THINGS TO DO IN HAMILTON, BURLINGTON

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Hamilton Fringe Festival
The highly anticipated Hamilton Fringe Festival marks its 20th festival this year with an exciting lineup of performances and events from July 17-28. This year’s festival will feature more than 50 companies and 350-plus performances illuminating multiple venues across the city. The Hamilton Fringe Festival is the city’s biggest theatre festival, featuring a wide range of live performances. Following the spirit of the original Edinburgh Fringe Festival, indoor shows are selected through a lottery system, with 100 percent of ticket revenue going directly to the artists. Last year, more than 14,000 theatregoers attended from all over Canada and the U.S. This year's festival features a diverse lineup, including sketch comedy, improv, theatre, dance, puppetry, magic and musicals. Fringe On The Streets returns with a free walking tour along King and James streets, featuring ghost stories, drag shows, self-affirming street preachers, and more, culminating in a grand finale at Tivoli in the Square. The Fringe Club outdoor stage & patio returns outside Theatre Aquarius (190 King William St.) and is the place to gather and celebrate the weird, wild, and wonderful Hamilton Fringe community. The outdoor stage is the location for the opening night kick-off on July 17 at 7:30 p.m., where audiences will get a 90-second snippet from every show in the festival! Throughout the festival, the Fringe Club features karaoke, Keeping Six Open Mic nights, Films on the Fringe: Shorts Showcase, and more. All events are free. The Incite Fringe Info Hub will be located at Jackson Square (beside the MacNab & King entrance) from July 18-28. Hamilton Fringe runs through 28. For full event listings and tickets, visit hftco.ca/events.

Brott Music Festival
The renowned Brott Music Festival returns for its 37^th season with a roster of 15 announced concerts. Next up is Dvorak 8 at Theatre Aquarius on July 25, a free lunchtime concert Brott on the Waterfront on July 27, Stravinsky's Firebird on Aug. 1, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita on Aug. 8 and an east coast kitchen party on Aug. 9. Check out the full lineup here. The Brott Music Festival was founded in 1987 by the late Boris Brott and is one of the anchor arts organizations in Hamilton and the largest orchestral music festival in Canada. Until Aug. 15, various locations

Summer Scaries
Although things that go bump in the night are synonymous with autumn, it doesn’t mean that local ghosts take a summer vacation. Take a stroll through historic Dundas while a knowledgeable guide weaves a yarn of the dastardly details of such locales as the old Collins Building, Shawn and Ed Brewing, and the post office. No jump scares on these tours, because sometimes the truth behind the history is spooky enough. There are murders, mobsters and the infamous Death Pact. Take a boo at the website for more info, additional tour options, and to register. July 26, Aug. 9, Aug. 24, 8:45 p.m. And don’t miss the dark and violent stories of Hamilton, including hangings, mayhem, torso murderess Evelyn Dick and the rise and fall of Canada’s bootlegging king Rocco Perri. Aug. 4 and Aug. 18, 3 p.m.

Carlisle Garlic Gala
The fifth annual Carlisle Garlic Gala celebrates the tasty and pungent superfood with a family- and pet-friendly event serving up garlicky smash burgers, garlic steak sandwiches and garlic parmesan fries with garlic scapes. Add to that sweet crepes, street corn, raclette cheese and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. You’ve also got the chance to be crowned the fastest garlic peeler in the metropolitan borough of Carlisle. There will be fun activities for all, an organic vegetable market and new seasonal cider releases: Watermelon Margarita Cider and Grapefruit & Ginger Paloma. July 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., West Avenue Cider House, 84 Concession Road 8 E., Freelton

Dance workshop
Defining Movement Studio is offering Ahimsa, a day of dance workshops to raise money for the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, a rehabilitation hospital for disabled Palestinian children. The workshops include Kathak fundamentals, folk dance and a Zumba class. The suggested donation is $15 but it’s a pay-what-you-can event. For more information, direct message @complex_expression on Instagram. July 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Defining Movement Studio, 624 Upper James. St., Hamilton

Echoes of Elysium
Grimsby artist Angelina Bontempo presents a solo show of her work, which features fluid and abstract compositions. She works mainly in oil and acrylics on canvas, pushing boundaries of colour and tone, creating contrast and depth by using a variety of palette knives, brushes and mediums to create texture and surfaces with energetic layering. “My intention with this new body of work is to stimulate the senses through the ebb and flow of colour, texture and movement of paint. Leaving anyone who looks at a painting with a feeling of calm, peace and tranquillity…if only for a moment,” says Bontempo. Until July 29, Art Gallery of Burlington, 133 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington

Exchanging Presence
The Art Gallery of Burlington is opening a new exhibition from Egyptian Canadian artist Magdolene Dykstracalled Exchanging Presence. The exhibition comprises two of Dykstra’s ongoing projects: Gathering Presence and Exchanging Presence. Together, these works ask what it means to be seen, and to what degree one wants to make themselves visible. The exhibition acts as a mural of impressions, with Dykstra employing racialized and queer painters to laboriously paint the gallery walls using their fingers. The painters press pigments made with clay oxides onto the walls, to create stalagmite and stalactite-like forms of varying densities and colours. Dykstra describes the mark-making process as a "practice that blends references to Colour Field painting and cave paintings.” Using soil, clay, and naturally occurring oxides, these paintings connect Dykstra to the earliest artists who recorded their presence on cave walls. While Gathering Presence offers a record of the artist and assistants’ presence, Exchanging Presence is an open invitation for guests to make marks of their own. Dykstra makes space for audiences to contribute their own record of existence by leaving an imprint of themselves on a piece of clay. Until Oct. 6, Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Rd.

Blue Water Gold
If a walk along the water is in your summer plans, take along an audio tour created by Annette Paiement, curator at The Cotton Factory and managing director of its CoWork space. In partnership with Waterlution, Paiement shares her love of the water as she guides listeners along a walk at Pier 8 in Hamilton. Find the tour here.

Exhibits at the McMaster Museum of Art
“I’m Not Your Kinda Princess” is the first solo exhibition by Saskatchewan Cree/Saulteaux/Métis multidisciplinary artist Lori Blondeau in Hamilton. Curated by Luther Konadu, this exhibition is a survey of works that evinces the nuanced breadth of the artist’s three-plus decades career. This is an artistic career with a vigour and cultural relevance that continues to grow retrospectively. The oldest work featured in this survey exhibition dates back to 1996 while the latest is from 2023. The exhibit is organized by Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art. More information is here. The exhibit is on view until Aug. 30.

“The Clichettes: Lips, Wigs, and Politics” bridges theatre, lip-sync, dance, drag, costume, and comedy. The renowned Canadian artist trio The Clichettes (Louise Garfield, Janice Hladki, and Johanna Householder) have developed a groundbreaking practice at the crossroads of performance art and feminist satire. This exhibition, curated by Ivana Dizdar, brings together over 150 costumes, props, videos, photographs, drawings, scripts, and archival materials that attest to The Clichettes’ radical vision for a better world. More information is here. The exhibition is on view until Nov. 8, with an opening reception Sept. 19, 5-8 p.m.

150 years of the HSR
The 150-year history of the HSR is being documented with an exhibit at Tourism Hamilton’s Visitor Experience Centre. “Take a Ride with HSR: Celebrating 150 Years of Connections” is a free exhibit that will run from May 21 to  Dec. 21. The curated exhibit looks back through the years and towards the future of transit in Hamilton with artifacts and photographs being collected for the very first time. Beginning May 21, Tourism Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre, open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Sundays, Mondays and all statutory holidays, 28 James St. N.

HAPPENING NEXT WEEK

Music at the RBG
The Music in the Garden series returns this summer to the beautiful Hendrie Park. Bring a lawn chair or pack a blanket, grab a cold drink and enjoy performances featuring award-winning musicians in a garden setting. Chairs are not provided. Guests are asked to bring their own foldable lawn chairs, blankets, and cushions for turf seating. For added convenience, rental chairs are available when booking tickets. Tickets are available here. The 2024 lineup continues with: Donovan Woods & Hayden, July 25; The East Pointers, Aug. 1; Broken Social Scene, Aug. 8; Great Lake Swimmers, Aug. 14; Sarah Harmer, Aug. 25; Feist, Sept. 19. Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington

Pedal Power
Take a bicycle-powered food crawl this summer with Pedals and Provisions Cycling Club. The inclusive touring group welcomes riders of all ages and skill levels and has added Hamilton to its 2024 itinerary, because with the goal of “connecting great food with great people,” a visit to our fair city is akin to hitting the jackpot. Registered participants will gather at a designated starting point and spend the day cycling, socializing, and snacking. Limited spots are available, ensuring the group rolls in tandem. July 27.

Live-band karaoke
Warm up those vocal cords and take the stage to sing your favourites with The Approximators. If you’re not a lead singer, come out to dance and cheer. July 27, Aug. 30 and Sept. 20. The Corktown, 175 Young St., Hamilton

Take it Ease Comedy Tour
Award-winning stand-up comic, actor, writer, and activist Sandra Battaglini presents the next leg of her Take It Ease Comedy Tour. She will visit Hamilton on July 27 after sold-out nights in Sudbury, Ottawa, Toronto, Orangeville and Collingwood. Outrageous and courageous, Battaglini is on a whirlwind tour delivering her satirical brand of comedy. Acclaimed for her cutting-edge observational humour and captivating storytelling, the Take It Ease Comedy Tour promises a night of explosive laughter, as she fearlessly tackles everything from Italian curses, artificial intelligence, biblical prophecies, being typecast as a widow, her father’s obsession with suing the banks, corporate greed and much more. Opening acts include Anjelica Scannura, Sandro Veri and Black Zeus. Tickets are here. July 27 at 8 p.m., Zoetic Theatre, 526 Concession St., Hamilton

HAPPENING IN AUGUST

Hamilton Literary Awards submissions
The Hamilton Literary Awards is an annual program presented by Hamilton Arts Council and gritLIT: Hamilton’s Readers and Writers Festival to recognize and celebrate published authors from the Greater Hamilton Area and Six Nations of the Grand River. Submissions are now being accepted for the 31st annual Hamilton Literary Awards. Awards are presented for books that demonstrate literary excellence in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature. The Hamilton Literary Awards also include the Kerry Schooley Book Award to be given to the book that is most evocative of the City of Hamilton and/or the surrounding area, in relation to themes, settings, and/or subjects. Guidelines are available here. Submissions close Aug. 15.

Sex Workers’ Film and Arts Festival
The Sex Workers' Action Program Hamilton is hosting a two-day sex worker film and arts festival. The first day will show Working Girls (1986) by Lizzie Borden. There will also be panellist speakers at the end of each respective night. The Westdale night will include performances and art on display, including two of the original marquee signs from the Lusty Lady, the world's first once-worker-owned and operated strip club in San Francisco. Aug. 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Playhouse Cinema, 177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton, and Aug. 2, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Westdale Theatre, 1014 King St. W., Hamilton

Festival of Friends
Hamilton’s historic outdoor festival of arts, music, and crafts returns to Gage Park. This festival has been around since 1976, and a trip to the festival has become many Hamiltonians’ favourite family (and friendly) traditions.
The friendliest of free fairs offering guests a midway, vendors, great food, and incredible concerts. Keep an eye on their site for announcements on this year’s performers. Headliners include the Village People, War, Crash Test Dummies, Aaron Goodvin, David Wilcox and a mystery headliner being announced July 6. Get the details here. Aug. 2-4, Gage Park

Roaring Good Time
Lucky Lion Night Market revisits Bayfront Park this August, infusing it with the vibrant energy of a traditional Asian night market. The free event celebrates Asian culture, community, and tradition and offers merchants, live entertainment and food vendors to keep crowds of every age happy. Visitors 19+ will want to stick around for a glow bar, and a DJ-powered dance party. Keep an eye out for the traditional Lion Dancers, thought to bring good luck and fortune – a perfect parting gift for a summer long weekend. More information is here. Aug. 2-5, Bayfront Park.

hArt Music Series
This event will feature original sets by CJ Cruicks, Tesharah, Jaye Woods and AwulaNa, four artists who have just completed The Blueprint, 12-week artist development series for BIPOC artists created and delivered by the Tune in Foundation. Tickets can be purchased here. Since 2021, the hArt Music Series has showcased emerging artists from across the Greater Hamilton Area and Six Nations of the Grand River. Aug. 10, 8 p.m., Main Stage Rehearsal Studios, 747 King St. E., Hamilton

ROMEO+JULIET interactive movie night
This event offers an interactive screening of a 1996 classic film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes and John Leguizamo. The night’s custom drink is THE POISON. Tickets are here. Aug. 10, 8 p.m., The Staircase Theatre, 27 Dundurn St. N.

PRIDE: Hamilton Pride
Save the date – Aug. 10 at Pier 4 Park. Come see local 2SLGBTQ+ businesses, organizations and politicians. Performances by: Suki Doll from Canada's Drag Race, Icesis Couture, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Chelazon Leroux, models OUTtv's Sew Fierce and many local artists.

Dundas Cactus Festival
Dundas is the cactus capital of the world, and it celebrates in style with the Dundas Cactus Festival, which closes down King Street and side streets to traffic. This marks the 49th year of the festival, which kicks off with a parade and features family activities, a car show, tasty treats, live entertainment and plenty of vendors for retail therapy.
More information can be found here. Aug. 16-18

Boots in the Creek
The population of cowboy boots in downtown Stoney Creek will surge this summer, in honour of the local country music festival Boots In The Creek. The fest will take over King Street East and feature activities fit for the whole family, great food and drink, and a whole lot of live music. The diverse country music genre is no one-trick pony and offers something to appeal to every music lover, so head over to the Creek, y’all, and see what the fuss is about. Aug. 16-17.

Hamilton Pyro Fest
One of Canadas largest fireworks shows – choreographed to music – is coming for the first time to Hamilton. Featuring musicians, food trucks, a massive vendor area, kids activities and a huge bouncy castle alley. You can purchase an LED bracelet at the gate that is synchronized to the firework show. More information and tickets here.
Aug. 17, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd., Ancaster

Pitch Blender at the Pier
Earth Wind and Choir is curating a free monthly summer music series that is “family friendly” and “weirdo friendly.” The next installment is Aug. 18 with Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland, Joyful Joyful, and An Shrub x tba (Pitch Blending!). The final night is Sept. 15 with Terry Riley's In C featuring EWC, Ghost Variables and Please x Gary Barwin (Pitch Blending!) The performances will run from 6-8 p.m at the amphitheatre at Pier 8 (big yellow crane beside the HAIDA).

Sundays UnLocked
The monthly Sundays UnLocked features live music, entertainment, artisans, shopping and food and patios. Locke Street South will be pedestrian only from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. from Hunter to Herkimer with through traffic at Charlton. Future dates are Aug. 18 and Sept. 22. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winona Peach Festival
The Winona Peach Festival celebrates Niagara's fuzzy fruit crop with all the peachy treats you can handle, including crepes, cobblers, and the festival’s famous peach sundae. This free festival is organized by 17 not-for-profit organizations. Take in the midway, live entertainment, vendors, and an extensive crafter’s marketplace. Find information here. Aug. 23-25

Pickleball tournament
Get out your paddles in support of a good cause for the second annual DINKS vs. DEMENTIA pickleball tournament. The goal is to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer Society. In case you’re wondering about the name, the “dink” shot is one of the most important tactical pieces of this incredible game. In Canada, one in five families will be impacted by dementia, cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s. Right now, 500,000+ Canadians are living with dementia. By 2030, that number is expected to reach nearly one million. A local family was inspired to take on this project in honour of their mother Olga who has advanced Alzheimer's. Teams consist of four players, two men and two women and will be divided into four divisions based on a skills assessment. Register here. Aug. 24, 10 a.m., Confederation Beach Park, 105 North Service Rd., Hamilton

Burlington Ribfest
Canada’s largest celebration of ribs at Spencer Smith Park features the delicacies of ribbers from the U.S. and Canada cooking up something great from their colourful booths. Plenty of non-rib options are also available, as are treats for the vegetarians who walk among us. Ribfest includes a midway, beer garden and live music performances that run all weekend long and lend a party atmosphere fitting for the last weekend of summer.
More information is here. Aug. 30-Sept. 2

Beatles in Blue
Beatles in Blue reimagines your favourite Beatles songs with a blues twist! This rockin' quartet led by rock and blues performer Doug Varty serves up the Fab Four's greatest hits like "Can't Buy Me Love," "Ticket to Ride," and "Hey Jude" and showcases masterful guitar, blues harp, piano, soulful vocals, and a relentless powerhouse rhythm featuring some of Canada's finest musicians. Varty has appeared on stage with Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Rush, Roy Orbison, and Meatloaf and recording more than 25 albums since 1970. Tickets are here. Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m., Royal Canadian Legion Branch 622, Stoney Creek, 12 King St. E.

HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER

Call for submissions: Hamilton Art Fair
The Hamilton Art Fair, is a new and exclusive event at The Cotton Factory in the heart of Hamilton's vibrant artistic community. This unique opportunity celebrates the city's industrial strength and creative spirit, inviting submissions from artists in various mediums at all stages of their careers. The Cotton Factory encourages artists from all equity groups to apply. Join us in showcasing your talent and contributing to Hamilton's flourishing contemporary art scene! Apply here. The opening reception will be held Sept. 26 and the event will feature talks, presentations and cocktail events. Beginning Sept. 25, The Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton

Festitalia
Tickets are now on sale for the opening reception for Hamilton’s Festitalia, the celebration of all things Italian. Enjoy a live performance by Vinz DeRosa as he transports you back to Italy while indulging in authentic Italian dishes. Tickets are available here. Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m., Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, 1555 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton

Theatre Burlington
Theatre Burlington 2024-25 season features a lineup of Canadian plays. The season kicks off with The Invention of Romance by Conni Massing. Love can be tough at any age. Thirty-something Kate searches for the meaning of romance through a series of disastrous dates. Meanwhile, her long-widowed mother rekindles a relationship with a man she knew 60 years ago. This delightful rom-com challenges the notions of love and romance. Tickets are here. Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 (Sept. 21 includes a matinee). Theatre Burlington, 2311 New St., Burlington

Sidewalk Sounds
The Concession Street BIA hosts monthly music and entertainment performances during summer Fridays and next up is Sept. 20. The event features live music by Hamilton artists, games and activities and a sidewalk night market. Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Telling Tales
Telling Tales,Canada’s beloved children’s literary festival, returns with more than 40 authors from its new Reading List, a fresh look, and a renewed commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The 16th annual festival is a free, two-day event on Sept. 21-22 at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park. It features top Canadian authors and illustrators that celebrate and foster shared community values. Telling Tales highlights books that reflect the rich tapestry of our neighbourhoods, offering children and teens stories that feature a wide range of experiences and perspectives within engaging narratives. This year, in response to audience feedback, festival programming tents will be organized by age groups. This will make it easier for kids, parents, and caregivers to find suitable and appealing authors and illustrators. All festival presentations will be supported multi-sensory activities customized in conversation with a local cccupational therapist and Telling Tales programming team. The 2024 Reading List features books by familiar faces such as Kevin Sylvester as well as new voices. Kids under 6 will love Sylv Chiang’s Still My Tessa, a heartwarming story about a sibling using new pronouns, while older kids and teens will get the chance to meet Eric Walters and Wali Shah, authors of Call Me Al. This year, kids and teens can access curated bingo cards to plan their summer reading list and access special discounts at official festival bookstores A Different Drummer Books and Epic Books. Visit tellingtales.org for more information.

Supercrawl
Supercrawl is a colossal multi-disciplined celebration of music, visual arts, fashion, spoken and written word and more are showcased at this free event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and takes over James Street North in the most amazing way. The jewel in the Supercrawl crown is the music, with ongoing live performances providing the booming soundtrack to the event. It's an awesome street party that must be seen to be believed.
Lineups are available at supercrawl.ca. Sept 13-15

Binbook Fair
Binbrook Fair is a quintessential fall agricultural fair that has been delivering horses, livestock, kids crafts and great fair food for 171 years. There is also a demolition derby, rodeo, and a baby show. More information can be found here. Sept. 12-15

Ancaster Fair
This will be the 174th Ancaster Fair, making it a slightly older sister to the Binbrook Fair. Fairs are a reminder of just how important Hamilton's farmland is to all of us. More information is here. Sept. 19-22

HAPPENING IN OCTOBER

Dundas Studio Tour
The 27^th annual Dundas Studio Tour returns this October, featuring five studios locations and 33 artists in and around Dundas. Admission is free. The theme this year’s event is  COMMUNITY and how artists, acknowledge, experience, and celebrate COMMUNITY. Come and experience the autumn colour and charm of the historic Valley Town with us artistic excellence. Save the date: Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.    

RECURRING EVENTS

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. 237 James St. N.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big 80s Energy
Were you fortunate enough to experience the joys of 80s music the first time around (hi!) or were you introduced to the magnitude of its awesomeness at a different time? Either way, fans of that dot on the musical landscape are invited to hit the Casbah’s dance floor on the first Saturday of each month, when DJs Mark and DMurk host their Risky Biz 80s night. The music that came out of that decade was eclectic and revolutionary – and having a monthly celebration of this fact is totally rad. See you there. First Saturdays of the month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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