re searching for a new activity to do with your pals, family or even co-workers, look no further than Hamilton Hopper – an app-lead scavenger hunt by Let’s Roam. Available in cities all over the world, the 90-minute to two-hour hunts are equal parts tour and game, each customized to the number and ages of participants. and are a perfect way to have fun and get the competitive juices flowing. With an assortment of challenges popping up along the way – those that are photo-based are quite literally “a picture or it didn’t happen” – the tours offer a perfect opportunity to seek out, and hopefully find, some new aspects of the city that have been hiding in plain sight this whole time.

If you have an event happening in Hamilton and Burlington you would like to see listed here, email meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.