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

PRIDE month activities

Happy Pride! It’s time for the 2SLGBTQ+ community to celebrate and be celebrated. 

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

Pride in Equity at the Art Gallery of Burlington
If you’re looking for an immersive experience celebrating artistry, glam, and unforgettable performances, don’t miss the Pride in Equity event at the Art Gallery of Burlington on June 19. Featuring Eva Blunt and Elektra Vandergeld –
“This is not just a Pride event — it’s a full-scale queer cultural takeover of the Art Gallery of Burlington. For one unforgettable night, the entire gallery is transformed into a multi-room immersive experience where every space tells a different story of queer art, performance, joy, and community.” Make sure to check out each individually curated room, especially the Yellow Room, created by local icon, Kenadie St. James. (Who, ICYDK is bringing her signature sass to a brand-new advice column in HCM.) There will also be a Green Room, a Blue Room, a Hot Pink Room, an Indigo room … you get the idea. The gallery will be packed with dance floors, live performances, comedy, couture, and live music curated by queer Canadian artists and producers. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and been tempted, don’t miss the Glam Booth that will offer full drag makeovers by professional makeup artists with Lady Liz Taylor supervising. For more info and tickets, check out Drag Academy. June 19, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Art
Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington

Pride: The Approximators
If you dream of being lead singer – perhaps in a rainbow boa – live-band The Approximators have you covered. The band is adding nearly a dozen extra Pride-themed songs just in time for its Pride party. What is live-band karaoke? It’s exactly like regular karaoke, except with a live band, which makes it a thousand times more fun. Audience members pick a song from the band’s ever-growing list of songs (which already contains well over 200 tunes in a variety of genres), and when Amy the emcee calls their name, they come up to sing with the band, which does its best to make everyone sound great. The band will often keep the music going for nearly four hours, non-stop – they rarely take a break. These shows on the last Saturday of each month, often sell out. Advance tickets are here. Saturday, June 27, 8 p.m., Ooey Gooey’s, 107 George St., Hamilton

2SLGBTQ+ Community Conversation
An upcoming 2SLGBTQ+ Community Conversation will help inform a five-year Age-Friendly & Dementia-Inclusive Community Plan (2027–2031) for the City of Hamilton. City planners want to hear directly from Hamiltonians aged 50+ in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The conversation will help inform community priorities and actions over the next five years. Register here. As a reminder, the broader Age-Friendly Hamilton community survey and engagement process remains open until July 5. We encourage all Hamilton residents aged 50+ to visit agefriendlyhamilton.com to complete the survey and learn about ways to share your feedback and help shape Hamilton's next five-year plan. Monday, June 29, 1-2:30 p.m., Putman Family YWCA, 52 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton

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

Crown & Press: Songs in the Round
There’s nothing quite like hearing great songwriters trade songs in an inspiring room. If you haven't yet, this is the lineup to start with. Songs in the Round features Frank Fiction, the new project from JUNO Award–winning songwriter Elias Dummer (frontman of The City Harmonic). Performing unreleased alt-folk songs and a few sideways covers, he draws from two decades of quietly crafted material. Songs In The Round is a Bluebird Café-inspired night at Crown & Press that feels like a live NPR Tiny Desk session. The next Songs in the Round brings together Chelsea McWilliams and Tim Allard of The Redhill Valleys, along with Alfie Smith and your host Frank Fiction. The Redhill Valleys, the Hamilton alt-country band that won Group or Duo of the Year at the 2025 Country Music Association of Ontario Awards, formed in 2014 over a shared love of Tom Petty, Neil Young, and The Band. They've since toured Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., including three shows at C2C: Country to Country 2024 (Europe’s biggest country music festival). Their single “Anymore” took first place in American Songwriter Magazine’s lyric contest and earned regular play on SiriusXM’s North Americana, CBC Country, and Tom Petty Radio. McWilliams (bass/vocals) and Allard (guitar/vocals) are used to a full band behind them, so hearing them trade songs acoustically pulls the writing back to where it started. Alfie Smith is a Hamilton-bred blues troubadour with 12 Hamilton Music Award nominations and a recording career spanning more than a quarter century, beginning with his 1998 debut Alfred John Smith. His eighth album, Every Rome Needs A Nero, was released in November 2024 — his first studio record in a decade. He’s been selected by the Toronto Blues Society to represent them at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and he’s a regular at Mariposa, Home County, Winterfolk, and Orangeville Blues & Jazz. A guitar virtuoso fluent on slide and vintage National resonators with endorsements from Godin, Goldtone Banjos, and Goodman — Smith has the kind of deep, earthy voice that doesn’t need a band behind it to fill a room. Tickets are here. June 18, 7:30, p.m., Crown & Press, 303 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton

Concession Street Friday night markets
The Concession Street BIA's Friday night markets return with live music on the sidewalk, local vendors, free children’s games and activities, dine-in and take-out specials from local restaurants. Entertainment locations: 417 Concession – Festival Café & Creamery; 526 Concession – Zoetic Theatre; 555 Concession – Cancer Assistance Program parking lot; 566 Concession – Hairway to Heaven; 576 Concession – Redstone Pizza; 593 Concession – Mountain Tire; 798 Concession – Pita Pit. There will be a free fun zone at The Urban Zoo, a community plant swap at the BIA office patio, and Mountain Kidz Klub food drive. Bring your lawn chair, your family, and your fun-loving attitude.

Movies at The Westdale
Rainbow Reels hosted by Laura McVey is back with Moonlight, a tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality. Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m. You can check out the original theatrical cut of Gladiator for Father's Day. A dying Marcus Aurelius plans to name his loyal and brave General Maximus Decimus Meridius as his successor, in order to restore the power of the Roman Senate. However, his power-hungry and jealous son Commodus learns of his father’s plans and schemes to execute Maximus and his family in order to secure his claim as Emperor. Maximus escapes death, but is sold into slavery and is forced to become a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus and his fellow fighters are sent to Rome to perform for Commodus in the splendour of the famed Colosseum. Through his bravery, he wins over the masses, much to the chagrin of Commodus who seeks that same undying admiration from his subjects. Can Maximus use his newfound popularity to avenge the deaths of Marcus Aurelius and his loved ones, or will Commodus be able to keep the throne? Sunday, June 21, 7 p.m., and Tuesday, June 23, 6:15 p.m. As part of The Westdale's Ride or Die series, catch Bruce Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. As the west rapidly becomes civilized, a pair of outlaws in 1890s Wyoming find themselves pursued by a posse and decide to flee to South America in hopes of evading the law. One of cinema’s most memorable “buddy” films, it won four Oscars, including one for the popular theme song, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” by Burt Bachrach and Hal David. Friday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Find the full movie schedule here. The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

On at Playhouse Cinema
The industry standard format of film presentation for the first 100 years of cinema, 35mm film prints are now considered a rare experience in movie-going. Painstaking care goes into maintaining The Playhouse’s vintage film projection equipment, and preparation of film prints for these screenings. The Playhouse Cinema, built in 1914, is one of a small number of cinemas in Canada that can present archival 35mm film prints. Also see Dunkirk, June 19, 20, 23, Insomnia, July 3, 4 and 7, and Interstellar, July 10, 11 and 14. Also showing is the newest film from award-winning director Gail Maurice is Blood Lines and she will be on hand for a screening at The Playhouse. Starring Tamara Podemski, David Webster, and Stephanie Aubertin, Blood Lines follows a fiercely independent Métis woman who faces the return of her estranged mother and the arrival of a stranger searching for her roots. Long-buried wounds resurface, compelling all three women to reckon with the meaning of family, identity, and belonging. Maurice's 2022 film Rosie was filmed in Hamilton, with scenes shot at Playhouse Cinema. She will return to discuss her new film. Tickets are here. Saturday, June 27, 6:30 p.m., Playhouse Cinema. 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton. A complete movie and event calendar is here. Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Root for the home team
Ticats are battling the BC Lions on June 19, 7:30 p.m., the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on July 5, 7:30 p.m., the Toronto Argonauts on July 18, 7:30 p.m., and the Calgary Stampeders on Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. The Hamilton Cardinals will battle the Guelph Royals, June 19, 7:35 p.m., Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, June 21, 4:05 p.m., Kitchener Panthers, June 26, 7:35 p.m., Welland Jackfish, July 3, 7:35 p.m. Don't miss Forge FC taking on Vancouver FC, July 1, 1 p.m., Pacific on July 16, 7 p.m., Vancouver FC on Aug. 7, 7 p.m., Supra Du Quebec, Aug. 19, Pacific, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave. N., Hamilton

Special Olympics’ Marathon of Sport Hamilton
National not-for-profit motionball for Special Olympics’ 2026 Marathon of Sport Hamilton happens this weekend. It’s set to be a fun-filled day of competition, teamwork, and community impact featuring 10+ participating teams and more than 30 Special Olympic athletes coming together to help reach a fundraising goal of $50,000. Participants will have the chance to earn prizes and swag by hitting donation milestones throughout the day. Some of the most loved sports like bench-ball, ultimate frisbee, and kin-ball are making a return, along with some exciting new games. Also returning is motionball Hamilton’s annual team costume contest and team spirit competition. Every participant will receive swag, morning refreshments, lunch, and snacks provided to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. Participants can look forward to an on-site raffle, too. After the games wrap up, the celebration continues with an on-site dance after-party. Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hillfield Strathallan College, 299 Fennell Ave. W., Hamilton

LIVE MUSIC

On at Mills Hardware and Bridgeworks
Record label and concert promoter Sonic Unyon presents at Bridgeworks: Wintersleep, June 18; Chris Webby, with Quake Matthews and Spose, June 22; GOAT + Golden Feather, July 7; Time Fades Away: NY @80, July 17; Off Campus Night, July 18, 7 p.m.; All-Ages Day Party, Sept. 5, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Jon Spencer, Sept. 11; Begonia, Oct. 5; The East Pointers, Nov. 6; Tommy Youngsteen: Fleetwood Mac Rumours, Nov. 14; Shit-Faced Shakespeare, Nov. 16; UK Calling, Nov. 20; Wannabe: A Spice Girls Tribute, Nov, 21, 8 p.m.; On at Mills Hardware: Gizmo + Fireball Kid + hi,low, June 19; Lucas Wright + Bernie Hale + Joel Betts, June 20; Road to Supercrawl, Night 4, June 24; Loversteeth + Apple of Basilisk + Heat Rash, June 26; Dumb Crush + Spiral 8 + Noise Hotel, July 4; Femme Rising: Vol. 5, July 5 (Nix Ironstone, Jessie T, Sandra Bouza, Brennagh Burns); Arm's Length + Mile End + Meathead, July 9; EMERG, THEIA + The Burningtree, July 30; The Kents + Backstreet Dragon + Basement Revolver, Aug. 7, 8 p.m.; Commandos and DJ Piper P, Aug. 8; Oceanique, Aug. 13; Ariana Fig and Paulo Leon, Aug. 14, 8 p.m.; Andrew Mrozowski, Aug. 15 (matinee); Beautiful Nothing Reunion, Aug. 29; Blue Moon Marquee, Sept. 9; Bywater Call, Sept. 12; JIMI, Sept. 25; PIG + Cyanotic, Oct. 15, 8 p.m.; Jesse Roper, Oct. 31; Truck Violence, Nov. 26. Sonic Unyon is also presenting two shows at The Westdale: Daniel Lanois, Aug. 7 and The Story of Nirvana, Sept. 23. Tickets and information for all shows are here.

On at FirstOntario Concert Hall
Father John Misty, July 6, 7:30 p.m.; Bonnie Raitt, Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m.; Beetlejuice, Sept. 8, 9, 10, 7:30 p.m.; Jim Henson's Labyrinth In Concert, Sept. 13, 8 p.m.; Raffi, Sept. 26, 2 p.m.; (Studio) Sixx Paxx, Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Not Dead Yet: John Cleese and the Holy Grail at 50, Oct. 4; Vengaboys & Prozzak, Oct. 16, 8 p.m.; (Studio) Highwaymen Show - Great Outlaws Tribute, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.; (Studio) Travelling Wilbury's Tribute, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Owen Riegling, Nov. 1; Jim Jefferies, Dec. 19. Tickets here. 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton

On at TD Coliseum
On at Hamilton’s renovated downtown arena is: Ne-Yo & Akon, June 27, 8 p.m.; FIBA World Cup Americas qualifiers, Team Canada vs Puerto Rico on July 3 and Jamaica on July 6, 7 p.m.; Carin Leon, July 4, 8 p.m.; Ella Langley (with Avery Anna and Madeline Edwards), July 16, 8 p.m.; Melanie Martinez, July 20, 8 p.m.; i-dle, Aug. 2, 8 p.m.; YOASOBI, Aug. 8 (tickets on sale April 23, 3 p.m.), Bryan Adams, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m., Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Sept. 12, 11:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13, 1:30 p.m.; aespa, Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Jason Aldean, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Bring Me The Horizon, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Smashing Pumpkins, Oct. 7; Jimmy Carr, Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.; John Summit, Oct. 24; Disney Descendants, Zombies & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.; XG, Nov. 12; Il Volo World Tour, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. (only Canadian date announced so far); Andrea Bocelli, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.; Hilary Duff, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets here. 101 York Blvd., Hamilton

Hike for Hospice
The Kemp Care Network is aiming to raise $80,000 at its annual Hike for Hospice to continue providing hospice care and services to clients and their families, always at no cost. They are currently 38 per cent of the way there, and every contribution makes a meaningful difference. There is a 3K walk and a 5K run option, a dog-friendly route, complimentary massages from Ontario College of Health & Technology students, St. John Therapy Dogs, memorial bracelet-making with Bead Kind Studio, a bouncy castle and game zone, lunch, treats & family friendly activities. Register here. Donate here. Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m., Christie Lake Conservation Area – Lakeside Pavilion, 1000 Hwy 5, Dundas)

Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival
Stepping up where Sound of Music left off, Lakeshore Music & Arts Festival is a new, free, two-day outdoor celebration.Set along the city’s stunning waterfront, the festival will come alive as a vibrant, multi-stage experience featuring nationally celebrated Canadian artists, emerging performers, local artisans, an extensive selection of food trucks, and engaging family-friendly programming. The musical lineup includes Walk Off The Earth, The Trews, The Dirty Nil, Katie Tupper, Dominique Way, Stuck on Planet Earth, Sultans of String, Pulse X, Less Killjoy, Avery Raquel, The Sarandons, Momma’s Kitchen, Rachel Bobbitt, Dynesti, Yassin & Sean Terrio, Lucky Honey, Hangul, Rise Carmine, Hayley Verrall, Goodnight Sunrise, Lost Faculty, Roz De La Cruz, The Dunlop Brothers, Frank Mighty, Martina Bukovcan, Mattie Leon, and Emma Whale. More information is here. June 20–21, Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Festitalia 2026
The next event in the Festitalia schedule is the second annual Hamilton Italian Heritage Festival, featuring live Italian music, delicious food vendors, art displays, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. Located on James Street North, right beside Liuna Station – the very area where many Italian immigrants first began their journey to Hamilton – this event will offer a unique opportunity for both local Italian communities and visitors to immerse themselves in Italian culture, history, and traditions. Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21, downtown Hamilton

The Festitalia soccer tournament’s motto is “Friends, Family and Fun.” The tournament is for 8-12 yr old boys & girls academy teams. Register your team through Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer. The event is sanctioned by Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) and supported by Canada Soccer. Click here to register your team for the tournament. Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16 at Macassa Park & Billy Shering Park

Hamilton-Niagara Brain Tumour Walk
The Hamilton-Niagara Brain Tumour Walk will bring together families, survivors and supporters for a meaningful and community-driven fundraising event, with a common goal: to end brain tumours. The event will feature a SUPERKIDS Zone, along with a silent auction. Attendees are also invited to stop by the Tree of Hope, where they can honour loved ones impacted by a brain tumour. The event brings together people at every stage of the journey, from those newly diagnosed, to long-time survivors, to families walking in memory of someone they’ve lost. It also provides opportunities to connect with local researchers, health-care professionals and community organizations working to support those affected. June 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., F.H. Sherman Recreation & Learning Centre, (Dofasco Rec Park), 388 First Rd. E., Stoney Creek

Anchorball at RBG
The Canadian premiere of ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey is coming to RBG! Explore the vibrant sculptural universe of artist and contemporary sculptor Ken Kelleher, internationally known as Anchorball. This massive outdoor exhibition transforms the garden into a vivid sculptural landscape where bold characters, imaginative narratives, and contemporary form merge with nature and blooms to create a world that feels full of wonder, yet deeply recognizable. Featuring 18 monumental sculptures ranging up to 12 feet tall, the exhibition introduces visitors to an evolving fictional universe, known as Low Orbit City, populated by playful and mythical characters. In addition to the physical installations, visitors can discover a hidden digital world using augmented reality with characters known as Cloudwalkers, and unlock an AR Masterpiece, extending the experience beyond the visible landscape and inviting moments of surprise, play, and exploration throughout the garden. Come experience a joyful fusion of nature and art designed for curiousity, fun, exploration, and imagination. Entry to Anchorball is included with your RBG daily admission or RBG membership. More information is here. Until Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entry at 4 p.m.). You can also experience ANCHORBALL as part of RBG After Dark, a 19+ event. Explore the gardens after hours surrounded by 18 large-scale pop art sculptures, illuminated pathways, live entertainment, food, drinks, and interactive experiences throughout the night. Discover the playful and imaginative world of internationally recognized artist Ken Kelleher, known as Anchorball, where bold characters, contemporary sculpture, nature, and augmented reality come together across the garden landscape. Guests can also uncover hidden digital Cloudwalkers and unlock an AR Masterpiece as part of the experience. Tickets are here. July 3, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd., Burlington

New season at Theatre Ancaster
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026-2027 season of Theatre Ancaster. Up first is the Broadway classic A Chorus Line (Aug. 7 to 16); followed by the serene On Golden Pond (Sept. 11 to 20); next up is the massive Canadian hit Come From Away (Nov.13 to 29); the holidays bring a live radio show style adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street (Dec. 11-13); the senior series brings the timeless Fiddler on the Roof (Jan. 15 to 17); the youth series continues with Peter Pan Jr. (Jan. 29 to 31) and then the celebrated Les Misérables from the high school division (Feb. 19 to 28); the seniors are back with Knickers – A ‘Brief’ Comedy (March 5 to 14); the mainstage series concludes with Made In Canada, a concert of Canadian music (April 16 to May 2); and the youth series concludes with GLEE: The Concert (May 21-23). And don’t miss Theatre Ancaster Youth Series performing the whimsical Willy Wonka JR. (July 24–26). Click here for Theatre Ancaster’s event schedule and ticket links. Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

Deafblind Awareness Month
An estimated 466,000 Canadians over the age of 15 live with some degree of dual sensory loss, and in many parts of the country, they lack access to Deafblind services. Many people are unaware of the daily challenges and unique lived experiences of individuals who are Deafblind. June is an opportunity to highlight and champion the right of all Deafblind Canadians to accessible communication, safety, independence, and community integration.
CNIB’s Deafblind Community Services is hosting yarn installations in Hamilton to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusive spaces. Activations are located at Gage Park (Lilac Garden) and McMaster Hospital.

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

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

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

Brave New Works at Theatre Aquarius
The Brave New Works Festival is Theatre Aquarius’ annual showcase of new Canadian plays, dedicated to championing them. Selected works receive dramaturgical support, a professional reading, and the opportunity to engage with the artistic community through talkbacks and workshops. Professional actors will read new plays out loud in the morning while working with the playwright in real time. After working on the play, it will be read aloud to an audience at 7 p.m. in the Studio Theatre.

First up for Brave New Works is Christina Vegas with Key Change: A Trans Journey from Divo to Diva. The new musical is directed by Mary Francis Moore. This is a free event. Key Change is a powerful and compelling musical that explores the dynamic and challenging process of accepting one’s true identity and what it’s really like to live as a trans woman in today’s world. Using an array of beautiful melodies to underscore this very complicated and often volatile journey, Christina shines a light on the healing powers of love, kindness, and acceptance. Christina Vegas has performed on some the biggest stages in Canada including The Royal Alex, FirstOntario Concert Hall, and The Charlottetown Festival. Most recently, Christina took on the role of Bernadette in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert for Drayton Entertainment. In that production, Christina made history as the first trans woman to play the leading trans role in any professional production of Priscilla in North America. Christina is also an award-winning writer and composer with her works garnering Best of Fringe and Patron’s Pick at the Toronto International Fringe Fest. Monday, June 22, 7 p.m., Theatre Aquarius Studio Theatre, 190 King William St., Hamilton

Next, join acclaimed author and playwright Emma Donoghue for an evening featuring a reading of her new play Rising Voices, a comic drama directed by Mary Francis Moore following four teenagers navigating friendship, rivalry, and ambition during a high-pressure singing competition. Your $15 ticket includes a seat at the play reading, a Q&A with Emma led by Theatre Aquarius artistic director Mary Francis Moore, followed by a book signing by Emma. A resident of London, Ont., Emma Donoghue is best known for her novels Room, The Wonder, The Pull of the Stars, and The Paris Express and films Room, nominated for four Oscars, and The Wonder and H Is For Hawk. Her previous plays include Kissing the Witch, Room, The Wind Coming Over the Sea. Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m., Theatre Aquarius Studio Theatre, 190 King William St., Hamilton

The Green Bench
What would you do if you had the chance to return to a place that changed your life?
Join a special Seniors Month screening of The Green Bench, an inspiring Canadian documentary that follows five older adults as they revisit meaningful places from their past and reflect on the memories, relationships, and experiences that shaped their lives. The Green Bench movement challenges ageism by placing green benches in parks and public spaces across Ontario, inviting older adults to sit, share life stories, and pass on their wisdom. Since 2016, the #ElderWisdom campaign has sparked thousands of conversations and inspired this documentary, helping communities pause, listen, and celebrate elders’ contributions. Created as part of the #ElderWisdom initiative, The Green Bench is a moving reminder that every person has a story worth hearing and wisdom worth sharing. Presented by Schlegel Villages, admission is free. Tuesday, June 23. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., at 1:15 p.m. will be a Q&A with cast and filmmakers, the screening will happen at 1:45 p.m. The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Brott Music Festival
The Brott Music Festival, Canada’s largest orchestral festival, is back for another season of fabulous music in Hamilton & Burlington. Brott Music is home to the National Academy Orchestra of Canada & BrottOpera and under the direction of Tania Miller. Up first is a night of Beethoven and Sibelius featuring Lorraine Min on piano on Thursday, June 25, 7:30 p.m., LR Wilson Hall, McMaster University. The next performance is The Piano Men, An Evening of Hits by Elton John and Billy Joel featuring Jim Witter, Thursday, July 2, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius. The Festival continues with Gorecki Immersive, Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, with soprano McKenzie Warriner, Saturday, July 4, 7:30 p.m., Church of the Ascension. The fourth performance is Quanto Amore, A Night of Opera Greats, Thursday, July 9, 7:30 p.m., LR Wilson Hall, McMaster University. That is followed by two nights of a fully staged production of Puccini’s La Boheme, Thursday,July 16 and Saturday, July 18, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius. Next up is The Lark Ascending by Candlelight, featuring violinist Satchi Kanashiro, Thursday, July 23, 7:30 p.m., Church of the Ascension. That is followed by Hollywood Blockbusters, Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Beethoven & Stravinsky, features Yi-Jia Susanne Hou on violin, Thursday, July 30, 7:30 p.m., Boris Brott Great Hall, FirstOntario Concert Hall. Shane Cook & The Woodchippers will bring the Celtic energy on Saturday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius. Next up is Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Immersive, showcasing Déverson Correia on cello, Thursday, Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m., Church of the Ascension. The final show of the summer season, Orchestral Fireworks will bring big sound and high drama, featuring Daniel Bolshoy on guitar, Thursday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m., Boris Brott Great Hall, FirstOntario Concert Hall. The finale of the 2026 season will be the tradition that is Handel’s Messiah, Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre. All concert information and tickets are available here.

Festival of Friends kickoff concert
The Festival of Friends (July 31 to Aug. 2) turns 50 years old this summer, and to kick off a season of celebration organizers have planned a special one-night0only concert at The Westdale Theatre, featuring festival alumni. Billed as, "an intimate night of story, song, and conversation," the evening promises to be unique in Hamilton music. Hosted by Canada's premiere music historian, Alan Cross (The Ongoing History of New Music), the concert will showcase solo acoustic performances from many familiar faces. Performers on board for the golden anniversary concert include legendary songwriter Marc Jordan ("Rhythm of My Heart"), indie music pioneer Hawksley Workman ("Striptease"), and Hamilton's own five-time JUNO winner Tom Wilson, who performed at the first Festival of Friends in 1976. Each artist will accompany their song with a story or memory that connects their festival experience to the songs being played. Other performers include Harrison Kennedy, The Redhill Valleys, Jacob Moon, Jim Witter, Suzie McNeil, Jon Harvey, Melissa Marchese, Tomi Swick, Jamie Oakes, Mike McCurlie, Alfie Smith, Bianca Bernardi, and Chris Chambers. Tickets are here. Thursday, June 25, 7:30 p.m., The Westdale Theatre, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

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

Paint Your Pet
Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and celebrate your pet best friend? Paint Your Pet at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is a unique and heart-warming event combining the joy of painting with the love you have for your pet, all while enjoying good company and supporting a great cause. Prior to the event, send in a headshot of your beloved pet. Whether it’s your loyal dog, curious cat, or even a feathered or scaled friend, the photo will be used to create a pre-sketched outline on your canvas, ensuring that you can focus on bringing out your pet’s unique personality through your painting. No painting experience? No problem! The talented artist leading the session will be on hand to guide you through the process, offering tips and techniques to help you create a masterpiece. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve, and your pet’s likeness will come to life on the canvas in ways you never imagined. You can take a break from painting to meet some of the adorable adoptable animals at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA shelter. Get up close and personal with some furry residents, learn about their stories, and maybe even fall in love with a new friend. This meet & greet is the perfect way to connect with the animals your participation supports. And if you’re curious about the work of the SPCA, you can join a guided tour of our shelter facilities. This behind-the-scenes look will give you a deeper appreciation for the impact of your participation. Register here. June 28, 11 a.m. to 3:30 a.m., Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, 245 Dartnall Road, Hamilton

At The Westdale: Scotland Made the World
Discover the unparalleled charm and comedy of Bruce Fummey, where humour meets Scottish history and insightful storytelling! If you’ve watched the Youtube channel, Scotland History Tours, then you’ll have heard Bruce Fummey telling stories from Scotland’s history. This year he returns to tell you those stories from Scotland’s history live … and with more jokes. Tickets are here. June 30, 7:30 p.m., 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

HAPPENING IN JULY AND BEYOND

Hamilton Arts Week
Hamilton Arts Week returns July 2–9, celebrating the artists, organizations, venues, and creative experiences that make Hamilton a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Hamilton Arts Council has connected artists, organizations, and audiences across the Greater Hamilton Area since 1969. Through Hamilton Arts Week, it invites residents and visitors to discover new creative experiences while helping local artists and organizations increase the visibility of their work. In 2025, Hamilton Arts Week featured more than 100 community events and engaged over 4,000 attendees across the Greater Hamilton Area. We are inviting artists, organizations, businesses, community groups, venues, and event organizers to add their events and activities to Hamilton Arts Week 2026. Submit your event by by signing in or creating an account at TheArtyCrowd.ca. Add your event listing and apply the tag “Hamilton Arts Week 2026.” Contact theartycrowd@hamiltonartscouncil.ca for support with adding your event.

MAGNETIC at Carnegie Gallery
In recognition of 46 years of artistic excellence in the heart of Dundas, Carnegie Gallery presents its annual artist member exhibition, titled MAGNETIC, running July 3 to Aug. 23. The exhibition brings together the work of 80 artist members working across a wide range of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, woodworking, glass, photography, mixed media, jewelry, and textiles, reflecting the breadth and vitality of the creative voices that comprise the Dundas arts community. Rooted in Carnegie’s mandate of promoting excellence in craft and visual art, the gallery continues to provide a vital forum for artistic exchange and visibility. The exhibition is both a celebration of this legacy and a reaffirmation of an ongoing commitment to supporting emerging and established local artists, as well as fostering meaningful engagement between the town of Dundas and its artistic community. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 3 – Aug. 23, Opening reception: Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., 10 King St. W., Dundas

Cambodian-Canadian voices live podcast
Hamilton will host a landmark event for the Cambodian Canadian community as Khmer Voices takes the stage, bringing together stories of resilience, identity, culture, and community. As the first event of its kind dedicated to Cambodian voices in Hamilton, and in Canada, Khmer Voices Live represents a historic milestone for a community whose stories have often gone untold in mainstream media and public spaces. Hosted by Hamilton podcaster and community builder Vanny Whitchelo, founder of the Khmer Voices podcast, the event will feature a panel discussion, community connection, and special guests, including respected Buddhist monk Venerable Thach Truong Dhammo. Attendees will hear stories spanning immigration, rebuilding after conflict, entrepreneurship, community leadership, and preserving Khmer culture for future generations. All are welcome. Register here. July 5, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Staircase Theatre + Lounge, 27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton

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

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

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

Hamilton Fringe Festival
Tickets and multi-show passes are now on sale for the 22nd Hamilton Fringe Festival! The region's big, bold 12-day arts festival lights up the city July 15 to July 26. The festival lineup includes 50+ incredible shows and 400+ performances electrifying venues across town with live comedy, theatre, musicals, dance, art, film, family fare, and more. The full lineup is here. July 15-26, various venues

Songs in the Round – July
Frank Fiction will be joined by Hannah Sloots, and Joel Cumby in July. Sloots is a Hamilton singer-songwriter whose writing moves between folk and jazz, shaped by a background in classical voice and years singing jazz standards. In 2023, she co-founded the Shaky Knees Club, a rotating songwriters' collective that runs monthly workshops and seasonal showcases across the city. Cumby started his career as a touring member of Mugshot, including a stint on the Warped Tour. He has been a fixture of the Hamilton music scene since relocating here in 2009. A songwriter and longtime champion of local music, he released the solo album Empty Highway (2019), working the plainspoken heartland Americana vein of Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, and Jeff Tweedy. He is also the founder and face of Stipley Barbershop on King Street East, an east-end fixture in its own right. Fiction is a new alt-Americana project from Hamilton songwriter Elias Dummer, a JUNO Award–winning recording artist. Tickets are here. Thursday, July 16, Crown & Press, 303 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton

RBG After Dark: Enchanted at Twilight
Deep within the recesses of the historic Rock Garden, a hidden world reveals itself at twilight. For one evening, the garden transforms into the Enchanted Academy — a place of quiet discovery where curious apprentices are invited to wander, explore, and uncover the magic lingering just beneath the surface. Explore a series of whimsical subjects, uncover hidden moments, and follow your curiosity as the garden unfolds its secrets. With soft illumination, live music, and curated offerings throughout, the evening becomes a dreamlike experience of atmosphere, discovery, and subtle enchantment. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are here. July 16, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., RBG, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington

Dances at the Bay
HCA Society, formerly known as HCA Dance + Theatre, is presenting its third year of its free summer dance festival Dances at the Bay. The event will feature waterfront sunset performances from established professional dance companies and Hamilton community members. Hosted by Max Francis of True Hamiltonian, Dances at the Bay showcases various dance talents from established professional dance companies from Hamilton and the GTA. This year there will be riveting performances from Little Pear Garden Dance Co., Frog in Hand, and Projects by Zoe Kwan. The Made in Hamilton project returns with a standout performance from the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre. The Fear No Dance initiative closes the festival with a thrilling collaborative dance celebration choreographed by Bri Clarke featuring community members of all ages and experience levels, proving that dance really is for everybody. The festival is free but there will be a pay-what-you-can option. July 17-19, 7 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Dr., Hamilton

sariKNOTsari Swap & Sell
sariKNOTsari has built a community of women from across Ontario, across Canada, and throughout the United States who have connected through the shop’s livestreams, styling sessions, and online community. Many have become close friends, travelling together, supporting one another through life’s challenges and milestones, and staying connected long after their original purchase. This summer, many of those women will be travelling to Hamilton to meet each other in person for the first time and take part in the Sari Sisters Swap & Sell Market, happening during Fringe Festival weekend. It is a community fashion marketplace where members of the sariKNOTsari community gather to buy, sell, swap, and trade pre-loved sariKNOTsari clothing and accessories. Much like a vintage market or consignment event, participants bring pieces from their own collections that they no longer wear and offer them for sale or trade directly to other attendees. Shoppers have the opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind garments, find discontinued styles, experiment with new colours and silhouettes, and give beautiful clothing a second life. The event is rooted in the principles of sustainability and conscious consumption, encouraging people to extend the lifespan of well-made garments rather than sending them to landfill. At the same time, it serves as a social gathering where women can connect, share styling ideas, tell the stories behind their favourite pieces, and spend time together. The market is open to everyone. Saturday, July 18, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., sariKNOTsari, 25 King William St., Hamilton

The Enchanted Garden Academy at RBG
Hidden within the garden lies a secret Academy, revealed only to those who are curious enough to seek it out. Young apprentices are invited on a magical journey filled with discovery, creativity, and wonder. Explore a series of whimsical subjects, uncover hidden moments, and follow your curiosity as the garden reveals its secrets. This event is recommended for enchanted families with children aged 4 to 8. Parents are encouraged to join in on the fun and explore the wonders of the Rock Garden with their little ones. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees are invited to come dressed in their most enchanting costumes! Whether you’re a mischievous elf, a forest sprite, a graceful fairy, or wise wizard, let your imagination guide your attire. Learn all about the academy here. July 18 & Sunday July 19, time-ticketed, RBG, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington

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

Ladybird’s Pups & Pours
Pups & Pours has become a tradition; a chance for Ladybird adoption alumni, supporters and community to come together for some fun in the sun. Bring your pals and/or pups and come join Ladybird at Dillon's Distillery for a chill day of refreshing cocktails, local vendors, pet pics, corn hole, and more. You don’t need to be accompanied by a dog to attend and admission is free. Don’t forget to swing by the Ladybird tent to say hello and pick up some fun Ladybird swag or donate to help rescue animals in need! NOTE: Due to spotty wifi on site, cash is preferred for the day. Sunday, Aug. 23, noon to 4 p.m., Dillon’s Distillery, 4833 Tufford Road, Lincoln

The Westdale: The Marvin Experience
Step into the soul, passion, and timeless music of Marvin Gaye with The Marvin Experience, a powerful live tribute celebrating one of the most iconic voices in music history. Featuring JUNO award winning vocalist Sean Jones backed by an electrifying eight-piece band, this immersive concert reimagines Marvin Gaye’s legendary catalogue with fresh, modern arrangements while honouring the spirit, emotion, and groove that made the music unforgettable. Enhanced by projected visuals, the show creates a rich sensory experience that brings new life to classics like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Sexual Healing,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “What’s Going On,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” and many more. From smooth romantic ballads to socially conscious soul anthems and irresistible Motown grooves, The Marvin Experience is an evening of music, memory, and celebration for longtime fans and new generations alike. Jones first made waves as the lead vocalist of In Essence, known for early 2000s hits like “Friend Of Mine” and “You Will Never Find.” After the group’s split, Jones carved out a solo path blending classic soul with contemporary sound. In 2015, he launched Soul in the City, a highly successful live residency at Toronto’s Casa Loma, showcasing his band The Righteous Echo and emerging local talent. His latest album, Weekend Lover, is a return to his R&B roots—filled with nostalgic ’90s vibes and heartfelt songwriting. Tickets are here. Sept. 25, 8 p.m., The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Harry Manx in concert
Canada's own Harry Manx has found some new inspiration and is releasing a whole new album of material in August 2026 - Falling Upwards. Touring with Harry is Australian soul-funk maestro & keyboard master Clayton Doley, plus a soon to be announced special guest. Known for blending blues, folk, and Indian classical music. Featuring a Mohan Veena, banjo and slide guitar. Not only this unique blend of great music, but also an up close and personal (often humorous) live performance, from a man who has and is still travelling the world with his music. Like all Manx's shows, they sell out. Tickets are here. Sept. 25, 7 p.m., Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Canadian Condominium Institute conference 2026
This one-day conference of the Canadian Condominium Institute–Golden Horseshoe Chapter (CCI-GHC) attracts over 450 attendees made up of condominium corporations, unit owners, professionals and trades, and approximately 250 leaders, influencers and high-level decision-makers. If you live in a condo in the Golden Horseshoe area, this conference is for you. You’ll walk away with latest information on Smart infrastructure, project planning and financing, maintenance essentials, productivity strategies and hear from featured speaker John Di Nino, who was the condo board president at the time of the Vaughan condo shooting in 2022. Tickets for condo owners are $30 for a jam-packed day of education and trade show. Register here. Sept. 25, Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton

Open Streets 2026
Open Streets returns to transform King Street into a vibrant, car-free space for walking, biking, rolling, and community fun. Stretching from John Street to Gage Avenue, Open Streets is about enjoying the street itself! Discover open areas for recreation, spontaneity, and connection — the street is yours to play. Open Streets temporarily closes selected streets to vehicular traffic, transforming them into lively spaces where people can walk, bike, skate, and engage in various activities. It's a chance to experience our city in a whole new way, promoting active living, local businesses, and community connections. Open Streets Hamilton promotes physical activity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. By opening our streets to people of all ages and abilities, we create opportunities for healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a more vibrant city for everyone to enjoy. Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

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

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

RECURRING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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