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Summertime in Hamilton is jammed packed with activities and events for all ages. It’s the best season to get out and explore what this city has to offer for residents and visitors alike. Here is our list of 20 Must Do Events and Activities in Hamilton this summer:
1.Imagine in the Park
What: an arts festival for kids (Free!)
When: Saturday, June 3 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Gage Park – near the bandshell, rain or shine
2. Re-live history by watching the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
What: Discover Canadian heritage and re-live firsthand the thrill and pageantry of the battle that was a turning point of the War of 1812.
Where: Battlefield House Museum and Park – 77 King Street West (Stoney Creek)
When: June 3 – 4
3.Pride Family Picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens
What: Celebrate Pride Month with a family-friendly gathering in Partnership with Queer with Kids. Bring a picnic and stay to play
When: June 11 from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm (note: pre-registration is recommended)
Where: The Arboretum at the RBG (16 Old Guelph Rd)
4.Art Crawl
What: A long-running, trendy one-stop shop to experience the city’s art, music, and food scenes, while shopping locally, people-watching, and taking in some city sights all at once. This year marks the first time James Street will be closed to car traffic.
When: the second Friday of every month
Where: James Street North
5.Farm Crawl
What: A popular, non-profit event where local farmers open their doors and share genuine farm experiences (note: tickets can be purchased online)
When: June 24, July 29, and September 16
Where: various locations around Hamilton
6.Artsfest
What: A celebration of music, arts, theatre, and dance
When: June 23 – 25 and August 11 – 13
Where: Westdale Village
7.Hamilton Mountain Rib and Beer Fest
What: ribs and beer!
When: June 30 – July 2
Where: CF Lime Ridge Mall (NE lot near Fortinos)
8.It’s Your Festival
What: A Canada Day celebration organized by the Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council
When: July 1 – 3
Where: Gage Park
9.Music in the Gardens
What: Bring a lawn chair or pack a blanket, grab a cold drink, and enjoy performances featuring local and award-winning musicians on the beautiful grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens
When: Sunday evenings from July 2 to August 27
Where: Hendrie Park
10.Because Beer Craft Beer Festival
What: A craft beer festival featuring live music (including Dwayne Gretzky and Terra Lightfoot!) and food trucks (note: this is a ticketed event)
When: July 14 – 15
Where: Pier 4 Park
11.Hamilton Fringe Festival
What: an annual theatre and performing arts festival
When: July 19 – 30
Where: various sites all over Hamilton
12.Ancaster Ribs and Beer Festival
What: ribs and beer!
When: July 21 – 23
Where: Ancaster Fair Grounds
13.Festival of Friends
What: An outdoor music, art, and crafts festival held annually since 1976. This one is not to be missed – the headliners are always great
When: August 4 – 6
Where: Gage Park
14.Dundas Cactus Festival
What: one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario – music, arts, food, and more
When: August 18 – 20
Where: Downtown Dundas
15.Winona Peach Festival
What: An annual celebration of the peach harvest in Niagara with a midway, great food, and live music
Where: Winona Park (note: parking on site can be tough but the HSR runs free shuttles from Eastgate Square)
When: August 25 – 27
16.Shakespeare in the Garden
What: The Driftwood Theatre presents, Living with Shakespeare – a love letter to the poetry and plays of William Shakespeare on the grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens
Where: the Laking Garden at the RBG
When: August 25 to 27 (note: this is a ticketed event)
17.SUPERCRAWL
What: the epic arts and music festival that marks the unofficial end of the summer
Where: James Street North from King to Barton
When: September 8 – 10
18.Binbrook Fair
What: the 170th anniversary of this exciting agricultural fair
When: September 15 – 17
Where: Binbrook Fair Grounds
19.Take guided tour of Dundurn Castle
What: The Dundurn Castle National Historic Site offers daily, guided tours of the buildings and the grounds. (note: it gets busy in the summer so you should book ahead)
Where: Dundurn Castle (610 York Blvd)
When: throughout the year
20.Storytime in the Gallery
What: a morning of stories, exploration, and art-making for preschoolers and their caregivers at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
When: the first Tuesday of the month throughout the summer
Where: The Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King Street W)
Want to learn more about all things Hamilton? Check out our Hamilton Neighbourhood Guides for everything you need to know about living in Hamilton.
