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

Laughing Matter
Fans of observational comedy specifically, and mirth in general, are in for a treat when comedian Steve Hofstetter visits The Westdale during his current North America tour. With multiple TV credits to his name, Hofstetter’s stand-up show touches upon the absurdities of life and his personal mental health journey. The evening is guaranteed to provide a much-needed balm to soothe our frayed souls, because “I’ve laughed enough,” said no one ever. Tickets are here. July 9, The Westdale, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Blooms and tunes at RBG
The Royal Botanical Gardens invites you to stop and smell the roses – and stay for the music. This July and August, Mitchell’s Field in Hendrie Valley will host a number of outdoor concerts by notable Canadian acts, including AHI and Logan Staats (July 9), Matt Andersen with special guest Terra Lightfoot (July 17), The Bros, Landreth and Whitehorse (July 24), The Strumbellas with Serena Ryder (July 31), Jeremie Albino with Benjamin Dakota Rogers (Aug. 14), Begonia with STORRY (Aug. 20), and Sloan and Kathleen Edwards (Aug. 28). The season series ends with Rufus Wainwright (Sept. 17). Pack a lawn chair or a blanket, claim your piece of grass, and see how grown-up field trips hit differently – no school bus required. Check out the website for tickets, dates and more info. Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington

Brott Music Festival
Next up for the Brott Music Festival is Belle Nuit: Opera Greats featuring the greatest arias and duets, including Offenbach’s shimmering “Belle Nuit (Beautiful Night).” From the luminous “Lakmé Flower Duet” to the romantic sweep of Puccini’s “La Boheme,” this is opera in technicolour. Meet doomed lovers, cunning servants and one powerful new Canadian heroine in Ian Cusson’s poignant aria from Empire of Wild. The night will feature a long list of soloists performing works from Rigoletto, Don Giovanni, Magic Flute and Die Fledermaus. July 10, 7:30 p.m., L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton

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. One-day and weekend passes are available here. July 11 and 12, 3 p.m. to midnight and 12, 3 p.m. to midnight, Pier 4 Park

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

Park Crawl
A new event of the Downtown Hamilton BIA, Park Crawl will activate both Gore Park and John Rebecca Park simultaneously on select days during the summer, designed to provide attendees with plenty of free and exciting family-friendly entertainment. The event will take place in both parks on July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 13 and 14. John Rebecca Park will host a children's entertainment hub from 4 to 8 p.m., full of fun activities. Gore Park will have a variety of pre-show entertainment running from 5 to 8:30 p.m., before movies start at 9:30 p.m. The schedule for the summer includes School of Rock, Jumanji (1995) and Footloose (1984), respectively. Limited seating will be provided, attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own chairs. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy life-size games including Connect 4, Jenga, ladder toss, cornhole and chess, free popcorn and cotton candy, and more. Park Crawl will transform both of these public parks into exciting places for people of all ages to visit while in the downtown for Art Crawl and Supercrawl. The page can be found here. July 11 and Aug. 8 in Gore Park: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and John Rebecca Park: 4 p.m.  to 8 p.m.; Sept. 13 and 14, Gore Park and John Rebecca Park: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tribute concerts at Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre is presenting a series of tribute concerts for the 2025 series. Next up 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.

Vintage summer market
Hamilton and its environs are a hot bed of vintage treasures, offering up a wealth of sustainable and unique gems to those up for the hunt. Fortunately for the thrifters among us who prefer to shop (and stay) local, Hamilton Vintage Community brings all the good goods to one place at its Summer Market Series popups at Collective Arts Brewery. Featuring a curated collection from local sellers, the market features quality accessories, home goods and clothing – all created before “fast fashion” was a twinkle in the shopping mall’s eye. Find info here. July 12, Aug. 16, Collective Arts Brewery, 207 Burlington St. E., Hamilton

Root for the home team
The four-time CPL champion Forge FC take on Atlético Ottawa on July 12 at 3 p.m. (Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave. N., Hamilton). The Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Ottawa Redblacks on July 12 at 7 p.m., (make sure to get to the stadium early for game-day music and catch local talent performing on the Stipley Stage Battle of the Bands before kick-off).

Carnegie Gallery member exhibit
In recognition of 45 years of artistic excellence, Carnegie Gallery is proud to present our annual Artist Members' Exhibition. The exhibition brings together the work of 76 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.  Since its founding in 1980 by the Dundas Art and Craft Association, the Carnegie Gallery has grown into one of the town’s most valued cultural assets, developing local artists and enriching the cultural fabric of the region. Rooted in a mandate of promoting excellence in craft and visual art, Carnegie Gallery continues to provide a vital forum for artistic exchange and visibility. There will be an opening reception on July 4, from 7 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. with live music, refreshments, and cake, along with the presentation of artist and volunteer awards. Admission is always free. Until Aug. 24. Carnegie Gallery, 10 King St., W., Dundas

Wild Waterworks open
It's early weekends for Hamilton's Wild Waterworks park. Ride the waves in one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools. Over five million litres of heated water splashes down every minute. Get your heart pounding while racing to the bottom of one of six slides. Get lost in the dark while sliding down 5.5 storeys on the mind blowing Night Rider and Blue Demon tube rides! Enjoy the rush of Vertigo and Sidewinder as you barrel down the unexpected twists and drops of these two exhilarating tube slides. Or check out the heart-pounding twists and turns of the park’s six-storey high-body slides Corkscrew and Kamikaze. Little Squirt Works is perfect for toddlers and children! The wading pool has slides, sprays, mists and fountains. Trivia: Ever wonder how many waves are made at Wild Waterworks every summer? Believe it or not… over 1.4 million! The wave machines create 60 waves per minute, running on three 60-horsepower motors that push air into chambers behind the pool wall to generate its iconic waves. The wave pool cycles three 10-minute wave sessions every hour. Tickets and information are here. 680 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton

Salsa on the Waterfront
Salsa on the Waterfront takes place every Tuesday evening throughout June, July & August.As the sun sets across the water and the exquisite sounds of salsa, bachata, and merengue music fill the air, you’ll feel like you’re on a vacation! All events at Pier 8 begin with a beginner Latin dance lesson at 7 p.m., followed by social dancing from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting. And, if you’re too shy to put on your dancing shoes, come to soak in the sunset, music, and beautiful scenery. This is a free event but donations are encouraged and very much appreciated to support all 13 waterfront evenings. You can donate in person at the deejay booth, by e-transfer to salsasoulproductions@gmail.com or online. Tuesdays, 7 p.m .to 10:30 p.m., Pier 8, 47 Discovery Dr., near the Williams’ Fresh Cafe

Hamilton Film Festival
Submissions for the 20th annual Hamilton Film Festival close on June 20. In the meantime, HFF is hosting classes during June: Writing Room with Terrance Odette, Mondays, June 2 to 23; Cinematography 101, camera and lighting basics, with Sheldon Norton, June 7, 14, 21, 9 a.m. to noon; Professional voice acting for demo reels with Tarah Consoli. Information is here. And filmmaking summer camps for kids are selling out. Sign up here. Hamilton Film Festival, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St. E., Ancaster

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

Summer camps at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA will host Rescue Rangers: Summer Camp – a unique, hands-on learning experience for young animal lovers ages 6–14. Rescue Rangers: Summer Camp is designed to inspire empathy, leadership, and a deeper understanding of animal care and advocacy. Each week features fun, themed programming with real animal encounters, interactive lessons, and unforgettable field trips. Themed camps include: Critter Camp (ages 6–8): Meet animals, explore their needs, and enjoy crafts & games; Animal Advocates (Aages 9–11): Learn about rescue, advocacy, and helping animals in our community; Vet Camp (ages 12–14): Dive into animal medicine with workshops, shelter work, and hands-on learning; Careers Camp (ages 12–14): Explore professions like zookeeping, wildlife rescue, vet tech, and more. Camps will run weekly from July 14 to Aug. 29. Register here. Financial assistance is available to completely cover the cost of camp for those facing economic barriers. Inquire at camps@hbspca.com. There are volunteer opportunities for youth aged 15 and up. Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, 245 Dartnall Rd., Hamilton 

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

Live music at Pier 8
Each Monday in July from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Hamilton Public Library is hosting a live music series at the Gantry Crane at Pier 7. On July 14, Behind the Woodpile Trio will have you tapping your toes to a timeless and entertaining set. The trio features Ron Cole on accordion, Randall Hill on four-string banjo and mandolin, and Wayne Krawchuk on acoustic guitar and main vocals. On July 21, Hamilton artist Whitness performs, bringing an Afro-R&B sound that is rooted in soul and storytelling. On July 28, Golden Feather comes to the Gantry Crane. Band members include Steve Kiely on drums and vocals, Brad Germain on guitar and vocals, Ronson Armstrong on bass, Gareth Inkster on keys and vocals, Murray Heaton on sax and vocals and Daniel Walton on lead guitar.

Hamilton Fringe Festival
The stage will be set once again for the city to become a stage this summer, thanks to the Hamilton Fringe Festival. Over the course of the fest, now in its 21st year, audiences can catch performances in comedy, theatre, music, film, and more at traditional and nontraditional spaces across the city. With main series shows chosen by lottery, audiences are in for a wild and eclectic ride – and with over 350 non-juried performances from 50 theatre companies to choose from – they best stay hydrated and hold on tight. All the info is here. July 16-27, various venues

Lineup for line dancing
Due to popular demand, line dancing is now happening twice a month at Studio G Hamilton – so don’t miss this chance to step onto the floor, learn something new, and perfect your moves! From beginner basics to improver/intermediate flair, every step is broken down with tips and tricks to level up your style. They keep it fresh by mixing familiar favourites with new routines each time, giving you a chance to practice what you know and pick up something new every time. We always focus on today’s most popular choreographed line dances, so you'll leave ready to impress at your next dance night out! Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned dancer, they promise you’ll make new friends, learn slick moves, and discover that exercise can be fun. July 18, Aug. 1 and 15, Sept. 5 and 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Studio G Hamilton, 126 James St. N., Hamilton

Brott Festival in July
Bizet’s Carmen – she’s fearless, magnetic, and dangerously irresistible. Carmen doesn’t fall in love, she plays with fire. When a headstrong soldier becomes obsessed, their affair burns fast and furiously. The world’s most electrifying opera bursts with raw emotion, unforgettable melodies, and drama that never lets go. From the sultry “Habanera” to the swagger of the “Toreador Song” and the explosive finale, this fully staged production brings opera’s most iconic heroine to life in vivid colour. Carmen is utterly unmissable! July 17, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton Motown is the heartbeat of ’60s soul and R&B. Disco is what happens when you take that heartbeat, dress it in sequins, and throw it on a light-up dance floor. For this Jeans ‘N’ Classics showcase, it’s all about the hits: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Dancing Queen,” “I Want You Back,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and more. Feel the groove of the era that gave us glitter and funk and unforgettable music from The Supremes to The Bee Gees. Dress to dazzle, bring your sparkle, and enjoy the ultimate throwback party—no dance floor required. July 19, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St. W., Hamilton

Out to Pasture at Farm Crawl
Get up and personal with the local farming folks at this year’s Farm Crawl and learn what it takes to get a product off the ground and into the market. Since 2011, participating farms have opened their gates to visitors during the self-guided crawl to offer a peek behind the hay bale by offering tours, activities and more. With three upcoming dates, and a multitude of farms to visit, there’s plenty of opportunity to commune with cows, chuckle with chickens, and say a hearty thank you to everyone involved. Harvest the website for a full list of participating farms, info, and to buy tickets. July 19, Sept. 13

PRIDE: Fruit Salad events
Fruit Salad aims to responds to the lack of spaces dedicated to queer & questioning women, trans masc, trans femme and gender non-conforming folks. Next up is a daylight dance party on the Collective Arts patio. DJ Mar will be spinning all the feel good tunes to keep you dancing all the way into the sunset. King Chella will be joining Fruit Salad again and peppering the day with drag performances! Bringing all the joy for this one! Tickets for both events are here. July 20, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Collective Arts, 207 Burlington St. E., Hamilton

HAPPENING LATER IN JULY

30 years of Green Venture
Green Venture is celebrating 30 years of Green Venture of inspiring and equipping Hamilton residents to take individual and collective action to preserve our natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build a community resilient to climate change.The Magic Of Nature, Green Venture's 30th anniversary party, is open to all. There will be nature-themed activities, interactive exhibits, appetizers and botanical-infused beverages, prizes celebrating sustainability and the environment, and a silent auction of unique items and experiences. All proceeds from the auction will go towards funding ongoing environmental projects. Tickets and more information are here. July 23, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 22 Veevers Dr., Hamilton Ecohouse

More Brott
Next up is Hollywood & The Rite of Spring. Before there were lights, cameras, or CGI… there was The Rite of Spring. And before John Williams’ Star Wars score and Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings, there was Korngold’s film music.The Rite of Spring’s raw, ritualistic energy was so bold it sparked a riot at its premiere and still stuns over a century later. It is the secret heartbeat of Hollywood’s most epic soundtracks including Disney’s Fantasia.Korngold’s lush, virtuosic “Violin Concerto,” performed by international Canadian sensation Kerson Leong, blends sweeping melodies and cinematic glamour. July 24, 7:30 p.m., McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Ave. W., Hamilton Broadway Dreams is the next Brott Music Festival concert.From Les Misérables to Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof to Oklahoma! this concert brings you the unforgettable melodies that inspire, uplift, and bring down the house.This high-energy tour de force is part tribute, part cheeky send-up, and all heart – backed by the full power of the NAO.Featuring David Rogers, one of Canada’s original Phantom stars, and Kaleigh Gorka, known for playing Elsa in Frozen the Musical, the evening is packed with powerhouse vocals, beloved show tunes, and heartfelt storytelling. July 26, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton Next up is Postcards from the Sky by Candlelight in which music and atmosphere intertwine in a concert designed to still the noise of everyday life and lift the soul. Spectators will step into one of Hamilton’s hidden architectural treasures – a breathtaking 175-year-old church bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight. The NAO under the direction of conductor Martin MacDonald will perform Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” Karl Jenkins’ “Palladio,” Morricone Gabriel’s “Oboe from The Mission,” “Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20” by Edward Elgar, and “Postcards from the Sky” (1998) by Marjan Mozetich. July 31, 7:30 p,m., Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave, Hamilton

Live-band karaoke
If you’ve always dreamed of fronting a band, here’s your chance. Hamilton’s live-band karaoke masters The Approximators have more than 200 songs to choose from, and will occasionally learn a request on the spot. Green Day, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, blink-182, Ozzy Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Chappell Roan, AC/DC, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, ABBA, Robyn, Sabrina Carpenter – they promise there is a song on their list that you can sing. And the party’s emcee is always ready to make any song a duet. Don't feel brave enough to get onstage? No problem: sing along in the crowd and dance like nobody's watching. Their parties are a 100 per cent judgement-free zone. Check out photos, videos, and their song list here. Tickets are here. If advance tickets are sold out, there will be a limited number of walk-in sports available. July 26, 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., Ooey Gooey’s, 107 George St., Hamilton

Ancaster Pickle Lovers Event Pickle lovers! Your dream weekend awaits. Enjoy all things pickle related. Indulge in everything from pickle-flavoured drinks, viral kool aid pickles, pickle poutine, deep fried pickles to pickle ketchup. Not to mention a large indoor and outdoor vendor market, free loaded swag bags for the first 30 daily, free entry into the grand prize basket, live music, lawn games, kids zone, take a selfie at the photo ops and much more! Tickets at the door and available here. July 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Jerseyville

Sean Jones at AGH
Juno Award winning R&B artist and actor Sean Jones will be performing a live music series called Art & Soul at the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Jones is bringing a soulful, intimate concert experience to his hometown.  Each night will pair live music, storytelling, and connection with the gallery’s stunning exhibitions. Expect reimagined versions of your favourite songs, guest artists, and a chance to experience music in a truly artful setting. Jones’s highly acclaimed Soul In The City shows at Casa Loma brought sold out performances every week. He was the first-ever musical ambassador for WestJet, where he created the popular WestJet Boarding Sessions. Jones also opened for Ellen DeGeneres’ arena tour and has shared the stage with music legends Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, David Foster, Usher, Beyoncé, Macy Gray, Eric Benét, Alan Frew, Divine Brown, and Jully Black to name a few. Jones self-produced the successful Christmas concert, Holiday Soul in Hamilton in support of the local food banks. Tickets for Art & Soul are here. July 31, Sept. 18, Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King St. W., Hamilton

HAPPENING IN AUGUST

Brott Music Festival
The Brott Music Festival, founded by the late conductor Boris Brott, launched in 1988 and will mark its 38^th season this year. It has grown into Ontario's only and Canada's largest orchestral music festival. The orchestra in residence is the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, Canada's only professional orchestral training program. It is also home to BrottOpera, a training program for Canadian emerging opera singers. Both are led by Brott Music Festival artistic director is Tania Miller. Tickets for all concerts are here. Take a break and let the music carry you away during Brott on the Waterfront. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hamilton’s waterfront, these one-hour musical escapes are the perfect way to unwind. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and good company as the National Academy Orchestra’s talented musicians serenade you with beautiful melodies. Whether you’re out with the family, enjoying a solo retreat, or planning a charming first date, this is summer at its best – live music, fresh air, and a breathtaking view. Free and open to all. Aug. 2, 12 p.m., Waterfront Stage, Pier 8, Discovery Drive and Williams Fresh Café

Brott Festival in August
Back by overwhelming demand, Brott Music Festival’s Beethoven Immersive returns – this time with one of the most iconic pieces of music ever written: “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.” This isn’t just a concert, it’s a 360-degree musical experience. Sit inside the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. and feel the music from the very heart of it. From the thunderous four-note opening to the sweeping brass and surging strings, every note surrounds you, shakes you, and stays with you for a long time. Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m., Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave, Hamilton

The final show of the festival is I Dream of Italy, a love letter in concert form to a country that has captivated composers for centuries.Feel the beating heart of Italy though music that dazzles, stirs and inspires. With a spotlight on world-renowned double bassist Joel Quarrington, and a NAO program that spans charm, drama, and sheer orchestral power, this unforgettable night closes the season in true Brott Festival style: bold, beautiful, and full of life. Aug, 14, 7:30 p.m., Boris Brott Great Hall, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton

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

Hamilton Greek Fest
The 2025 Hamilton Greek Fest, an annual event hosted by the Greek community of Panagia Hamilton, offers a vibrant celebration of Greek culture with authentic food, live Greek music, traditional dance performances, belly dancing demonstrations and a vendor market. Free admission. The festival has won the Hamilton Community News Readers Choice Awards and was voted Favourite Local Festival in 2016 and 2017. Check the official Hamilton Greek Fest website or social media pages for the most current updates and detailed schedule. Aug. 15 to Aug. 17 at Inch Park, (corner of East 15th & Brucedale on the Hamilton Mountain)

Winona Peach Festival
Since 1967, the Winona Peach Festival has welcomed visitors to celebrate community spirit by way of the sweet little stone fruit. Run by a crop of 19 dedicated community organizations, this volunteer-powered fest serves up a basket-full of traditional fair fare fit for the whole family, and includes vendors, a midway, live entertainment and more. Keep an eye open for mascots Peter and Paula Peach, who will be making their rounds wearing their peachy grins, ensuring a summer weekend spent celebrating fuzzy fruit is as sweet as can be. All the peachy information is here. Aug. 22-24, Winona Park, 1328 Barton St., Stoney Creek

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

DOWN THE ROAD

Supercrawl
The ultimate block party returns to the James Street stretch this fall, where street eats, vendors, performance art and music collide in the best possible way to create something truly super. Supercrawl, the annual celebration of Hamilton’s vibrant urban arts scene, routinely draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the free event where all of the city comes out to play. Food trucks, vendors and stages dot the multi-block route, offering a non-stop soundtrack that adds to the vibe. And HAMILTON CITY Magazine will be there all weekend, too! Big-name musical acts add to the fervour this year, including Born Ruffians, singer-songwriter Basia Bulat, Montreal-based cult favourites Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Toronto rapper TOBi, east coast hip hop artist Classified, and Sarnia-born Donovan Woods, along with Hamilton musicians Cadence Weapon, Steve Strongman, and Born In The Eighties. Check the website for all the info – and block off your weekend. You’re busy. Sept. 11-14

CHECK OUT THE 2025 LINEUP HERE!

Binbrook Fair
You may not want to hear about autumn right now, but it’s never too early to think about heading out to pasture to take in a fall fair or two (or three). First up is the Binbrook Fall Fair. Established in 1854, it is one of Canada’s longest-running agricultural fairs, and offers a quintessential fair-going experience to visitors – fitting considering the practice it has under its belt. Stroll the fairgrounds while snacking on something fried and enjoy events like livestock shows, kids’ rodeo, demolition derby, and even a baby show where families can show off their own pick of the crop. info is here. Sept. 11-14, Binbrook Fairgrounds, 2600 Regional Road #56, Binbrook

R.F. Kuang at gritLIT
gritLIT welcomes R.F. Kuang in celebration of her new book Katabasis, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own. . Rebecca F. Kuang is the #1 New York Times and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of the Poppy War trilogy, Babel: An Arcane History, and Yellowface. Her work has won the Nebula, Locus, Crawford, and British Book Awards. A Marshall Scholar, she has an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Cambridge and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford. She is now pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale, where she studies diaspora, contemporary Sinophone literature, and Asian American literature. Upon purchase, guests will also have the opportunity to buy a signed deluxe limited-edition copy of Katabasis. Available only on the first printing this collector’s hardcover features stenciled edges, case effects, and illustrated endpapers. Books will be pre-signed by the author. A custom Canadian tour stamp will also be available on-site so attendees can add it to their books as a special keepsake of this exclusive event. Additional copies of Katabasis, and other books by R.F. Kuang will be available for purchase at the event thanks to gritLIT bookstore partner Epic Books. Tickets are here. Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m., Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St., Hamilton

Ancaster Fair
Since 1850, the Ancaster Fair has thrilled and educated crowds with agricultural competitions and demonstrations, horse and livestock shows, field crop, fruit and vegetable competitions, homecrafts, antiques, horticulture, photography, baby shows, pie-eating contests, live music, a midway, plenty of food options, and a demolition derby. More than 50,000 people take in the fair each year and it takes 35 committees with approximately 700 volunteers (many second and third generation) working throughout the year to make it happen. Sept. 18-21, Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd., Jerseyville

Fix fest at Repair Café
If your toaster is toast, or your garden shears aren’t cutting it anymore, skip the re-buy and go for a re-do at the Dundas Repair Café, organized by Action 13. Part of an international Amsterdam-based repair movement, the cafés were established to champion sustainability and reuse. Roll up your sleeves for some DIY fixing and feel good about saving some space in the landfill (knowledgeable volunteers are even on hand to o er a hand, if needed). Browse the website for a list of recommended items. Sept. 20, Nov. 15, Dundas Town Hall, 60 Main St., Dundas

Rolling for Rotary
Put your pedal to the metal for a good cause at the Rotary Club’s Tour de Dundas, where proceeds support local initiatives. Cyclists of all levels are invited to get rolling on one of the five routes that include everything from a 10 km family-friendly ride to an impressive 160 km course, where elevation challenges and sore quads come into play. The scenic rides will take participants through Dundas Valley’s most beautiful backdrops, while post-ride perks like live music, cold refreshments and local eats at the Taste of Dundas festival will provide ample incentive to finish. Cruise over to the website for info and to register. Sept. 21.

Telling Tales
Telling Tales is celebrating 17 years as Canada’s biggest children’s book festival. The event will feature 70+ literary leaders and storytelling masters. The event will include 50 presentations by Canadian authors and illustrators, including internationally recognized children’s television show animator, Oscar-nominated filmmaker and children’s book author Matthew Forsythe, award-winning Inuk throat singer and Giller Prize-nominated author Tanya Tagaq, and more than 18 presentations of Canadian storytelling told through music, drama, dance, and more. The festival connects over 12,000 children, youth, and their families with authors, illustrators, and storytellers through engaging activities, inclusive experiences, and dynamic storytelling. Designed for all children, programming includes sensory-based activities and the festival layout is designed with experts to support families with neurodivergent children and children with disabilities. There is so much happening for toddlers, children and teens. Check it all out here. The event is free. Oct. 4 and 5, Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington

Rockton World’s Fair
The Rockton World’s Fair has been an annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition since 1852. Every year, the fair features horse and livestock shows, demonstrations and competitions, including the impressive heavy horse show and the eight-horse hitch, the popular Ag Live tent, demolition derbies, agricultural exhibitors, school and homecraft exhibits, midway rides and games, antique equipment, the Hamilton Fire & Safety House, a craft sale, live entertainment, and, of course, lots of yummy fair food. There are also a pie-eating contest, karaoke contest, spelling bee, pet show, baby show, scavenger hunt, peddle tractor rides and even Great Lake helicopter rides. Check out the website, which features a countdown to this year’s fair. Oct. 9-13, Rockton Fairgrounds, 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton

gritLIT Presents: Joe Hill and Linwood Barclay
There are just three chances to see New York Times bestselling authors Joe Hill and Linwood Barclay together this fall, and gritLIT is a stop on the Tour De Fear. Join gritLIT at the Playhouse Cinema for an evening to celebrate their new novels King Sorrow and Whistle. Epic Books will be on-site with a selection of books from both authors and they will both be available after the event for a book signing. Hill is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and his new novel is a chilling tale of modern-world dangers, dark academia, and the unexpected consequences of revenge as six friends dabble in the occult and are tragically, horrifyingly successful… calling forth an evil entity that demands regular human sacrifice. Barclay, also a New York Times bestselling author, enters new territory with a supernatural chiller in which a woman and her young son move to a small town looking for a fresh start, only to be haunted by disturbing events and strange visions when they find a mysterious train set in a storage shed. Evil has a one track mind.... Get tickets here. Nov.10 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

An Evening with Margaret Atwood
An Evening with Margaret Atwood will support the work of Interval House Hamilton in helping women and children facing violence at Interval House of Hamilton.The night will be moderated by TV journalist Steve Paikin. The globally renowned Canadian author whose storytelling has sparked generations of dialogue on power, gender, and justice will visit Hamilton in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The discussion will explore timely themes from The Handmaid’s Tale, drawing thought-provoking connections to current global and national events. Atwood will also reflect on the evolution of feminism and her hopes for the future of women's rights. The event aims to raise critical funds to support women and children escaping abuse. Interval House of Hamilton is a 26-bed shelter for women and children fleeing violence. Funds raised will support shelter operations, counselling, transitional housing, and programs that empower survivors to reclaim their lives. Tickets are here. Nov. 25, 7 p.m., Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton

Brott for the holidays
The Brott Festival 2025 will close out with two holiday performances. Musical Magic of Christmas will be a festive celebration filled with joyful surprises, including a merry singalong led by conductor Martin MacDonald, a Christmas sweater contest and a lobby with pre-concert family activities. It’s the perfect way to fill your heart with the holiday spirit and create magical moments with your family and friends. Dec. 6, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., L.R. Wilson Concert Hall, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton. The National Academy Orchestra of Canada will perform Handel’s Messiah, a glorious, moving work, that is filled with moments of pure wonder and has uplifted audiences for generations with its message of peace and renewal. From the first orchestral breath to the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” and “Amen,” this is music that inspires with warmth, grandeur, and the power to light up the season. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m., Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St, Burlington

RECURRING EVENTS

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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