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

Waitress
Jenna Hunterson is a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers her a chance at escape, Jenna fights to reclaim part of herself. Waitress celebrates the power of friendship, dreams, the family we choose and the beauty of a well-baked pie. Music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. A co-production of the Grand Theatre in London. Tickets are served here. April 30 to May 17, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

The Future of Cross-Border Trade
Join top business leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the volatile Canada-U.S. trade landscape and economic policy in the first 90 days of the Trump administration at this event hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Gain insights from keynote speakers and panellists and shape the future of business in our city. More details are coming regarding panel topics and special guests. Tickets are available here. Also make note that the Hamilton Chamber has created a trade and tariff hub to provide vital resources to navigate the shifting economic landscape, from financial relief options and government supports, to information and statistics. May 1, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W., Hamilton

The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail
The Burlington Waterfront Sculpture Trail is an outdoor, fully accessible trail of more than 50 sculptural works that link the Art Gallery of Burlington, Joseph Brant Museum, Spencer Smith Park, Village Square and the Burlington Downtown Business Association on Brant Street. You can visit the trail anytime of day or night, and you can walk, run, inline skate, skateboard, or cycle from end to end. Each sculpture has a sign the tells you about the artist, their work and where you can learn more. See the artist lineup here. Guide books are available at the Tourism Burlington Visitor Information Centre, Art Gallery of Burlington, Joseph Brant Museum, City Hall and many retailers and restaurants in the Burlington Downtown Business Association. There is even an augmented reality component to this year's event. More information is here. Until June 1.

Jack Goes to Therapy: A (Somewhat) Romantic Comedy
This is your chance to see the internationally acclaimed Fringe production that has had  successful runs in Vancouver, Edinburgh, and London. Zac Williams brings his hit play home to Hamilton for one weekend only! Called “moving and funny,” “heartfelt and hilarious,” and “defying expectations with its profound sincerity.” Jack is a 29-year-old kindergarten teacher and a hopeless romantic. When a spontaneous threesome goes awry, Jack’s boyfriend (and love of his life) leaves him for the other man. Jack is heartbroken. Determined to find happiness by sheer willpower alone, Jack re-enters the dating world with a vengeance. Dating new men left, right and centre, Jack soon spirals out of control and finds himself in a therapist’s office wondering: What now? Score tickets here. May 2 to 4, The Staircase, 27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton

May exhibits at The Carnegie
The Carnegie Gallery is pleased to exhibit “Paper Stories,” a show which joins together three contemporary artists – Dominique Prévost, Susan Ruptash and Heejung Shin – who share a mutual respect and love of paper. Although each artist expresses this in different ways, they share common themes of repetition, rhythm and poetry. Through a restrained palette, the works will celebrate the importance of light, and invite viewers to pay attention to details of texture, colour and movement. All three artists work in a variety of traditional Japanese heritage washi and Korean Hanji paper– both renowned for their exquisite texture and fibres, embedded in a deep history of careful craft. May 2 to 25, reception: Friday, May 2, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Also on display is “Threads” by Pam Norman. Gathered from around the world, the pieces in this exhibition feature handmade textiles in techniques ranging from weaving, embroidery, hand dyeing, to basketry and sewing. These textiles from Africa, South America, India and Asia were collected in back alleys, tribal villages and market stalls and are a personal tribute to the skills and traditions of the women who made them. The Carnegie, 10 King St. W., Dundas

Doors Open Hamilton
The Hamilton region has many beautiful old properties that have found new lives through adaptive reuse. By far the most sustainable of building methods, the adaptive reuse movement recognizes that the greenest building is the one that is already there. This year, Doors Open buildings illustrate how you can use, restore and repurpose old buildings. The craftsmanship of the past is made vibrant through the technologies of the present. From Dundas to Ancaster to Stoney Creek to Downtown Hamilton, experience Doors Open where everything old is new again. There are 37 sites part of Doors Open this year, including the newly repurposed Magnolia Hall, Barrel Hearts Brewing in the former Dundas post office, the Cotton Factory, and Auchmar Manor House. There are walking tours of Ancaster, Dundas and Hamilton. In historical Ancaster, for instance, you can see the beautiful town hall that was saved from demolition in 1967. Visit the old army barracks that have become an exclusive boutique hotel. Or explore the elementary school that is now a performing arts venue. All the information is available here. May 3 and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Handmade Pop-Up Market
hello happy is kicking off its 2025 season with a taproom takeover in Dundas at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. with a Handmade Pop-Up Market. Discover a curated collection of 30+ makers from the Hamilton region and beyond, just in time for Mother’s Day! Snag the perfect gift(s), treat yourself to a little something, and or enjoy some local bevvies! hello happy is hosting a food drive during this event in collaboration with Community Fridges HamOnt. Free admission. May 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shawn & Ed Brewing Co., 65 Hatt St, Dundas

Mini Pop Kids
Mini Pop Kids are bringing their 20th anniversary Celebration Tour to Hamilton on May 4. Delivering an exciting mix of chart-topping hits from today’s biggest artists, the Celebration Tour features songs by Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars, alongside nostalgic tracks that the whole family will enjoy. Each stop on the 29-city tour features local dance groups and choirs. Tickets are here. May 4, 3 p.m., FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton

scapes at The Cotton Factory
Mikolaj Blicharski’s exhibition of “scapes” will be on display on the first floor of The Cotton Factory, from April 25 to May 4, with an official opening on April 25, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “My work in ‘scapes’ takes its inspiration from the places and people that make art in the city of Hamilton possible, while exploring memories and embracing the amazing power of imagination,” says Blicharski. Until May 4, The Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Sequence at Village Theatre Waterdown
Theo has been named Time Magazine’s Luckiest Man Alive and he’s willing to risk millions on a coin toss. Stem-cell researcher and professor Dr. Guzman is on the verge of a groundbreaking discovery. The two narratives intertwine like a double helix of DNA and play with the question of whether order matters in a chaotic world of science, faith and luck. More information and tickets are here. Until May 11, Memorial Hall, 317 Dundas St. ( Hwy 5), Waterdown

Things I Know to be True at Dundas Little Theatre
Things I Know to be True follows the Price family as they navigate a year of trials and tribulations. It’s a story of finding comfort in family and how, though it can be messy, and mistakes will be made, love holds us together. Tickets are here. Until May 11, 37 Market St. S., Dundas

Buying the Moose at Binbrook Little Theatre
After his wife discovers him with a blow-up doll wearing one of her dresses, Rob is out in the cold when she assumes the worst. Rob connects with his brother Greg while his wife connects with Greg’s wife. The result is Buying the Moose, a comedy with heart and personal discoveries. Tickets are here. Until May 10, Binbrook Little Theatre, Memorial Hall, 2600 Highway #56, Binbrook

Best of Billboard at Theatre Ancaster
In the style of Theatre Ancaster’s hit concerts Music of Motown and British Invasion, 2025’s Best of Billboard features the greatest hits of the top 10 charting Billboard artists of all time that will have you singing from your seats and dancing in the aisles. Elvis? Janet Jackson? The Beatles? Elton John? Madonna? Stay tuned! Theatre Ancaster’s Mainstage Series features the professional-level talents and high-quality productions of Theatre Ancaster. Each season includes highly acclaimed musicals, a play, and a concert – each of which is a culmination of the best that the company has to offer. Tickets are here. Until May 4, Theatre Ancaster, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peller Hall, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Hamilton Film Festival classes
The Hamilton School of Media Arts and the Hamilton Film Festival has unveiled its list of returning and new classes for the spring, along with its summer camps for kids and teens. Classes include cinematography 101, video editing, professional voice demo and training, screenwriting, and filmmaking. Many HFF students have benefited from its programs, its co-op placements (for high school and college), and screening and networking at the Hamilton Film Festival. See the lineup here. Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

AGH: Helen McNicoll exhibit
The work of prolific Canadian Impressionist painter Helen McNicoll, is on display at the Art Gallery of Hamilton until May 25. “Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey” is the most comprehensive solo exhibition of her work since 1925. McNicoll is one of Canada’s most significant historical artists. As an early adopter of Impressionism, she carved an individual and avant-garde path in both Canada and abroad, making a name for herself on the world stage. McNicoll’s art was widely celebrated during her lifetime. Critics praised the masterful treatment of light in her paintings, and the immersive nature of her subjects. Despite her brief career, McNicoll greatly increased the recognition of Québec and Canadian art on both sides of the Atlantic. Examining themes of female independence and fulfillment, personal and professional risk-taking, and friendship, “Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey” gives us a glimpse of the world as Helen McNicoll saw it. This exhibition is unique in that nearly half of the works included are drawn from the Pierre Lassonde Private Collection. These works have not been widely showcased until this exhibition, originally created and organized by the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, and now presented and adapted by the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Public tours are available Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. (regular admission) and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (free). See more information and purchase tickets here.

READ HCM'S LOOK AT THE MCNICOLL EXHIBIT!

Ascending Horizons: MMA
The McMaster Museum of Art presents “Ascending Horizons,” an exhibition that explores how Indigenous women activate their connection to the natural world and dream of new worlds for future generations. Tethering land, water, the moon and the cosmos to Indigenous women’s bodies, the exhibition honours and celebrates the sacred cycles of creation and movement, birthing bodies and their grounding in the fertile capacities of earth in relation to the pull of the moon and the sky world. Featured artists are KC Adams, Carrie Allison, Judy Anderson, Hannah Claus, Elizabeth Doxtater, Charlene Vickers ands Marie Watt. We are in a time that requires us to reimagine our relationship with the Earth, calling for a return to Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous communities seek guidance from women in this healing process, as they are said to hold sacred feminine connections with the Earth. At the same time, the Earth holds maternal connections in caring for us. Through transdisciplinary artistic practices: cornhusking, photography, video, performance, installation, ceramics, beadwork and embroidery, each of the seven artists call upon their own Nations’ thought systems and the knowledge of their ancestors toward an infinite and regenerative future. Ascending Horizons, which runs until June 20, builds on Haudenosaunee and Algonquian teachings to re-envision elements of the natural world – from Earth to Sky – to consider how we navigate between them and reimagine a future alongside the creative capacity of Indigenous women. McMaster Museum of Art, Alvin A. Lee Bldg, University Ave., McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

Climate Café
The climate crisis doesn’t just impact our environment. It affects our communities, our emotions, and the ways we live and work together. Join Green Venture at the Cotton Factory CoWork space in Hamilton for a Climate Café – a space to connect, reflect, and build resilience in the face of climate change. At this free, community-led event, we’ll explore how climate change is showing up in our lives and in Hamilton, share perspectives and emotions, and learn more about what’s happening in the city. Climate Cafés are informal, welcoming gatherings designed to foster open dialogue, emotional connection, and a sense of community. Whether you're feeling anxious about the future, inspired to take action, or just curious to learn from others, this is a space for open, supportive, and meaningful conversations. No prior knowledge is needed – just bring your thoughts, questions, and a willingness to listen and engage. The event is free and open to all. May 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Cowork at the Cotton Factory, 301-270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

BIG FISH at Hamilton Theatre Inc.
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him — most of all, his devoted wife, Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humour, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre — for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself. Tickets can be landed here. May 9 to May 24, Hamilton Theatre Inc., 140 Macnab St. N. Hamilton

LET'S DANCE by Sinfonia Ancaster
The final concert of the Sinfonia 24-25 season will be a dance party, orchestra style! Music director Jeffrey Pollock has anchored the concert's first half with glorious ballet music from Charles Gounod's Faust and Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Fans of the movie Black Swan won’t want to miss the chance to experience the haunting beauty and drama of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake — the original ballet score that inspired Clint Mansell’s unforgettable film soundtrack. After intermission, the energy soars with a vibrant “mixtape” of social dances guaranteed to have audiences swaying in their seats: the charming and ever-popular “Capriol Suite” by Peter Warlock, the infectious rhythms of “Danse nègre” from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s African Suite; the joyous vitality of “Juba Dance” from Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1. This dynamic set celebrates the irresistible power of dance across cultures and eras. The evening concludes with the electrifying modern classic “Danzón No. 2” by celebrated Mexican composer Arturo Márquez — a composition that promises to be one of the most exhilarating highlights of the evening. Rooted in the rich cultural rhythms of Veracruz and Havana, the music is a captivating blend of sensual elegance and rhythmic intensity. Márquez draws inspiration from the traditional danzón – a Cuban dance form embraced and transformed by Mexican musical heritage – infusing it with vibrant orchestration, lush textures, and an irresistible pulse that builds from subtle grace to a whirlwind of energy. Tickets are here. May 9, 7 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Theatre Ancaster Choral Series
This Mothers’ Day weekend, join Theatre Ancaster’s Chorus for a travelogue of memories special to their hearts. From Berkeley Square to Broadway, the chorus presents a spectacular performance full of beautiful harmonies accompanied by a rhythm section and a string quartet. With memorable classics from the Beatles, Billy Joel, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond and many more, there’s something for everyone. Tickets can be found here. May 10 and 11, Theatre Ancaster, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peller Hall, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Big Band Bash
Big Band Bash happens the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Corktown Pub. The next show is the George Arnone Band on May 10 and after that is the Loretta Hale Big Band on June 14. The Jazz Connection Big Band has been playing modern big band jazz in Hamilton and beyond for 25 years. There is a $15 cover at the door. More info is available here. The Corktown Pub, 175 Young St., Hamilton

HAPPENING LATER IN MAY

GLEE A Pop Concert
This show features young performers from Theatre Ancaster’s Stage 2: GLEE program for  students in grades 5-8. Talented young performers will perform a high-energy pop concert full of intricate harmonies and dynamic choreography in the feel-good event of the season. Suitable for all ages, and featuring the music of artists such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Imagine Dragons, BTS, and Katy Perry, this is a concert event you won’t want to miss! Tickets are here. May 17 to 19, Theatre Ancaster, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peller Hall, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Hamilton District Christian High fundraiser
Hamilton District Christian High’s second annual fundraising event features an online auction from May 8 to 15 and a spring market on May 24, with activities including a coffee shop, food and plant sale, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and a vendor market – all aimed at raising essential funds for the school. Free admission. May 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hamilton District Christian High, 92 Glancaster Rd., Ancaster

Ray Materick & Midnight Matinee
Canadian singer/songwriter Ray Materick returns to the stage with his original band for a special performance at The Westdale. This performance will feature his original band playing songs from The Asylum Records releases. Materick first made waves in the early ’70s with his debut album Sidestreets, which was hailed by the Toronto Star as the best folk album of the year. From there, his career soared with three major releases on the iconic Asylum Records label, home to legends like Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. With chart-topping hits like the unforgettable Linda Put the Coffee On and a string of successful songs throughout the ’70s, Materick cemented his place as one of the most influential figures in Canadian music. He’ll perform alongside his original band: Ed Roth on keyboards, Bill Cymbala on drums and percussion, Bob Cohen on guitars, Bob Doidge on bass, recorder, and trumpet, Mike McCurlie on electric guitar and mandolin, and Mike Alonzo on steel guitar. Special guest Caroline Wiles will also join the performance, adding her vocals to this incredible reunion of musical talent. Tickets are here. May 25, 7:30 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Motown Mania
An epic evening of the magic of Motown – showcasing the greatest acts to ever hit popular music will raise money for an important cause. Tribute artists will create an unforgettable trip through your life’s soundtrack with Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and much more. All proceeds will go to St. Matthew’s House’s 412 Barton project, which is building 15 deeply affordable apartments for seniors experiencing houselessness in Hamilton. Buy tickets here. May 29, 7 p.m., McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, 135 Fennell Ave. W., Hamilton

The Savannah Sipping Society at The Players’ Guild
In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fate – and an impromptu happy hour – and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Tickets are here. May 30 to June 14, The Players’ Guild, 80 Queen St S, Hamilton

Art Crawl
Art Crawl on James Street North have become a tradition on the second Friday of the month. The next date is May 9. For those already looking ahead to Friday art crawls this summer, there's been an expansion to this year's road closure schedule. James Street North will be closed for art crawls on June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, and Oct. 10.

Why Not Wine
Sonic Unyon presents the third annual edition of Why Not Wine, a celebration of wine and spirits, featuring over a dozen beverage vendors plus food, activities, chill music, and fun. Tickets, bundles, and add-ons – token packs, charcuterie boxes, picnic blankets and tables – are available during ticket checkout. Gather your friends and make a date for this free-spirited spring tradition in its scenic new outdoor bayside location: Burlington's LaSalle Park. Why Not Wine will feature musical performances from Jordan Hart, Talia Schlanger, Bianca Bernardi, Melissa Dutch, and Hannah Sloots, as well as a line-dancing session with Urban Cowboy Line Dancing. Why Not Wine tickets include a complimentary sampling cup and two two-ounce tokens. Additional two-ounce sampling tokens will be available for purchase onsite. Tickets are here. May 10, noon, LaSalle Park, 50 North Shore Blvd E, Burlington

Branding at CoWork
The Profitable Brand Strategy lunch and learn will offer a step-by-step guide designed specifically for business owners who want to create a powerful brand identity without hiring an expensive agency. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your current brand, this workshop will give you the tools and clarity to stand out in today’s crowded market. Free admission and complimentary coworking are available for the day. Register here. May 13, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Cowork at the Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Free jazz at The Rathskeller
Having last played at the late lamented Casbah in the fall, the Hamilton jazz ensemble Ghost Variables is trying out a new venue for a monthly gig this spring. From March to May on the second Friday of every month, Ghost Variables will play the Rathskeller pub. Since 2023, Ghost Variables has been presenting its unique blend of composed, devised, and improvised music. The ensemble consists of – Gary Barwin, Connor Bennett – reeds
Chris Palmer, guitar David Lee, double bass, and Mike Hansen, percussion. The U.S. scholar Thomas Brothers calls “azz music the interaction of the fixed, and the variable. Ghost Variables, as a musical ensemble, inhabit the region between the fixed – what is known, and the variable – what is yet to be played. No cover. May 16, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Rathskeller, downstairs at the Germania Club, 863 King St. E., Hamilton

The Approximators
If you’ve always dreamed of fronting a band, here’s your chance. Hamilton’s live-band karaoke masters The Approximators are hosting two parties happening in May. May 16, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. is at SHED Brewery, 65 Hatt St., Dundas. This is an all-ages show in support of the Dundas Valley Secondary School music program. $10 cover. Then comes May 23 at Ooey Gooey’s, 107 George St., Hamilton. Warning, the last two parties at Ooey Gooey’s sold out. Advance tickets are here. And here’s a song list to get you in the mood.

Off-season at Aquarius
A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken (May 22) is a true triple-threat – a unique and powerful musical documentary style show that will leave audiences raving about the show long after the final curtain. And just in time for Pride, Ginger Minj: The Big Gay Cabaret (June 5) will bring an exuberant showcase celebrating LGBTQ+ culture through music, comedy, and performance art to the Theatre Aquarius stage. Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Ginger Minj, this is a must-see event for anyone looking to experience the dazzling world of drag and the spirit of pride. Visit here to learn more and grab tickets.

Harry Potter parody at The Zoetic
After its sold-out Hamilton run of The Rocky Horror show, Playful Fox Productions is bringing Harry Potter parody Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be there, too. Tickets are here. May 23, 7 p.m. and May 24, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Zoetic Theatre, 526 Concession St., Hamilton

Hamilton’s Alfie Smith at Mills Hardware
Known for his resophonic guitars, brazen slide licks and uncompromising vocals, Alfie Smith is releasing his eighth album, Every Rome Needs A Nero, and that is excellent news for blues lovers that will be celebrated with a release party at Mills Hardware. The Hamilton-based troubadour is a popular and crowd-pleasing fixture on the Ontario’s blues/folk/roots festivals and club circuit. He is a triple threat: a guitar virtuoso fluent on slide and vintage National and resonator instruments, an eloquent songwriter in the classic blues tradition, and a powerful singer with a voice to match his formidable physical presence. That deep voice sounds like it has been dredged from the depths of the muddy Mississippi River. Smith’s voice locks into a mellow groove, while lyrics featuring historic references remain relevant today. The wide range of tones and themes on Every Rome Needs A Nero is complemented by the musical contributions of a stellar cast of Hamilton players. That list comprises trumpeter Troy Dowding, in-demand pianist/keyboardist Jesse O’Brien (Colin James, Lee Harvey Osmond), drummer Dave Gould, bassist Justine (The Bass Machine) Fischer (Espanola, Logan Staats), Brandon Bliss (Monster Truck) on B3 organ, and Melissa Marchese and Jenni Pleau on backing vocals. Tickets are here. May 25, 7 p.m., Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E., Hamilton

All-star blues concert
The Escarpment Blues Society celebrates its one-year anniversary with an all-star lineuip of some of the best artists on the Canadian blues scene. Chuck Jackson, Steve Strongman, Sandra Bouza, Selena Evangeline, David Rotundo, Ira Walker, Spencer Mackenzie, with The EBS All Stars: Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien, Dave King & Roly Platt.This show promises high-energy blues, deep grooves, and unforgettable moments. This is more than a concert ... it’s a celebration of the blues & the beginning of something special. The Escarpment Blues Society is a membership-based organization whose goal is to promote blues and roots music through multiple avenues, including live performances, artist support, education with Blues in the Schools’ programs in the support of local, national, and international blues and roots artists in the Niagara Escarpment area. Tickets are available here. May 27, 7:30 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Robert Bruce piano concert
Composer/pianist Robert Bruce will bring a program of calming and reflective solo piano music, his first live concert in over five years and a number of new compositions will be premiered along with more familiar pieces from his True Ambience and Bound for the Tenderness of Eden piano albums. His recent compositions are slightly more classical in nature, giving his new program a somewhat broader range of sonic colours and textures and adding a subtle contrast to the more meditative pieces he’s been known for.
He has also recently completed a collection of innovative concert pieces for string quartet entitled "Prog Rock for String Quartet," which will be premiered and made into a documentary and performance film later this year. Tickets are available at the door or in advance via PayPal here. May 28, 7:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist (The Rock on Locke), 320 Charlton Ave. W., Hamilton

Motown Mania for 412 Barton
Picture this: a night filled with legendary tunes, electric energy, and a mission that truly matters. That’s exactly what Motown Mania: Building Homes for Seniors at Risk is all about. Get ready for show-stopping tribute to music’s biggest icons presented by the Holk family. We’re talking tributes to Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Commodores, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, James Brown, and more, all in one unforgettable night. But here’s the real deal: every ticket helps build deeply affordable homes for BIPOC seniors through St. Matthew’s House’s 412 Barton project. These homes will open this summer, providing safety, dignity, and community to those who need it most. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a movement. Music meets mission. Rhythm meets resilience. Get tickets here. May 29, 8 p.m., McIntyre Centre for the Performing Arts, Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Ave. W., Hamilton

Tribute concerts at Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre is presenting a series of tribute concerts for the 2025 series. First up is the Music of Pink Floyd with the 10-piece Pink Floyd Niagara on May 30. The show will recreate the legendary songs and psychedelic atmosphere of a classic Pink Floyd concert. From “Money” to “Wish You Were Here,” get ready to relive the soundtrack of the ’70s with an amazing light and sound spectacle. Next us is Margaritaville in Ancaster with on June 7. Get ready to sing along to Jimmy Buffett’s beachy hits like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “Come Monday” with Buffett tribute band Northern Harbour. You might want to wear your Hawaiian shirt because this fun-filled community concert will feel like a mini vacation and a great way to kick off your summer. The third show in the series is The Beatles, with The Caverners Beatles Tribute on July 11. This show will transport you back to the Fab Four’s heyday. Renowned tribute band The Caverners will perform The Beatles’ iconic hits live, complete with vintage costumes and instruments. From the high-energy “Twist and Shout” to the sing-along warmth of “Hey Jude,” you’ll experience the music that defined a generation. Next comes Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook, with Suzanne O Davis on July 19. Expect all the classics: “I Feel the Earth Move,” “It’s Too Late,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and many more, delivered with heartfelt authenticity and Davis’s vocal and piano talent. Then comes the music of Van Morrison with It’s Too Late to Stop Now starring Matt Weidinger on Oct. 3. It will be a marvelous night for a Van Morrison tribute! Weidinger and a live seven-piece band will be back for their second year to perform all the classics – “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Moondance,” “Domino,” “Gloria,” and many more – capturing the joyous energy of Van Morrison’s original performances. The final show is the music of Santana, with Abraxas: The Ultimate Santana Tribute on Oct. 11. An eight-piece band led by acclaimed guitarist Jay Vazquez will perform classics like “Oye Como Va,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Smooth” with electrifying authenticity. Expect soaring guitar solos, vibrant Latin rhythms, and a high-energy atmosphere that will have you dancing in your seat (or in the aisles!). Get tickets here.

DOWN THE ROAD

Hamilton Plein Air Festival
The Hamilton Plein Air Festival is calling artists who like to paint in the open air. Artists demonstrate their skills outdoors in public while onlookers observe and fall in love with the art being created before their eyes. The event fosters greater awareness of the art community and the value of artists and develops an appreciation for the beautiful places and the natural environment found where we live. The second annual Hamilton Plein Air Festival is days of outdoor art-making in a city with waterfalls, cliffs, Carolinian forests, industrial buildings, parks, gardens, conservation areas, historic buildings, vibrant downtown communities and stunning views of Lake Ontario. This year’s festival will also include workshops, a yoga class for artists, an evening meet and greet, discounted day passes for Hamilton Conservation Areas, free day passes for the Art Gallery of Hamilton and Dundurn Castle. Registration for artists will close May 10 or when the festival reaches its maximum 100 participants. Visit the website for all the details. June 5 to 8

Concession Streetfest
Mark your calendars for Concession Streetfest on June 7, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vendors, food and lots of fun.

Sound of Music Festival
After 45 years of bringing live music to Burlington and the surrounding region, the 2025 Sound of Music Festival is presenting an all-Canadian lineup, with headline acts for the June 12-15 festival at Spencer Smith Park including Big Wreck, David Wilcox, Tebey, Steven Page, Joel Plaskett, Tim Baker and Junkhouse. The Sound of Music is Canada’s largest free music festival. The festival will also include traditional elements such as a midway, parade, vendor marketplace and music education tent. There are VIP updates available and a new initiative, dubbed The Encore Club, is a $45 membership in support of the festival to help keep it free. The full lineup and more is available here. June 12 to 15, Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Hamilton Originals: The Songs of Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones
Jacob Moon, Melissa Marchese and Melissa Dutch will perform the music of Bonnie Raitt and Norah Jones, two iconic female vocalists, blending the best of their rock, blues, and jazz influences. The band will feature the talented Alex Whorms, Mark Mcintyre, Sean O’Grady and Mike Branton. Hamilton’s Moon has made a career out of not only creating 12 albums of original material, but also interpreting some of our most treasured classics. Marchese’s talent has been forged in the fires of Hamilton’s legendary music scene. A relentless performer, she’s done it all – fronting bands, backing legends, and finding her place in the spaces where real music lives. Dutch is a fresh artistic voice from Hamilton, combining skillful storytelling and a soulful voice. Find tickets here. June 14, 7:30 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Because Beer Craft Beer Festival
Hamilton’s premier 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, chat with brewers, 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. Presented by Sonic Unyon, the all-star line-up for the festival's 12th anniversary features headliners Down With Webster and The Sheepdogs, special guests The Dirty Nil and Matthew Good & His Band, plus performances from Terra Lightfoot, The OBGMs, Born In The Eighties, Loviet, and more. Tickets are available now. July 11, 3 p.m. to midnight and 12, 3 p.m. to midnight, Pier 4 Park

Riverboat Revisited: The Lightfoot Band
Part of The Westdale’s Riverboat Revisited series, highlighting iconic performers from the historic Riverboat Coffee House in Toronto, the Lightfoot Band returns to Hamilton after a sold out show in November. The band features the original musicians that toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades: Rick Haynes on bass, Barry Keane on drums and percussion, Mike Heffernan on keyboards, Hamilton’s Carter Lancaster on lead guitar, joined by Andy Mauck on rhythm guitars and lead vocal. Together, they feel strongly that the Lightfoot Band should continue to present the songs of Gordon Lightfoot, along with some of their stories and history. There will also be a special display of Gordon Lightfoot memorabilia from his legendary performances at the Riverboat Coffee House to view before the performance. The legendary venue opened in 1964 and hosted countless iconic artists. A hub for Canada’s music scene, it launched the careers of many artists and remains celebrated as a cultural landmark, immortalized with a Heritage Toronto plaque in 2009. Tickets are here. Aug. 15, 8 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

The Bowie Lives: A Bowie Spectacular
Michael Bell has won over critics and audiences alike with his tribute to the iconic David Bowie. Bell is an award-winning vocalist who channels the sound and styles of Bowie, with the help of an all-star band. Bell discovered Bowie as a teen and performed songs with a number of his early bands. After Bowie’s untimely death in 2016, Bell collaborated with musical director Michael Beauclerc and they began auditioning players to fill out a band capable of performing some of Rock’s most challenging material. The Bowie Lives bring all hits to the stage; Space Oddity to Lazarus, and everything in between. For more information, visit here and for tickets, click here. Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

RECURRING EVENTS

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.

Open mic kickoff
Vertagogo is re-launching a weekly open mic every Tuesday at 7 p.m. with a rotating curation of hosts! Singer-songwriters, drag artists, poets, musicians, comedians, magicians…all are welcome! There is a big stage, big sound system, and great hosts. The event includes a pay-what-you-can cover and is all ages until 11 p.m. Vertagogo, 1385 Main St. E., Hamilton

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.

Singing at the Staircase
A thriving cultural centre in Hamilton for years, the Staircase Theatre has hosted all manner of performers during its lifetime, and you and your dulcet tones can now be added to the list. Get those vocal cords warmed up at the monthly Stairyoke Karaoke evenings held in the lounge of the historic building. Thrill the audience with your moves, stage presence and vibrato, and prove that all that singing in the shower was well worth the water. Third Thursday of each month.

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.