THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON, BURLINGTON
We are spoiled for things to see and do in #HamOnt and #BurlOn. HAMILTON CITY Magazine helps you keep up with it all. Think of us as your plugged-in friend who knows all the cool stuff happening around town! Get out and enjoy – and tell them HCM sent you!
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
Music of Alan Menken
With A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken, revisit your childhood with the iconic music of Alan Menken, the master songwriter of Aladdin, Beauty And The Beast, The Little Mer-maid, Pocahontas, and Little Shop Of Horrors. Discover how one man’s music gave us a whole new world of animated characters, stories, and classic films. Hear all your favourite hits includ-ing “Be Our Guest,” “Part Of Your World,” “Friend Like Me,” “Under The Sea,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Go The Distance,” “Suddenly Seymour,” and of course, “A Whole New World.” This is a unique and powerful musical documentary style show featuring first-rate talent from Stratford, Toronto, the West End, and Broadway. Score tickets here. May 22, 7:30 pm, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
Lori Yates + Jerry Leger
Renowned singer-songwriters Lori Yates and Jerry Leger are teaming up for a double bill at Mills Hardware. Yates, considered a pioneer in alternative country music in Canada, released her eighth album Matador in January 2024. Recorded at The Woodshed, Matador features members from Toronto supergroup Hey Stella and Blue Rodeo, including Bazil Donovan, Jimmy Bowskill, Michelle Josef, and the late guitarist David Baxter. Leger has just released live-in-the-studio album Lucky Streak, produced by Cowboy Junkies’ Michael Timmins. At the age of 39, Leger has recorded 10 studio albums and one live compilation. Tickets are here. May 22, 7 p.m. door, 8 p.m. show, Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E., Hamilton
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
Nick Maclean's SNAGGLE
JUNO-nominated keyboardist and 10X Global Music Award-winning jazz pianist Nick Maclean will visit Hamilton with SNAGGLE as part of an extensive tour across Ontario and Quebec. SNAGGLE is an electric-jazz-funk ensemble who have been described as “Canada’s answer to Snarky Puppy.” The group features as its frontline the all-star horn duo the Ali Bros with Brownman Ali (Guru, Jay-Z, Randy Brecker) and Marcus Ali (Matt Dusk, Jason Wilson, Mr Something Something). This is a fully licensed + ticketed event. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Seating is first come first serve and snacks + alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Purchase tickets here. May 23, 8 p.m., Tabone Academy of Music, 969 Upper Ottawa St. Unit 1, 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 a party 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.
Touch-a-Truck
The City of Hamilton is celebrating National Public Works Week with a free and family friendly Touch-a-Truck event.The popular annual event lets residents of all ages get up close and personal with their favourite vehicles from the City’s public works fleet, including snowplows, Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) buses, street sweepers, and litter vacuums.Touch a Truck also features fun activities and giveaways for kids, such as a traffic light demonstration, animal encounters, paint a snowplow blade activity, face painting, a live DJ, and much more. May 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Pier 8, 47 Discovery Dr., Hamilton. Limited parking is available at Pier 8. There will be a complimentary HSR shuttle from the Bayfront Park parking lot to Pier 8.
Hamilton District Christian High fundraiser
Hamilton District Christian High’s second annual fundraising event features 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
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. Until May 24, Hamilton Theatre Inc., 140 Macnab St. N. Hamilton
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
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
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.
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. 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. Until May 25, The Carnegie, 10 King St. W., Dundas
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
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
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
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
NPCs at the HPO
The music that backs some of the most famous video games – powerful, nuanced compositions – is no child’s play. HPO’s Video Games Live challenges you to put down your controllers and immerse yourself in a selection of these top-notch tunes, without the pesky distraction of trying to level up. Featuring scores from games such as Castlevania, World of Warcraft and Tetris, the orchestral performance, combined with synchronized video and lighting effects, will introduce both gamers and non-gamers to a whole new type of mission. Tickets can be scored here. May 30, 7:30 p.m., FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton
Carnegie Gallery exhibitions
Carnegie Gallery is unveiling three exhibitions for June. “On Reflection” is a retrospection of work from esteemed figurative painter Lorne Toews explores his fascination with the human form. Toews's representational oil paintings expertly navigate colour, tone, form and contour. Intimate depictions of family, friends, acquaintances, and the studio environment are intrinsically tied to Toews’ emotional response and lived experience. “76 Circumnavigations of the Star (Faces and Figures)”is a recent body of work by Robert Creighton, an established and highly regarded printmaker from Dundas, who employs a variety of printmaking techniques. Creighton’s figurative and portrait-based work reflects his personal beliefs, reactions to, and observations of the surrounding world. “Nature's Balm,” a body of work by long-time artist member Lynn Macintyre (1939-2024), is a balm for the spirit. Her colour photography captures the sense of renewal and delight that her visits to Killarney Provincial Park over 26 years offered her. After spending time in England, Winnipeg, and southern California, Macintyre put down permanent roots in Dundas. Macintyre explored a vast number of artistic mediums in her lifetime, with her main loves being photography and printmaking, with which she depicts her delight in the natural world. Exhibition dates: May 30 - June 29, reception: May 30, 7 to 9:30 p.m., Carnegie Gallery, 10 King St. W., Dundas
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
2025 CMAOntario Festival and Awards
The Country Music Association of Ontario’s festival and awards will happen in Hamilton from May 30-June 1. This will mark the third time that Hamilton will host the event, with previous editions taking place in 2021 and 2023. The 13th annual CMAOntario Awards will cap off a weekend of festivities on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at The Music Hall. Country music fans will have the opportunity to celebrate their favourite country artists and experience up-close interactive performances by some of the top names in Ontario country music throughout the weekend. May 29, 7:30 p.m., Dave Woods, Stonewalls (affiliated event); May 30, 8 p.m, Songs & Stories, Textile Building, 3rd floor; 10 p.m., open stage, Textile Building, 3rd floor; May 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., R2i Conference,Textile Building, 3rd floor; 7 p.m., Bonfire, The Music Hall; 10 p.m., open stage, The Music Hall. June 1, 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., R2i Conference, Textile Building, 3rd floor; 2 p.m.- 4:30 p.m., Dave Woods, Stonewalls (affliliated event); 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., CMAOntario Awards Show, The Music Hall; 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., post awards party, The Textile Building, 3rd floor. Tickets for events are here.
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.
Walk on the War Side
Take a War of 1812 walking tour and explore the literal spot where Hamilton’s iconic tenacity was born. Burlington Heights – now the Hamilton Cemetery – served as a British military stronghold during the battle, and marks where Upper Canada was defended against American forces. During the free guided tour, organized by the Hamilton Military Museum, guests will hear stories about local life back in that day, and of military occupation, the peaceful locale a stark contrast to the chaos that took place on that very spot, ultimately winning us our country. More information is here. No reservations are required and the walks will happen rain or shine. Participants are asked to meet the tour guide at the Hamilton Cemetery gatehouse. May 30, June 1 and June 2, 10 a.m., Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd.
Bach Elgar Choir
Experience the transcendent beauty of Frank Martin’s “Mass for Double Choir,” a sonic cathedral of complex textures and otherworldly harmonies, and the passionate love story of Johann Brahms’s “Zigeunerlieder,” rich with human feeling: love, longing, and laughter. From Martin’s personal and introspective Mass – kept unpublished for 40 years, and now considered a choral masterpiece – to the lively rhythms of Brahms’s folk-inspired miniatures, this program will transport you across emotional and spiritual landscapes. Bach Elgar’s performance of “Zigeunerlieder” features pianist Stephen Boda, and tenor soloist Marcel van Helden. Sing your way to tickets here. May 31, 7:30 p.m. and June 1, 3 p.m., Melrose United Church, 86 Homewood Ave., Hamilton
HAPPENING IN JUNE
Egyptian Festival
The Church of St. Mina is hosting an Egyptian festival called A Taste & Sight of Egypt, featuring Egyptian dishes, music and fun for children and adults alike. Admission is free. June 1, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., 1562 Rymal Rd. E., Hamilton
Sounds Gay! Pride kick-off party
Toronto’s R. Flex with guests Sullen and Sarah Bellstedt kicks of Pride month with a performance at Mills Hardware. R. Flex makes electro-R&B with a voice that’s at once smooth and powerful. Their arresting live performances has helped them build a name for themselves in Toronto’s music scene and across Canada. Their debut EP In & Out received over 28K streams and their song “Thursday” was a Top 20 finalist at Imsta Festa Toronto. R. Flex was named NOW magazine’s artists to watch in 2020 and 2021. The cheeky R&B creator dares to change the shape of the genre, blending in electronic sounds and pop hooks. Their commitment to storytelling through music and fashion explores intimacy, self-discovery, and identity. They challenge traditional narratives of love and self-love, creating safe spaces for queer joy and expression. Their high-energy 2022 EP Flex With Benefits earned praise from Exclaim!, Bandcamp, and The Toronto Star. Featuring collaborations with Tafari Anthony and Desiire, the EP explored queer desire and empowerment. Tracks like “Too Late,” “4U,” and “DNA” earned global recognition, appearing on queer playlists in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York. In their second EP of 2022, Once Upon A Flex, R. Flex slowed the BPM but heightened the vulnerability. As one of the first artists to perform at Club Quarantine, their electrifying performances solidified them as an underground star in the making. They’ve opened for artists like Haiku Hands, Khalifa, and Shad with a flair that continues to make its mark. Distinct and forward-thinking, you have every reason to check The Flex. June 1, 8 p.m., Mills Hardware, 95 King St. E., Hamilton
Ginger Minj: The Big Gay Cabaret
Just in time for Pride, Ginger Minj: The Big Gay Cabaret 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. June 5, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
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
Pancake Breakfast
As part of Ancaster Heritage Day, St. John’s Anglican Church is hosting a pancake breakfast prior to the event’s parade. Pancakes, sausages, fruit, tea, coffee and juice are on the menu. For information and tickets, please call 905-648-2353. June 7, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., St. John’s Anglican Church, 272 Wilson St. E. Ancaster
Concession Streetfest
Mark your calendars for Concession Streetfest on June 7, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vendors, food and lots of fun.
Sultans of String for Hamilton Arts Week
Sultans of String, six-timeCanadian Folk Music Award winners and Billboard charters, will bring their global grooves to The Westdale, in a Hamilton Arts Week signature event.The performance is pay-what-you-can with tickets between $5 and $30. There is also a special VIP artist meet & greet wine & cheese event for $100 to help support the arts. Led by fiddler player, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal recipient and Aldershot resident Chris McKhool, The Sultans of String entertain audiences with their genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, flamenco, Django-jazz, and Middle Eastern rhythms. And they tell stories of Canada through live music accompanied by videos and large scale images, including the wild horses of Sable Island; Luna, the orca off the West coast of Canada; a sunrise in the Arctic Circle’s Auyuittuq Park, and more, in an immersive concert experience. Equally at home in a concert hall, folk and jazz club or festival setting, the Sultans have gigged at JUNOfest, the legendary club Birdland in New York, Celtic Connections Festival (Glasgow) and London’s Trafalgar Square. They have sold out Koerner Hall three times and performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. They have played live on CBC’s Canada Live, BBC Radio, BBC TV, Irish National Radio, and the syndicated World Café, Woodsongs, and SiriusXM in Washington. Tickets are here. June 8, 7:30 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton
Carnegie Gallery Secret Gardens Tour
The 31st annual Secret Gardens Tour fundraiser for the Carnegie Gallery features seven gardens all located in the heart Dundas. There is a variety of styles and sizes of gardens that will delight you. A ticket provides a poster, a map for this self-guided tour and the chance to win one of several door prizes. Explore these artistic garden retreats in Dundas and don’t forget to stop by the gallery to enjoy some complimentary refreshments. Tickets are available for purchase from the Carnegie Gallery at 10 King St. W. Dundas, The Keeping Room (6 Cross St. Dundas), Holland Park Garden Gallery (294 York Rd. Dundas), and Mixed Media (1058 King St. W. Westdale). Tickets are also available here. This event is rain or shine. June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., various locations on self-guided tour.
Graphic Novels at Telling Tales
Ever wonder how a graphic novel is made? Join host Kevin Sylvester for three interactive virtual author visits featuring Canadian graphic novelists from coast-to-coast and learn how a graphic novel goes from a seed of an idea to a published book you can hold in your hands. Watch as these professional creatives showcase their latest stories. Follow along as they demonstrate their methods and styles of writing and illustrating. Stick around to the end for a Q&A! Presentations: Johnnie Christmas featuring Gamerville on June 10; Stephanie Cooke & Whitney Gardner featuring The Racc Pack: Prince and the Pawper on June 11; Vivian Zhou featuring Atana and the Jade Mermaid on June 12. These sessions are perfect for children in Grades 1-6, but anyone interested in this form of storytelling will enjoy a peek behind the curtain on graphic novel creation. Each author session will go live at 9:15 a.m. and will be recorded for replay. The presentation recordings will be available on-demand for one week following their upload. Pre-registrants will receive a link to the recordings once they are processed and available on the Telling Tales YouTube channel to rewatch or watch on your own timeline. Register here.
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
Art Crawl
Art Crawl on James Street North have become a tradition on the second Friday of the month. 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.
Fruit Salad Pride events
Fruit Salad aims to responds to the lack of spaces dedicated to queer & questioning women, trans masc, trans femme and gender non-conforming folks. First up in June is a Pride month pop-up prom party. Bust out your rainbows! Wear your best Pride gear, dress up as your queer awakening and put them In fancy dress, sweet suits, a tux, a ballgown, dress in the colour of your LGBTQ+ flag colours, the dress up options are endless and so super fun! Music by DJ Sound Boi and live performances by Eshe. June 13, 8 p.m., Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St. N., Hamilton. Next up is a daylight dance party on the Collective Arts patio. DJ Mar will be spinning all the feel good tunes to keep you dancing all the way into the sunset. King Chella will be joining Fruit Salad again and peppering the day with drag performances! Bringing all the joy for this one! Tickets for both events are here. July 20, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Collective Arts, 207 Burlington St. E., Hamilton
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
Barton Village Festival
Barton Village BIA presents Barton Village Festival that aims to bring the community together and promote local businesses and organizations within Barton Village. The festival will feature the closure of Barton Street East from Wentworth Street North to Sanford Avenue North to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized traffic to freely explore the area. The event will be brimming with community activations, such as live art battles, open busker pods, and a cool down zone, a food zone featuring Barton Street vendors, live music performances, a kids zone, community outreach resources, a curated vendor market and business showcases. More information is here. June 14, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Woodlands Park
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 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
State of the City
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a State of the City keynote address from Hamilton city manager Marnie Cluckie, followed by a panel discussion including City general managers and senior department leads. The event will offer business leaders and community stakeholders a front-row seat to the City of Hamilton’s priorities and progress – from infrastructure and planning to essential services and economic development. You’ll gain valuable insight into municipal operations and hear directly from the decision-makers shaping Hamilton’s future. Tickets are available here. June 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Liuna Station, 360 James St. N., Hamilton
Get Your French On
Francofest returns to Gage Park this summer to showcase and celebrate toutes les choses francophone. The lineup for the long-running annual festival of French arts and culture is packed, and includes acrobats, artists, and singers – and all will no doubt be music to the ears for the Francophone attendees. The diverse entertainment at the festival will also do double duty by introducing brand new talents to a whole new audience who may be unfamiliar with how much better things sound en français. plus d'informations sont ici. June 20-22, Gage Park, 1000 Main St. E., Hamilton
Festitalia in June
Italy will be under one roof for Festitalia’s 50th anniversary expo weekend, a celebration of Italian heritage, arts, culture, sport and culinary experiences at the Hamilton Italian Centre. The weekend will feature an al fresco five-course dinner with celebrity chef David Rocco, a disco at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, a hands-on southern Italy cooking class by HAMILTON CITY Magazine contributor and Marisa’s Easy Kitchen creator Marisa Mariella, live music, marketplace vendors, soccer and a shuttle connecting to the Italian Heritage Festival on James Street North. The full event calendar and details are at festitalia.ca. June 21 and 22, Hamilton Italian Centre, 420 Crerar Dr.
Out to Pasture at Farm Crawl
Get up and personal with the local farming folks at this year’s Farm Crawl and learn what it takes to get a product off the ground and into the market. Since 2011, participating farms have opened their gates to visitors during the self-guided crawl to offer a peek behind the hay bale by offering tours, activities and more. With three upcoming dates, and a multitude of farms to visit, there’s plenty of opportunity to commune with cows, chuckle with chickens, and say a hearty thank you to everyone involved. Harvest the website for a full list of participating farms, info, and to buy tickets. June 21, July 19, Sept. 13
It's Your Festival
Patriotism is trending a little bit extra these days – because of many reasons – so this Canada Day, share your love of the maple leaf at It’s Your Festival. The Gage Park event, celebrating its 56th iteration, is a showcase of all things Canadian with activities, vendors, and food options for everyone. A highlight of the fest is always the free live music, and this year is no exception. The all-Canadian lineup includes headliners Spoons, Jay Douglas, Northern Pikes, Goddo, . More details are on the website. The festival includes a spelling bee, fashion shows, a baby contest, a parade of cultures, a Canadian citizenship ceremony, and Canada's birthday cake. Come early and come often. You won’t be sorry, eh? June 28-July 1, Gage Park, 1000 Main St. E., Hamilton
This Wood Works
Hamilton Craft Studios invites curious creatives to dip their steel-toe into the world of woodworking at its upcoming Sculptural Mobile Workshop. In the studio, housed inside a 1900s factory in the city’s industrial sector, participants will gain hands-on experience with woodworking presses under the guidance of the talented instructors and ultimately create their own personal work of art. Also worth noting are the fresh new carpentry skills that will be acquired during the class – a fun fact to drop into conversations at parties and grocery store lines. Sign up here. June 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hamilton Craft Studios, 121 Princess St., Hamilton
Brott Music Festival
The Brott Music Festival, founded by the late conductor Boris Brott, launched in 1988 and will mark its 38th season this year. It has grown into Ontario's only and Canada's largest orchestral music festival. The orchestra in residence is the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Canada's only professional orchestral training program. It is also home to BrottOpera, a training program for Canadian emerging opera singers. Both are led by Brott Music Festival artistic director is Tania Miller. Tickets for all concerts are here. The first performance is A Night at the Oscars, in which the NAO, under the direction of conductor Martin MacDonald, brings Hollywood’s most iconic scores to life — from sweeping romance to edge-of-your-seat adventure. Relive unforgettable cinematic musical moments with music from Titanic, The Godfather, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, The Lion King and much more. It’s glitz, glamour, and movie music magic – live and in full symphonic surround sound. June 26, 7:30 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St, Burlington
Next up is Postcards from the Sky by Candlelight in which music and atmosphere intertwine in a concert designed to still the noise of everyday life and lift the soul.Spectators will step into one of Hamilton’s hidden architectural treasures – a breathtaking 175-year-old church bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight. The NAO under the direction of conductor Martin MacDonald will perform Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” Karl Jenkins’ “Palladio,” Morricone Gabriel’s “Oboe from The Mission,” “Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20” by Edward Elgar, and “Postcards from the Sky” (1998) by Marjan Mozetich. June 28 and July 31, 7:30 p,m., Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave, Hamilton
The next festival performance is works from Romeo & Juliet in which Prokofiev’s unforgettable score meets rich, multi-layered narration, video and performance. Canadian ballet legend and visionary artist Veronica Tennant, will bring her poetic interpretation of Juliet to life with personal storytelling, captivating imagery, and a dynamic, immersive multimedia journey. She imbues Prokofiev’s passionate music with a poetic, personal narration that weaves through the stunning music selections. The night’s repertoire by the NAO under the direction of Tania Miller includes Mikhail Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla: Overture, Johannes Brahms “Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90,” and Sergei Prokofiev “Selections from Romeo and Juliet.” July 3, 7:30 p.m., L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton
Next up is Belle Nuit: Opera Greats featuring the greatest arias and duets, including Offenbach’s shimmering “Belle Nuit (Beautiful Night).” From the luminous “Lakmé Flower Duet” to the romantic sweep of Puccini’s “La Boheme,” this is opera in technicolour. Meet doomed lovers, cunning servants and one powerful new Canadian heroine in Ian Cusson’s poignant aria from Empire of Wild. The night will feature a long list of soloists performing works from Rigoletto, Don Giovanni, Magic Flute and Die Fledermaus. July 10, 7:30 p.m., L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton
The next show presents Bizet’s Carmen. She’s fearless, magnetic, and dangerously irresistible. Carmen doesn’t fall in love, she plays with fire. When a headstrong soldier becomes obsessed, their affair burns fast and furiously. The world’s most electrifying opera bursts with raw emotion, unforgettable melodies, and drama that never lets go. From the sultry “Habanera” to the swagger of the “Toreador Song” and the explosive finale, this fully staged production brings opera’s most iconic heroine to life in vivid colour. Carmen is utterly unmissable! July 17, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
Motown is the heartbeat of ’60s soul and R&B. Disco is what happens when you take that heartbeat, dress it in sequins, and throw it on a light-up dance floor. For this Jeans ‘N’ Classics showcase, it’s all about the hits: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Dancing Queen,” “I Want You Back,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and more. Feel the groove of the era that gave us glitter and funk and unforgettable music from The Supremes to The Bee Gees. Dress to dazzle, bring your sparkle, and enjoy the ultimate throwback party—no dance floor required. July 19. 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St. W., Hamilton
Next up is Hollywood & The Rite of Spring. Before there were lights, cameras, or CGI… there was The Rite of Spring. And before John Williams’ Star Wars score and Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings, there was Korngold’s film music.The Rite of Spring’s raw, ritualistic energy was so bold it sparked a riot at its premiere and still stuns over a century later. It is the secret heartbeat of Hollywood’s most epic soundtracks including Disney’s Fantasia.Korngold’s lush, virtuosic “Violin Concerto,” performed by international Canadian sensation Kerson Leong, blends sweeping melodies and cinematic glamour. July 24, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Ave. W., Hamilton
Broadway Dreams is the next Brott Music Festival concert.From Les Misérables to Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof to Oklahoma! this concert brings you the unforgettable melodies that inspire, uplift, and bring down the house.This high-energy tour de force is part tribute, part cheeky send-up, and all heart – backed by the full power of the NAO.Featuring David Rogers, one of Canada’s original Phantom stars, and Kaleigh Gorka, known for playing Elsa in Frozen the Musical, the evening is packed with powerhouse vocals, beloved show tunes, and heartfelt storytelling. July 26, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
Take a break and let the music carry you away during Brott on the Waterfront. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hamilton’s waterfront, these one-hour musical escapes are the perfect way to unwind. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and good company as the National Academy Orchestra’s talented musicians serenade you with beautiful melodies. Whether you’re out with the family, enjoying a solo retreat, or planning a charming first date, this is summer at its best – live music, fresh air, and a breathtaking view. Free and open to all. July 5 and Aug. 2, 12 p.m., Waterfront Stage, Pier 8, Discovery Drive and Williams Fresh Café
Back by overwhelming demand, Brott Music Festival’s Beethoven Immersive returns – this time with one of the most iconic pieces of music ever written: “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.” This isn’t just a concert, it’s a 360-degree musical experience. Sit inside the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. and feel the music from the very heart of it. From the thunderous four-note opening to the sweeping brass and surging strings, every note surrounds you, shakes you, and stays with you for a long time. Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m., Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave, Hamilton
The final show of the festival is I Dream of Italy, a love letter in concert form to a country that has captivated composers for centuries.Feel the beating heart of Italy though music that dazzles, stirs and inspires. With a spotlight on world-renowned double bassist Joel Quarrington, and a NAO program that spans charm, drama, and sheer orchestral power, this unforgettable night closes the season in true Brott Festival style: bold, beautiful, and full of life.Aug, 14, 7:30 p.m., Boris Brott Great Hall, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton
2025 will close out with two holiday performances. Musical Magic of Christmas will be a festive celebration filled with joyful surprises, including a merry singalong led by conductor Martin MacDonald, a Christmas sweater contest and a lobby with pre-concert family activities.It’s the perfect way to fill your heart with the holiday spirit and create magical moments with your family and friends.Dec. 6, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton. The NAO will perform Handel’s Messiah, aglorious, moving work, that is filled with moments of pure wonder and has uplifted audiences for generations with its message of peace and renewal.
From the first orchestral breath to the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Amen,” this is music that inspires with warmth, grandeur, and the power to light up the season., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St, Burlington
DOWN THE ROAD
Laughing Matter
Fans of observational comedy specifically, and mirth in general, are in for a treat when comedian Steve Hofstetter visits The Westdale during his current North America tour. With multiple TV credits to his name, Hofstetter’s stand-up show touches upon the absurdities of life and his personal mental health journey. The evening is guaranteed to provide a much-needed balm to soothe our frayed souls, because “I’ve laughed enough,” said no one ever. Tickets are here. July 9, 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
R.F. Kuang at gritLIT
gritLIT welcomes R.F. Kuang in celebration of her new book Katabasis, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own. . Rebecca F. Kuang is the #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Poppy War trilogy, Babel: An Arcane History, and Yellowface. Her work has won the Nebula, Locus, Crawford, and British Book Awards. A Marshall Scholar, she has an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Cambridge and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford. She is now pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale, where she studies diaspora, contemporary Sinophone literature, and Asian American literature. Upon purchase, guests will also have the opportunity to buy a signed deluxe limited-edition copy of Katabasis. Available only on the first printing this collector’s hardcover features stenciled edges, case effects, and illustrated endpapers. Books will be pre-signed by the author. A custom Canadian tour stamp will also be available on-site so attendees can add it to their books as a special keepsake of this exclusive event. Additional copies of Katabasis, and other books by R.F. Kuang will be available for purchase at the event thanks to gritLIT bookstore partner Epic Books. Tickets are here. Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton
RECURRING EVENTS
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.
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.
