The Hamilton Stadium turns 10 with a community celebration. A Latino festival takes over Gage Park. And a country music festival in the east end. The summer in Hamilton is far from over. Here’s a list of things to do in the area this weekend.
Weekend-long and ongoing events
The annual Hamilton Latino Festival starts Friday at Gage Park near the stage. This will be the free festival’s sixth iteration.
The festival will have several music acts over its three days, including musicians from Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, Brazil and more. There will also be several food and craft vendors at the park throughout the weekend celebrating Latin American culture.
Music acts start at 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mornings will start with aerobics and Zumba sessions.
The second iteration of the Dylan Isaacs Memorial Basketball Tournament is underway in Six Nations of the Grand River this week in the Dajoh Youth and Elders Centre at 1738 Fourth Line.
The tournament is open to all. It started Aug. 14 and the finals are Sunday. The tournament is held in honour of Dylan Isaacs, who was killed in Florida following a Miami Dolphins football game.
Also starting Friday, the Boots in the Creek festival kicks off its two-day event celebrating country music.
The festival takes place along King Street E. in Stoney Creek on Aug. 15 and 16. Entry to the festival is free and it runs from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Musical performances will take place simultaneously in two different stages. Boots in the Creek will also offer carnival games as well as food and other vendors.
Across town, if you’re in a more prickly mood, the 50th Annual Cactus Festival might be the right place for you. The festival started in 1975, according to its website, after a different 92-year-old annual event had to end.
“Dundas, already internationally recognized for the Cacti produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, the group received Ben’s approval of the name, ‘Cactus Festival,'” reads its website.
In its 50th anniversary, the festival starts on Friday with music acts starting at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday music starts at 12:30 and 12 p.m. respectively. The festival will also have food vendors and activities for the whole family.
Hamilton Greek Fest is taking place on Friday from 12 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Those attending the free-admission event can expect live Greek music, authentic Greek cuisine, dance performances and more, according to the festival’s website.
The local Greek Fest will take place at 233 East 15th St. on the Hamilton Mountain.
Hamilton Public Library: The library has events going on year-round, and this weekend is no exception with events for the whole family. From workouts on a chair, puzzle swaps and movie showings to musical performances and a Bookmobile visit to Six Nations.
Supporting local teams and a stadium birthday
For sports fans looking for a game to watch or something to celebrate, there are a few options in Hamilton this weekend.
Hamilton Cardinals vs Guelph Royals: The local baseball team is facing off against one of its neighbours at the Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium in Hamilton’s east mountain on Friday. The team is also hosting a fan appreciation night. “Join us for a special evening filled with giveaways, surprises, and exciting baseball as we thank you,” said the Cardinals. Tickets start at $13.56.
10 Years of Hamilton Stadium (formerly Tim Hortons Field): The city’s now iconic stadium is celebrating it’s 10th birthday on Saturday. The stadium is inviting guests for a free event where they’ll get to step on the field for family-friendly activities. Tickets are free for the event, but registration is required as there’s limited space. Celebration start at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Forge FC vs Atlético Ottawa: Hamilton’s soccer team wants fans to dress up as their favourite Star Wars character for this Sunday’s game against Atlético Ottawa. The stadium will also host a “special movie screening” after the match, which starts at 4 p.m. Tickets start around $30.
Other events this weekend
Burlington VegFest: Celebrate “a way of living that is centered on compassion, health and sustainability,” with this annual festival. VegFest is Saturday at the Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, running from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nature Photography Meetup: If you want some tips and tricks on “how to use your camera settings to creatively capture nature,” the Hamilton Photography Group is hosting a meetup for nature-lovers. The event takes place on Saturday and tickets are $49.
Swing Dancing at Pier 8: You can close out your weekend with some moves at Pier 8. Steel City Swing is hosting its weekly swing-dancing event at the park. A beginners’ lesson starts at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, and dancing goes until 9 p.m. The event is by donation.
