Festival
| Date
| Comments |
Around the Bay Road Race
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End March
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Hamilton's Around the Bay 30k Road Race is the oldest on the continent, first run in 1894, three years before the Boston Marathon. It has been run and won by the best from around the world, including Olympic gold medallists Attend the Dofasco Pasta Dinner, Saturday night at Copps Coliseum with great speakers.
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Royal Botanical Gardens' Lilac Festival
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End of May
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The festival features some 800 varieties of the fragrant shrubs in a multitude of colors. The Royal Botanical Gardens' three other outdoor display gardens and the RBG Centre include a restaurant and gift shop. Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Arboretum's Lilac Dell, the world's largest collection of lilacs. Entertainment, food and more.
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West
Burlington ON L7T 4H4
Canada
: 905-527-1158
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The Roger's Spring Music Festival
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Mid-May
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The four day Spring Music Festival draws international talent and draws attention to local artists with 12 events at eight locations throughout Hamilton and Burlington. Annual musicians conference at the Sheraton Hamilton is free for the public to attend (first time in 2006).
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Dundas International Buskingfest
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Early June
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A carnival atmosphere with top street performers from all over the world participating in street theatre, music, magic and more in the historic Town of Dundas.Runs Firday evening, Saturday & Sunday afternoon & evening.
Dundas Downtown B.I.A. (905)628-4648
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Re-Enactment of Battle of Stoney Creek
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Early June
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Bring the family to commemorate one of the most important events in Canadian history, this battle in the War of 1812. Other activities include games, live music and fireworks.
Feld at Battlefield House Museum and Park National Historic Site, 77 King Street West, in Stoney Creek 905-662-8458
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Iris & Peony Celebration
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Mid June
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Sundays at
www.rbg.ca/
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West
Burlington ON L7T 4H4
Canada
: 905-527-1158
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Hamilton Pride Festival
|
Mid June
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This week long festival celebrates gays, lesbians and other sexual orientations. Events include Mr. & Miss Hamilton Pride Pageant, All You Can Eat Pasta Fundraiser , The Dating Game: Gay Edition fundraiser , Gala Reception & Pride Awards. Pride Parade. Various locations. 905-528-0207x45
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Hamilton International Tattoo, The
|
Mid June
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Central Canada's premier annual military tattoo,. Thrill to the sounds of the Pipes and Drums, Brass Bands, and some of the world's finest military and civilian performers.
905-523-1753
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Professional Bull Riders
|
June
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A fantastic benefit rodeo featuring bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and much more. 2 evenings.
Copps Coliseum
905-383-2020x22
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The Hamilton Highland Games & Scottish Festival
|
late June
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Canadian Pipe Band Championships, highland dance competition, heavy events, childrens area, beer tent. Cost: $5. At Ancaster Fairgrounds
Garner Road East, Ancaster,
905-524-5886
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Hamilton Port Days
|
end June
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Port Days event is a collection of nautically themed activities including displays, exhibits, contests, giveaways, food & beverage and entertainment.
Attractions include the Summer Water Sports water ski team, a Classic Car Cruise, land and water tours, a children's area, burgers and a beer garden.
Events center around the Canada Marine Discovery Centre grounds on Pier 8 at the foot of James Street North. Contact Hamilton Port Authority at 905-525-4330.Cancelled for 2009
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Paws In The Garden
|
end June
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Enjoy a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens with "man's best friend" for a pawsitively great time! In addition to the gardens and trials, there'll be plenty fo fun, food and festivities for fido and the whole family.
Royal Botanical Gardens - Hendrie Park Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens
680 Plains Road West
Burlington ON L7T 4H4
Canada
: 905-527-1158
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Canada Day Celebrations
|
July 1
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Join us for an evening of entertainment. Tune into Oldies 1150, 102.9 K-Lite FM or 820 CHAM for your musical fireworks! Music begins at 7pm. Free.
Bayfront and Peir 4 Parks
709 Simcoe Street West by Bay Street
905-546-2424x2747
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It's Your Festival
|
Start July
|
annual event that celebrates Canada's birthday with arts and crafts, international foods, a midway and musical performances. Hamilton Folk Arts Heritaage Council. Admission is free. 1 905 525-2297
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Bustles and Biscuits Festival
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July & August (Sundays & Holidays)
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Leisurely afternoon enjoying tea & homemade tea biscuits at the Gillen House. Enjoy period fashions in a mini-fashion show at 2pm. Tour through some of Ontario's oldest buildings including the pioneer home, artisan workshop, church, school, train station and store dating from 1790 to 1925. Cost: Adults $7 / Children 6-12 $4. Sundays and holidays from 12:30pm - 4pm.
Westfield Heritage Village (Rockton)
1049 Regional Road 552
Other, L0R 1X0
1-800-883-0104.
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Hamilton Waterfest Dragonboat Race
|
Early July
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Come see more than 30 dragonboat teams race across the bay for fun, for glory, and to raise funds in support of Bay Area Restoration Council & Lively Dragon (BARC)'s programs.
Bayfront Park
Bay Street North
Hamilton,
905-527-7111
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Rose Celebration
|
Early July
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Royal Botanical Gardens - Hendrie Park Gardens
http://www.rbg.ca arath@rbg.ca
Celebrate the beauty of The Gardens' two acres of roses in full boom, with activities for the kids, live entertainment, garden tours. 905-527-1158x252
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Gore Park Summer Music Festival
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Mid July
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Top Canadian musical talent on main stage, Kidsfest, guitar clinics, Art in the Park vendors and contests, gala opening ($), local food vendors, Hamilton talent hunt competition for local vocal artists. Downtown Hamilton BIA
905-523-1646
Gore Park,
Downtown Hamilton at King Street
Watch for local talent auditions end of May
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Festival Of Friends - Hamilton
|
Mid August
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With four stages of musical concerts and workshops, the annual Festival of Friends is a "Celebration of the Arts". Fee Admission Gage Park, off LawrenceRd by the Roselawn Lawn Bowling Club
905-777-9777
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Valens Beach Party
|
Early August
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Games, sand sculpture contest, prizes and more. uns from 11:30am - 3:30pm. Cost: Car and driver $7 / Each passenger $3 / Maximum per car $16
Hamilton Conservation Authority 905-525-2183 or 519-621-6029
Valens Conservation Area
1691 Regional Road 97
Flamborough
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Westfield's Ice Cream Festival
|
Early August
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Experience the fun and nostalgia of ice cream from pioneer and Victorian times to the Rock & Roll era. Live music, horse and wagon rides, antique cars, magic show, period dancing, crafts, games and living history. Sun &and Mon from 10am - 4pm. Cost: Adult $9.50 / Children 6-12 $5.50 Free parking. Hamilton Conservation Authority
800-883-0104
Westfield Heritage Village (Rockton)
1049 Regional Road 552
Flamborough, L0R 1X0
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Anne of Green Gables™ Day
|
Mid September
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Become part of Avonlea and the life of Canada's favourite literary character, entertaining activities for the whole family. 10am - 4pm. Anne look-alike contest at 1pm. (with advance Registration) 1-800-883-0104.
Westfield Heritage Village (Rockton)
1049 Regional Road 552
Flamborough,
Cost: Adults $9.50 / Children 6-12 $5.50
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Brott Summer Music Festival
|
May to August
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The 20th anniversary season of one of Canada's largest music festivals, it features classical, jazz, pops and chamber music concerts. Boris Brott conducts the National Academy Orchestra. Telephone: (905) 525-SONG Toll free: 1-888-475-9377 Fax: (905) 526-9934
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Gore Park Music Festival
|
Mid July
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905-523-1646
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Flamboro Downs Breeders Stakes
|
Mid-July
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Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8,
Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Art Gallery of Hamilton International Film and Video Festival: photophobia
|
August
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Now entering its eighth year, Hamilton's annual celebration of film, video and contemporary media is free of restrictions, free of themes and provides audiences with the opportunity to view the unexpected and the experimental on select Thursday evenings during the month of August.
Admission: $5 Location: Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden, AGH. 905-527-6610
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Westfield Ice Cream Festival
|
early August
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Taste ice cream from pioneer and Victorian times to the Rock & Roll era. Live music, horse and wagon rides, antique cars, magic show, period dancing, crafts, games and living history make the perfect topping for the perfect family outing. Adults $9.50, Seniors/Disabled $8.50, Youth 6-12 years of age $5.50, Children 5 years and under are free, Parking is free. Runs from 10am -4pm. Westfield Heritage Village (Rockton)
1049 Regional Road 552
Flamborough, L0R 1X0
Cost: Adult $10 / Children 6-12 $5
800-883-0104
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Hamilton Mardigras Carnival
|
Mid August
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The Hamilton Mardi Gras Carnival features a number of lively festivities, including an authentic Caribbean parade (starts at Jackson St, behind city hall and then north on James), carnival games and rides (at Bayrfront Park), cultural dance performances, live music, a dance party, exhibitions and more.
905-525-2272
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Canusa Games
|
Mid August
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Alternating years between Flint Michigan and Hamilton, the CanUSA games have run since 1958, through the joint efforts of the Canadian and United States Amateur Athletic Unions. 2006 & 2008 games are in Hamilton. (905) 546-2424 ext.2537
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Festival of Friends
|
Mid August
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Creative Arts has hosted this FREE Admission musical talent event, held in Gage Park ,
905-777-9777 fax 905-777-9019
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Brott Summer Music Festival - Contemporary Festival - High Tea
|
Mid August
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Venues range from traditional indoor theatres to outdoor settings and "rooms with views" at Dundurn Castle, Ancaster Old Mill, Royal Botanical Gardens. Single tickets from $8-$35. Subscription packages are available.
905-525-7664
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Hamilton Fringe Festival
|
late August
|
Hamilton's Fringe Festival draws performers and companies from across Canada and as far away as India. The festival is dedicated to presenting new and emerging artists who perform innovative and exciting theatre. The revenue from ticket sales *$8-$10) goes directly to performers. Venues seat between 50 -100 seats and are general admission. Avid Fringers can buy a Festival Pass, good for 10 shows (2 people) at a cost of $60.
Hamilton Fringe Office
20 Hughson St. S. Suite 807, L8N 2A1
Phone: 905-523-1646
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Dundas Cactus Festival
|
Late Aug
|
Dundas is internationally recognized for the Cacti produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, and the 3 day "Cactus Festival". Includes a parade, a town-wide sidewalk sale, and entertainment
Phone: (905) 627-0926
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Confederation Cup XXX at Flamboro Downs
|
Late August
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The Confederation Cup, running for over 30 years is the finest day in Canadian harness racing has to offer.
Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8, Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Winona Peach Festival
|
End August
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This 3 day 40-year old festival attracts 230,000 visitors. The event includes "Canada's Traveling Theme Park" midway from Robertson Amusements Magicians, Children's Entertainers, Young Performers, Food sampling with 92 different foods and 28 different beverages, and a commercial area with echibits and items for sale. Meet the Winona Peach Queen Pageant, crowned each July. Free Admission Take the QEW just east of Stoney Creek to the Fifty Road exit, then south to Barton St.
Phone: 905-643-2084
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Flamboro Downs Breeders Stakes
|
End Aug
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Flamboro Downs
Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8, Parking and admission is always FREE. 905-627-3561
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Festitalia
|
September
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Festitalia is an opportunity to share with all Hamiltonians the Italian love of life and showcase fine food, wine, music, culture, the arts and faith. Events include Soccer tournaments, concerts, regional food nights, Mass at the Cathedral, Author's night and Champion's Dinner. 905-383 3551
Various lacations around Hamilton
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Hamilton Annual Mustard Festival
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Labout Day weekend, September
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Three days of entertainment, food, patios and fun, with free admission in the International Village,
Ferguson Station
Ferguson Ave. North between King St. East and King William,
in the heart of International ViIllage. 905-522-1778
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Westitalia'06 - Where everybody's Italian
|
Early September
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This 3 day festival, in Westdale Village. 905-526-6134
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Locke Street Festival
|
Early Spetember
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Annual street festival on Locke Street South (LoSo). 905-523-5018
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Binbrook Fair
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Mid-September
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Fall fair at the Binbrook fairgrounds: 905-692-4003
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Apple Festival at Puddicombe Estate Farms & Winery
|
Mid-September
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Annual fall fair, celebrating the apple harvest. Enjoy the apple pie, apple cider and the apple of your eye. Many activities. 905-643-1015
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Anne of Green Gables Day at Westfield Heritage Village
|
Mid September
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Step into the pages of L.M. Montgomery's masterpiece and become part of Avonlea and the life of Canada's favourite literary character by enjoying a variety of entertaining activities for the whole family. Anne look-alike contest at 1pm (registrations required in advance). Ironwood guest catered by the Ancaster Lions Club.
Admission: Adults $8.50, Youth 6-12 yrs. $4.50, kids 5 and under are free. Vehicle pass allows the passengers of the vehicle in free.
1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, L0R 1X0
519-621-8851, 1-800-883-0104
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Ancaster Fair
|
Late September
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Since 1850, the present Ancaster Agricultural Society was organized and held its first fair. Since 1950 has held the 3 day Fair at its current location.. Admission: Adults $7, kids to Grade 8 $1.
Marritt Hall
625 Garner Rd. E., (Hwy 53)
Ancaster, Ontario
L9G 3K9
(905) 648-6198
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West 49 Canadian Open World Cup Skateboard Event
|
End September
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DC Launch Party at the Hamilton Convention Centre, Billabong Street Course, Pizza Pizza Rail Rumble, Vert Skaters Invitational Events at Copps Coliseum
604-228-2010
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The Great Romantics Festival
|
Early October
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The City of Hamilton in association with The American Liszt Society and School of the Arts, McMaster University presents the International Great Romantics Festival. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, which will present an orchestral concert, and piano, lieder, and organ recitals take up much of the rest of the festival. Registration is $125, banquet at Hamilton Convention Centre is $65.
905-525-9140 ext.23674
http://www.artset.net/greatromantics.html
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Angelfest
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Mid-Nov to mid-January
|
The highlight of this 10-week annual festival is the dazzling Angel Trail, which follows the Wine Route from Hamilton to St. Catherine's and is perfect for a leisurely drive through a winter wonderland. The festival has numerous events, including a Santa Claus parade, a festival of trees, dinner theatre, concerts and more. Be sure to sample the goods at the participating wineries.
Various Locations West Niagara ON
905 945-8319
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Rockton World's Fair
|
Early October
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Rockton Musical Ride, Thrill Show Productions Demolition Derby, Craft Show and Sale, Antique Machinery in Motion, Karaoke Contest, Campbell Amusements Midway (Friday Unlimited rides for $25.00
from 5 pm to closing). Admission adults $9, stdents $2. Cash (no debit or credit cards)
http://www.rocktonworldsfair.com
Phone: 519-647-2502
Toll Free: 1-866-985-2002
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Chrysanthemum Show
|
End October
|
The Chrysanthemum Show is an amazing floral display created by some of Hamilton's finest Horticulture Staff. The display will be breathtaking featuring over 100 varieties of Chrysanthemums and over 75,000 blooms! "A Walk in the Woods" is the theme for 2006.
Visitors will enjoy wandering through "the woods", enjoying the seasons as they go. The show features trade show booths for the gardening enthusiast as well as an educational house and a delightful tea room. Gage Park, 10 am to 8 pm. Admission:Children under 5 free, 5 - 12 years old: $2.00, 13 - 54 years old: $3.00, 55 years and over $2.00.
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4179
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Haunted Historical Halloween at Westfield Heritage Village
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End October
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Bone up on your history and folklore and discover the origins and traditions of Halloween's past. Explore plays and presentations guaranteed to tantalize and enthrall the whole family. Friday & Saturday evening.
Admission: Adults $8.50, Youth 6-12 yrs. $4.50, kids 5 and under are free. Vehicle pass allows the passengers of the vehicle in free.
Phone: 519-621-8851
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Hamilton Writers Festival
|
Start November
|
This annual event, also known as 'GritLit', brings together established and emerging Canadian literary talents in a three-day reading and writing extravaganza. Sessions cover numerous different genres, including sports, children's, international and political literatures, as well as live poetry reading events.
Hamilton Downtown Cultural Centre
28 Rebecca Street L8R 1B4
905 972-0369
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Victorian Christmas at Dundurn National Historic Site
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Mid-Nov to end December
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Dundurn Castle is decorated in Victorian Christmas splendour by the Garden Club of Hamilton, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how the MacNab family would have celebrated the season, as well as the servants who lived and worked below the stairs. Dundurn Castle open daily 12pm to 4pm. Admission is $10.00 adults, $8.00 student and seniors, $5.00 children (age 6-14), kids 5 & under are free, family rate of $25.00.
Phone: 905-546-4872 ext. 24
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'Twas the Night Before Christmas at Westfield Heritage Village
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Saturdays in December
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Celebrate Christmas past from the Georgian to the modern eras and feel the warmth of the season through plays, food samples, fireworks, horse and wagon rides and a visit from Saint Nick. 5 to 9 pm
Admission: Adults $8.50, Youth 6-12 yrs. $4.50, kids 5 and under are free. Vehicle pass allows the passengers of the vehicle in free.
Phone: 519-621-8851
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