From peaches to poetry, Hamilton and nearby cities host festivals, plays, and tours this weekend, offering family fun, music, and cultural celebrations.
Hamilton Weekend Packed with Festivals and Family Fun
Seasonal Celebrations Across the Region
Summer may be winding down, but Hamilton and surrounding communities are keeping the festive spirit alive this weekend with a diverse lineup of events. From Aug. 22 to 24, residents and visitors can enjoy cultural festivals, art exhibitions, live performances, and outdoor activities.
Winona Peach Festival Returns
The annual Winona Peach Festival is back at Winona Park on Barton Street East, running Friday through Sunday with free admission. The community celebration, first launched in 1967, features handmade crafts, food vendors, midway rides, and live entertainment. Organizers promise activities for all ages, with children’s programming on Saturday morning and free evening concerts throughout the weekend.
Family Activities at Dundurn Historic Site
The Hamilton Children’s Museum will host a free pop-up in Sophia’s Garden at Dundurn National Historic Site on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Young visitors can enjoy hands-on nature experiences inspired by the 19th-century diary of Sophia MacNab, offering a playful way to connect with gardening and local history.
Music and Theatre in the Park
On Sunday at 7 p.m., Dundurn Castle Park will host The Carnival of Animals, a classical production by Camille Saint-Saëns. Featuring actor and mime Trevor Copp, the performance blends theatre and music to introduce audiences to a lively parade of animal characters, supported by poems highlighting ecological themes.
Art Gallery Tours Highlight Local Creativity
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is offering guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. The sessions aim to give visitors deeper insights into ongoing exhibitions while sparking conversations about artistic processes and ideas.
Authors Gather at Victoria Park
Literature takes centre stage at Victoria Park on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., where nearly 50 Hamilton authors will share their works as part of the fifth anniversary of Authors in the Park. The free event brings together established writers and emerging voices, celebrating the city’s growing literary scene.
Indigenous and Settler Stories at Chiefswood Park
The three-year community project Voice of The Grand will reach its finale on Saturday at Chiefswood Park, Six Nations of the Grand River. The day begins with an Indigenous Artisan Market, followed by a parade and picnic, and culminates in a play retelling the stories of the Grand River. A live performance by David Maracle will close the evening.
Cultural Showcases Across the Region
Hamilton’s diversity shines through additional festivals this weekend. The Afro Canadian Caribbean Association will host Diaspora Vibes on Sunday at Ferguson Station, featuring live performances, dance, drumming, and an Afro-centric market. In Niagara, the Irish Music Niagara group will stage the Niagara Irish Festival with music, dance, and Irish cuisine. Meanwhile, Burlington’s Central Park will come alive with the Latin Festival, promising Latin food, music, and family entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday.
A Weekend of Shared Experiences
With warm summer temperatures forecasted and only a slight chance of showers, organizers are optimistic about strong turnouts. Whether exploring local history, celebrating cultural traditions, or simply enjoying live music under the sun, Hamilton and its neighbours are set to offer something for everyone this weekend.
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