Throughout the year, Hamilton hosts festivals and events that include cultural, outdoor, and sports experiences. Festivals and events bring people together and offer a great way to discover a community. Each season, Hamilton has a variety of festivals to enjoy – browse through all of the festival options, or select by date.
These festivals and activities provide ample opportunities for families to bond, explore, and create lasting memories together in Hamilton, Ontario. The following festivals and events are presented in various locations in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
To May 20, 2024
EXHIBIT – Space to Spoon
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Main hangar
Time: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: Exhibit is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $16, Senior (65+) $14, Student (13 – 17) $14, Youth (6 – 12) $11. Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
Space to Spoon is a hands-on experience, with stunning graphics and interactive elements for visitors of all ages. The science, technology, and innovation that transform satellite images into agricultural applications are showcased in a way that encourages informal science learning for all ages. Space to Spoon demonstrates how space technology benefits Canadian farmers and sustainable agriculture. It also highlights the Canadian Space Agency’s Earth observation satellite, RADARSAT-2, and its cutting-edge successor, RADARSAT Constellation. This new exhibit is on loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canadian Space Agency.
May 4 – 5, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Door Open Hamilton
Various Locations
Come and celebrate music in The Hammer. With theatres, churches, music schools, pubs, costume shops and a lab that researches the effect of music on the human psyche, Hamilton has it all. Many sites will have music, demonstrations and participant interaction. Enjoy Doors Open Hamilton Region — and explore over 50 sites, including four walking tours.
May 10-12, 2024
Lucky Lion Night Market
Bayfront Park
luckylionnightmarket.ca
Bring your friends and family out for a culinary adventure when the Lucky Lion Night Market returns to Bayfront Park this spring. Celebrate Asian culture and sample culinary delights from diverse and talented vendors. While enjoying your food, stroll through the park and experience interactive lion dancers. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
To May 20, 2024
EXHIBIT – Space to Spoon
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Main hangar
Time: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: Exhibit is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $16, Senior (65+) $14, Student (13 – 17) $14, Youth (6 – 12) $11. Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
Space to Spoon is a hands-on experience, with stunning graphics and interactive elements for visitors of all ages. The science, technology, and innovation that transform satellite images into agricultural applications are showcased in a way that encourages informal science learning for all ages. Space to Spoon demonstrates how space technology benefits Canadian farmers and sustainable agriculture. It also highlights the Canadian Space Agency’s Earth observation satellite, RADARSAT-2, and its cutting-edge successor, RADARSAT Constellation. This new exhibit is on loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canadian Space Agency.
May 24-25, 2025 at Playhouse Cinema
May 26, 2024 at Zoetic Theatre
Hamilton Black Film 2022 Festival
The Hamilton Black Film Festival (HBFF) is an annual festival that showcases cultural and traditional films of African/Caribbean, Native, Asian, and Middle Eastern filmmakers, and other films of ethnic inclusion. Hamilton Black Film Festival (HBFF) continues to uphold our commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and social change. We continue to create opportunities for emerging black filmmakers, encouraging them to fearlessly tell their stories and shape the narrative of our shared humanity. Through the medium of film, they have shared stories that have made us laugh, cry, reflect, and question. We have shed light on the untold stories. This year we are fortunate to have films with good stories that highlight BIPOC journey across the globe: Canada, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Itay, Martinique, United Kingdom, and USA.
May 28-30, 2024
Hamilton Children’s Water Festival
Pier 4 Park – 64 Leander Dr, Hamilton
The Hamilton Children’s Water Festival in 2024 will take place in person (with virtual activities available) and is an opportunity to educate students about the importance of water conservation, protection, awareness, respect, science technology, history and health. Teachers can register to attend one of three festival days. Space is extremely limited and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each activity is based on the Ontario Curriculum and is provided by our close community partners such as Green Venture, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the City of Hamilton, McMaster University and many more!
The ultimate goal is to foster decision-makers, initiate the process of behavioural change, empower children to initiate change within their homes, schools and communities, and to encourage children to become catalysts for change by taking information and newfound respect back to their own environment.
June 5-14, 2024
Hamilton Arts Week
Various Hamilton Locations
https://www.hamiltonartscouncil.ca/artsweek
This week-long event celebrates the city’s vibrant arts scene with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and special events at various venues across Hamilton. It’s a great opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the local arts community.
June 15-16, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
60th Anniversary Celebration!
Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Celebrating Westfield’s 60th Anniversary on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 from 12 PM to 4 PM! There will be plenty to see and do around the village and conservation area including:
- New interactive garden open
- Tracey-Mae Chambers Installation
- Many historical buildings open with costumed interpreters and demonstrations
- Steam Traction Engine wagon rides
- Blacksmith demonstrations at the Blacksmith Shop
- Interactive rug hooking demonstrations in the Hardware Store
- Costume and Memorabilia Exhibit at the Mountsberg Church
- Loft Exhibit at the Dorman House
- Hourly nature tours through the conservation area
- All-day musical entertainment
The General Store and Gift Shop will also be open for sodas, candies, souvenirs, gifts and more! Regular admission fees apply and a reservation is not required.
July 6 to 7, 2024
Air Force 100 Weekend
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: TBA
Celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th Anniversary – See the largest gathering in 2024 of RCAF type aircraft – from World War II to current. While not an air show, you can meet current members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, see their aircraft up close on the ground and learn the many roles performed by Canada’s Air Force today.
From modern aircraft from the RCAF to the collection of vintage military aircraft from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, visitors will have a chance to view 50+ military aircraft on the ground close up. The Lancaster will also be open for tours through it.
INVITED (awaiting confirmation): RCAF CP-140 Aurora, CC-130 Hercules, CH-146 Griffon, CH-147 Chinook, CC-150 Polaris, CT-156 Harvard II, and CC-177 Globemaster, Waterloo Warbirds T-33.
CONFIRMED ON DISPLAY: Canadian Forces CF-18 Demo Team, Hannu Halminen’s P-51D Mustang.
NOTE: Aircraft appearances are subject to change due to weather, serviceability and operational commitments. No refunds, exchanges, or rain cheques.
August 4-5, 2024 |12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fairies in the Forest
Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Enjoy another magical fairy event for every age at Westfield Heritage Village on Sunday, August 4 and Monday, August 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Discover the unique world of the fairies’ tiny lives as you explore the buildings and forests. Let your imagination soar with miniature dioramas of the 1800s including log houses, Victorian shops and little homes, and features in the woods.
Shop at the General Store and Gift Shop, and don’t miss the special Fairy Shoppe. A selection of historical buildings will be open with our volunteers dressed in period clothing, providing historical demonstrations and activities. Remember to stop in at the Fairy Craft Center to make your own winged creature. Hike the trails and enjoy the unique natural features. This is a great time to meet with family and friends for a delightful day.
September 13-15, 2024
Supercrawl
James St. North, Hamilton
https://supercrawl.ca
This annual festival celebrates arts and culture with live music performances, art installations, food vendors, and activities for all ages. It takes place in downtown Hamilton and attracts thousands of visitors.
September 22, 2024
Vintage Wheels & Wings
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Admission: Adults $16 (Age 18+), Kids $12 (Ages 6-17). Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under. Complimentary passes are not valid for this special event.
VEHICLE PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED! To display a vehicle, cost is $10 – includes one vintage vehicle, driver and three passengers.
Drop by to view the beautiful collection of vintage cars and aircraft. Pre-registered car owners can have our photographers take pictures of their car in front of a vintage aircraft for a minimum cash donation of $5 to the Museum. Consider a VINTAGE vehicle to be one that was manufactured 20 years ago or more (so 2004 or older). As this is an outdoor event, some car owners may elect to leave early if inclement weather is expected.
October 26-27, 2024 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Halloween Pumpkin Party
Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Enjoy Westfield’s Annual Halloween Pumpkin Party, on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors, young and old, are encouraged to wear their favourite Halloween costumes as they enjoy the sites and activities planned for the day. Enjoy traditional pumpkin and Halloween-themed games, try a scavenger hunt, check out carved pumpkins in the barn, and capture a family photo at one of the photo backdrops. There will also be cooking and baking demonstrations at a number of the historical homes, and each prepared recipe will contain pumpkin as an ingredient. Take a recipe home to try yourself! This event is intended for all ages, and there will be a couple of spooky options for those feeling a little more brave.
November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am – ARRIVE EARLY – Limited capacity.
Admission: Parking and admission are free all day. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum requests you to join the day of remembrance at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum where we will be honouring those who served our country with a special indoor Remembrance Day service. Our service will also recognize the valiant men and women of today’s Canadian Forces who build upon the honoured, sacred legacy of our fallen heroes.
- The year’s guest speaker is TBA.
- The Museum offers limited seating with additional standing room, so it is best to arrive early. Weather permitting, the Lancaster will perform a fly by for the service at 11:02 am.
- The service can be watched on CHCH-TV, streaming at chch.com/live or YouTube.
- Donations of non-perishable food are also being accepted for the Hamilton Food Share.
Lest we forget.
December 8 and 15, 2024 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Christmas in the Woods
Westfield Heritage Village 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Gather together with family and friends for a winter wonderland of fun for Westfield Heritage Village’s Christmas in the Woods, on Sundays, December 8 and 15, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
The Village will be decorated for the season with swags, greenery and old-fashioned decorations, and offers delightful activities inside and out. Christmas baking, carol singing, Father Christmas, and a model train diorama will delight visitors. Dress for the weather and enjoy the great outdoors with wagon rides, free popcorn, scavenger hunt, and a lovely walk in the winter forest. Then warm up by the roaring fire, while enjoying some old-fashioned Christmas treats. The General Store and Gift Shop will be open, and the Ironwood will have delicious light refreshments available.
February 2025
Hamilton Winterfest
Auchmar, Hamilton
https://www.hamiltonwinterfest.ca
Experience Winterfest safely – in-person and online! Hamilton Winterfest is a flurry of activities spanning February 2025, that is local, imaginative, and unique to Hamilton and its surrounding areas. More than 60 events across the city from pancake breakfasts to art exhibitions, and concerts to sporting events. Check out all that’s on offer from the Hamilton Public Library and our Civic Museums. Loads of FREE events.
February 2025
Frost Bites Festival
Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre, 876 Cannon St. E.
https://hftco.ca/frost-bites
Now in its 9th year, Frost Bites is a one-week community-embedded festival with a smorgasbord of FREE activities and events for all ages.
From February 2025 enjoy storytelling in French and English, music workshops, ice skating traditional hide tanning, Anishinaabemowin language games, and more — culminating in a handmade lantern-led Procession of Light through the streets of Ward 3. There is so much to keep the whole family engaged for a week in February!
Frost Bites events are offered FREE to everyone with the festival developed in the community and for the community.
March 30, 2025
Around the Bay Road Race
Downtown Hamilton
https://bayrace.com
Hamilton’s Around the Bay Road Race is the oldest on the continent, first run in 1894, three years before the Boston Marathon. Rich in tradition, it has been won by the best from around the world, including Boston Marathon winners and Olympic gold medallists. Become part of the continuing tradition by running this challenging course around Hamilton’s natural harbour!
