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

Networking Mixer
Welcome to the Networking Mixer for a night of connecting, learning, and growing your brand. This in-person event is your chance to mingle with like-minded professionals and gain valuable insights on how to make your brand shine. Our special guests will share about what it takes to stand out from the crowd. For more information and to register, click here. March 20, 6:30 p.m., CoWork at the Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton 

Sinfonia Marsala
Sinfonia Ancaster's first concert of the new year brings a vibrant blend of musical traditions, taking its inspiration from masala (Indian spice mix), as it fuses Indian classical music and western orchestral sounds. Antonin Dvořák's cheerful and familiar “Symphony No. 8” will delight you, with its folk-inspired and colourful themes. Known for its lush and memorable melodies, this boisterous symphony is a favourite among both audiences and performers. “Meri Sakkhi Ki Avaaz” (My Sister's Voice) by Reena Esmail is the centrepiece of the concert, a gorgeous work that beautifully blends the emotionally expressive vocabulary of the Indian raga tradition with the sounds of a symphony orchestra. Featuring two sopranos (Vidita Kanniks and Bethany Horst) with different musical vocabularies, Esmail's glorious composition for Hindustani singer, soprano and orchestra takes listeners on a cross-cultural journey that explores global sisterhood across cultures. The sinuous melodies from Jean Sibelius' “Belshazzar's Feast” will add zesty elements to the musical mix, and Hamilton-based tabla player Sajan Prem will take a star turn in “Testament,” another Esmail work that weaves a tale of emotions and cultures. Tickets are here. March 21, 7 p.m., Peller Hall, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Hamilton Prop House
Catch live music in Hamilton Prop House’s Live from the Bookcase series. On March 21 at 9 p.m., Mykul will perform. Originally a drummer, Mykul now delivers high-energy performances featuring the biggest hits from all genres and eras. With a soulful sound and powerful vocals, Avery Raquel will return to perform Live from the Bookcase on March 22 at 9 p.m. If you're a single person 38 to 58 interested in meeting new people, come to Singles Game Night hosted by Happy Hours Speed Dating. Tickets here. March 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grab a cocktail, or mocktail ticket and learn how to concoct three delicious drinks. Sip on your creation while you wander the Prop House. Tickets are here. April 4, 7 p.m.

Drawing Rocks!
The unlikely pals of geology and art unite at a three-part drawing workshop at the Art Gallery of Burlington. Led by artist Sarah Kernohan, the course – Graphite is a Rock That Can Draw Itself – thinks outside the pencil box of a typical art lesson and explores the geological past and present while inviting students to imagine the future. Using a wide range of techniques that draw inspo from geological processes like sedimentation and crystallization (our favourite), they will create a new type of hypothetical rock, and only a whole lot of time will tell which guesses were right. Information and registration here. Course begins March 22, continues March 29 and April 5, Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington

Maple syrup at Westfield
You can bring the family together for one of Canada's most time-honoured and tasty traditions, as maple syrup season returns to Westfield Heritage Village this winter. Discover how sap is turned into syrup, stroll down the maple trivia trail, or take a bite out of a delicious and freshly made pancake at this outdoor event. Maple treats will also be available at the General Store and Gift Shop. Visitors must reserve a time slot for event days, and they sell out fast, so don't wait! This last day for this special program is March 23. For full event and ticket information, click here. Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton

New at the Carnegie Gallery
The Carnegie Gallery presents a new body of work by ceramicist Zoe Pinnell in her first Carnegie Gallery solo exhibition, "We Used to Feed the Swans." Pinnell's work consists of illustrated sculptural and functional objects that are decorated with colourful glazes, underglaze and terra sigillata. The Carnegie Gallery also welcomes established Toronto-based artist Sara Petroff with "Salvaged History as Sculptural Collage." Petroff, who builds mixed-media sculptural collages that creatively up-cycle obsolete ephemera and artifacts, has served as the curator and artistic director of Toronto’s prominent Petroff Gallery for over 20 years. In 2013, she sold Petroff Gallery to establish Petroff Design, an interior design and art consulting practice. Until March 30, Carnegie Gallery, 10 King St. W., Dundas

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). There are also two associated curator talks on March 20 at 7 p.m. with AGH senior curator Tobi Bruce and April 3, 7 p.m. with John Geoghegan, associate curator, collections and research at the McMichael. See more information and purchase tickets here.

RBG: Alice in Bloomland
Tumble down the rabbit hole into Alice in Bloomland, a wondrous botanical experience at Royal Botanical Gardens where reality bends and blossoms into a world of curiosity for all ages. Inspired by the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this floral showcase weaves together the magic of horticulture, the whimsy of floral design, and the marvel of visual arts to create an enchanting indoor wonderland straight out of a dream. Brighten the cold winter months with fresh fragrance and vibrant colours as 25,000 real orchid blooms unfold over the course of this awe-inspiring exhibit. Marvel at curious plant displays featuring cyclamen, bromeliads, anthuriums, air plants, and spring bulbs. Plus, encounter life-sized pieces that invite you to step into a world of wonder. Join a topsy-turvy world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and Alice in Bloomland fills the season with colour, wonder, and a dash of madness. This is a time-ticketed experience. Tuesdays to Sundays. Until March 30. Looking for a 19+ evening experience? Check out RBG After Dark on March 20, 6 to 10 p.m. Sip signature cocktails, savour delicious food, while music and whimsical characters enchant you as you explore this dreamlike botanical showcase. Tickets are here. RBG Centre, 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington

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WinterTide at RBG
Bring your friends together to experience the magic of winter as the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens is transformed into a beautiful indoor and outdoor jazz lounge. Running Thursday through Saturday evenings, you can stroll underneath glowing lights, warm up around a fire pit, or cozy up indoors to live music, delicious bites, and signature cocktails. With performances from emerging and award-winning artists, it's an experience you won't want to miss.  See the musical lineups and book your reservation here. Until March 22, 5:30 to 10 p.m., last admission at 9 p.m., Royal Botanical Gardens, 1185 York Blvd, Hamilton

AGB opens two new exhibits
2025 marks 50 years of the Art Gallery of Burlington and the AGB is using it as a unique chance to examine the past, look towards the future and find its place in the present. Exhibitions feature Canadian artists and curators, circulating stories of place and our relationship to time. The AGB is kicking off this golden anniversary with a winter exhibitions “Time Isn’t Real” and “Dry Thunder.” Time Isn’t Real is a landmark exhibition celebrating 50 years of artistic production, cultural festivities, and storytelling through the lens of contemporary Canadian ceramics. Running until April 27, this dynamic exhibition, curated by Suzanne Carte, explores the intersections of time, materiality, and imagination. The Lee-Chin Family Gallery, with its vast 4,800 square feet of exhibition space, is dedicated to large-scale initiatives. “Time Isn’t Real” takes its title from the words of Ojibwe Anishinaabe grandmother Kim Wheatly who reminds us that indoctrinated time is not the only measure of time, and that the natural cycles of earth and cosmos inform our ways of being. In contrast to this prescribed notion of time, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider how clay – an ancient material that embodies the passage of time itself – can serve as both a witness and a participant in the shaping of history and the imagining of the future. The exhibition features works from the AGB’s unparalleled collection of over 4,000 contemporary Canadian ceramic pieces alongside bold new creations by artists including Alex Jacobs-Blum, Roy Caussy x Glenn Lewis, Gabi Dao, Hannah Faas, Thomas Haskell, Manuel Mathieu, Julie Moon, Lindsay Montgomery, Anahita Norouzi, ORXSTRA, Linda Sormin, and Shanie Tomassini. Curated by Sarah Edo, the Perry Gallery features another exhibition, “Dry Thunder,” runs until April 27. This is Misbah Ahmed’s first institutional solo exhibition, brings together ceramic sculptures and paintings to explore and meditate on regional folklore, eco-poetics, and urban and wildlife transformation. Similar to the atmospheric and metaphoric contradictions of dry thunder, Ahmed molds traditional vessel shapes into anamorphic forms, inscribing them with local (Sindhi-Punjabi-Hunza) folktales and mythologies. Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington

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

Fully Committed
This devastatingly funny one-act follows a day in the life of Sam Peliczowski, an out-of-work actor who works the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s number-one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, histrionics—a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing to land a prime reservation or the right table. Amid the barrage, Sam’s got his own needs to contend with—his recently widowed dad wants him home for Christmas, and he’s up for a choice part at Lincoln Center. Tickets are here. March 26 to April 12, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

Green Home Solutions: Ask the Experts
Green Venture is hosting a Green Home Solutions: Ask The Experts open house for homeowners. Residents will have the opportunity to have a free mini consultation with nine industry experts on home energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar panels, insulation, landscaping design, water harvesting, rain gardens, and stormwater solutions. The event is designed for homeowners, green enthusiasts, and families looking to explore eco-friendly projects for their homes. There will also be a brief presentation on the Valley Park Library’s LEED-certified features, and fun kids' craft activities led by library staff. RVSP is required here. Registrants will receive an email list of resources to bring to help the experts make accurate and personalized recommendations for your home. March 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Valley Park Library, 970 Paramount Dr., Stoney Creek

Anagnoson & Kinton 
For over four decades, legendary piano duo Anagnoson & Kinton has thrilled audiences across the globe over more than 1,000 performances. And now, they are bringing their extraordinary talents to Peller Hall. With performances praised for their precision, energy, and emotional depth, this duo’s dynamic interpretations of classical and contemporary works are a masterclass in musicianship. Whether performing together or teaching the next generation of musicians, these virtuosos exemplify the very best of the piano world. James Anagnoson is dean of the Glenn Gould School and a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. Leslie Kinton is professor of piano at Western University with a master of Music and Ph.D. in music theory from the University of Toronto. Together, they bring extensive academic and professional expertise to their performances.
Expect an exhilarating evening that will showcase their immense range, from classical restraint to playful jazz influences. Tickets are here. Thursday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Simon and Garfunkel at BAC
Look for fun and feel groovy with this tribute to Simon and Garfunkel. Their iconic musical catalogue defined the ’60s, their beautiful harmonies at odds with their difficult relationship that continued for decades following their 1970 breakup. “Forever Simon & Garfunkel: A Tribute,” headlined by Sean Alyman and Jack Skuller, gives the duo their due, allowing audiences a chance to hear live renditions of familiar tunes spanning the group’s entire career, while reliving a simpler time when Paul and Art were (probably) still on speaking terms. Tickets are here. March 28, 8 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St., Burlington

Candlelight at The Westdale
Come bask in the glow of The Westdale for a series of Candlelight concerts by the Listeso String Quartet. Enjoy the the music of Adele, March 29 and April 4, 6:30 p.m., Queen and The Beatles April 5, 8:45 p.m., Bach to The Beatles, March 29, 8:30 p.m., Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, March 28, 8:45 p.m. and Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, March 28, April 5, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are here. The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Around the Bay
Hamilton’s Around the Bay Road Race, the oldest road race in North America, returns to Hamilton for its 131th season. Around the Bay was first run in 1894, three years before the Boston Marathon. Drawing tens of thousands of runners and spectators, and has been won by the best athletes in the world, including Boston Marathon winners and Olympic gold medalists. Runners can choose to participate in either a 5k, 10k, 15k, or 30k race. All routes offer flat and hillier, more demanding sections around Hamilton’s beautiful harbour. Visit the Around the Bay website for all the race information, routes, and tips for spectators. March 30, races begin at 8:30 a.m.

HAALSO-HPO: Bach to Hadyn
Join HPO composer-in-residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte to hear captivating stories from the lives of Bach and Haydn and how their artistic contributions shaped music in society in “From Bach to Haydn: Exploring the Transition between Baroque and Classical Eras.” Through fascinating storytelling and piano demonstrations by Richardson-Schulte, we explore these towering figures of music history and their incredible impact as part of the HPO Composer Festival. We also celebrate the HPO's 140 years of history making music in Hamilton, which began in 1884 with a performance of Joseph Haydn's “Surprise Symphony.” This event is presented as a partnership of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art. The event is free but registration is requested. March 31, 7:30 p.m., St Paul's United Church, 29 Park St. W., Dundas

HAPPENING IN APRIL AND MAY

Hamilton Concert Band
The Hamilton Concert Band brings lights, camera and action for an evening of live symphonic soundtracks with Cinema Sounds: A Musical Journey Through Film. This special concert is a celebration of the most iconic film scores ever composed, performed with passion by the city's own musicians. Led by the talented Paul McGoveran, the Hamilton Concert Band has long been a staple of the local arts scene, known for high-calibre performances and a deep connection with the Hamilton community. Now, for the first time, they take the stage at the stunning Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, a venue that enhances every note with its rich acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re a devoted film buff, a lifelong music lover, or simply looking for a fantastic night out, Cinema Sounds promises to be a magical evening of storytelling through music. Tickets are here. April 6, 7 p.m., Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

gritLIT: Emma Donoghue at the Playhouse Cinema
gritLIT is pleased to welcome Emma Donoghue to the Playhouse Cinema to discuss her newest book, The Paris Express. Donoghue, author of Room, The Wonder and Pull of the Stars has written a new novel – a taut and suspenseful historical novel that reimagines an 1895 French railway disaster, an event famously documented in dramatic photographs. Set over a single day, as the morning train travels from the Normandy coast to Paris, men, women and children take their seats in the passenger cars, which are divided by wealth and status. Among the passengers is an anarchist intent on destruction, a young boy travelling alone, a pregnant woman fleeing her home village for the anonymity of the big city, a medical student who suspects a girl may have a fatal disease, and the railway men, devoted to the train, to the company and to each other. The Paris Express is a thrilling ride and a literary masterpiece that captures the politics, fears and chaos of the end of the nineteenthcentury. Tickets are here. April 9, doors open at 6:30, conversation 7 to 8 p.m., with book signing to follow, Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Have the Time of Your Life, Again
In the 35 years since we were told that nobody puts Baby in a corner, Dirty Dancing has become a cinematic classic, and its soundtrack a standout in its own right. Transport yourself to a 1963 Catskills summer and experience the old movie in a new live-to-film way at “Dirty Dancing in Concert.” Audiences will be treated to singers and a live band as they perform the music in sync with the film – projected on a full-size cinema screen –  that provides a nostalgic backdrop. Tickets are here. April 9, 8 p.m., FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton

Women Fully Clothed
Women Fully Clothed has sold out theatres in Toronto, Chicago, New York, LA, Vegas and so many wonderful towns in between. Eugene Levy calls them: “The funniest women in Canada.” The Globe and Mail says, “If there’s a group of funnier comediennes working these days, I’m not aware of them.” With their critically acclaimed comedic brilliance, Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek explore the hilarity of life through scene and song and make us laugh at ourselves until there isn’t a dry seat in the house. Find tickets here. April 10, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

Hamilton Originals: The Songs of The Cars and Elvis Costello
Hamilton’s Jacob Moon, a guitarist and singer-songwriter, and Chris Altmann, a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, along with special guests will perform the music of two of pop’s greatest songwriters, featuring iconic hits like “Drive”, “Just What I Needed”, “Alison”, and “Oliver’s Army,:  The Cars were a rock band formed in Boston in 1976, emerging from the new wave scene, with Rick Ocasek as the principal songwriter. Five of their seven albums are certified platinum, and their self-titled debut was one of the best-selling albums of the 1970s, remaining on the Billboard album charts for over a year. Elvis Costello has garnered multiple awards and honours. He and his original band, the Attractions, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and, in 2004, he was named No. 80 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Tickets are here. April 11, 8 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Art Crawl
Art Crawl on James Street North have become a tradition on the second Friday of the month. The next date is April 11. 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 May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, and Oct. 10.

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. April 11 and May 16, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Rathskeller, downstairs at the Germania Club, 863 King St. E., Hamilton

Theatre Burlington
Theatre Burlington's season season closes with Bluebirds by Vern Thiessen (April 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26). At the height of the Great War, three nurses cross the ocean to care for wounded Canadian soldiers. Despite their trying circumstances, the trio manages to stay hopeful while finding friendship and independence. This award-winning drama examines the role of women in a world where men are, once again, trying to destroy it. Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St., Burlington

Live-band karaoke party
Join The Approximators – Hamilton's live-karaoke band – for another party. They have nearly 250 songs to choose from, and they will occasionally even learn a request on the spot. If you don't feel brave enough to get onstage? No problem! Sing along in the crowd and dance like nobody's looking. They promise their parties are a 100 per cent judgment-free zone. And the party’s emcee is always ready to sing with you. The last party at Ooey Gooey's was sold out, so get there early or get advance tickets. For more information, tickets, the song list and more, click here. April 12, 8 p.m., Ooey Gooey’s, 107 George St, Hamilton

gritLIT: Pages, Pens, and Pints (A Silent Reading and Writing Event)
Kickstart your creative energy (quietly). Whether you're starting a new book or working on a writing project, this is your chance to connect with fellow book lovers (without the small talk!) while ordering a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). RSVP here. April 13, Mosaic Neighbourhood Bar, 431 Barton St. E., Hamilton

Candlelight concerts
Music by candlelight shows are coming to the Cotton Factory: Rings and Dragons, (themes from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones), April 19, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and The Best of Hans Zimmer, April 18, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are here. Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

gritLIT: Hamilton’s Readers & Writers Festival
Readers and writers in the GTHA are invited to gritLIT 2025, which will feature more than 30 authors and 30-plus events and workshops. The festival kicks off April 23, with virtual programming followed by in-person events and workshops from April 24 to 27. Events and workshops will take place primarily at Homewood Suites, with select events happening at the Playhouse Cinema, Hamilton Farmers’ Market, Art Gallery of Hamilton, and Hamilton Public Library. Here’s a look at some events happening: opening night with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson at the Playhouse Cinema on April 24; Devouring Tomorrow: Fiction from the Future of Food; The Stories We Carry: Memoirs of Migration, Memory, and Identity; Deyohahá:ge: Sharing the River of Life; Burnout and Meltdown: Climate Anxiety in a Capitalist World. Whether you’re looking to participate in a writing workshop, hear from your favourite author, or add to your to-be-read pile, there’s something for everyone! Visit gritlit.ca to learn more about this year’s festival and to purchase tickets.

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

DOWN THE ROAD

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.

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.

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

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. 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

Big 80s Energy
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 Casbah’s dance floor on the first Saturday of each month, when DJs Mark and DMurk host their Risky Biz 80s night. 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

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.