Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Oct. 11 to Oct. 14

Celebrate the Thanksgiving long weekend with Hamilton’s unique mix of events! From thrilling ghost tours and local markets to art exhibits and lively fairs, the city is packed with experiences for all ages. Here’s a look at what’s happening around the city from Oct. 11 to Oct. 14:

October 11

Candlelight: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi

Immerse yourself in the enchanting music of Joe Hisaishi, brought to life by the Listeso String Quartet in an ambient candlelit setting at The Westdale. This unique musical experience will feature beloved compositions from iconic Studio Ghibli films such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, creating a magical evening for fans of all ages.

Where: 1014 King St. W.
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $58.50 per person

Hamilton Psychic & Crystal Fair

Explore the mystical at the Hamilton Psychic & Crystal Fair, happening at the Marriott on Upper James St. Dive into a world of top psychics, mediums, astrologers, and energy healers, with offerings including aura photography, rune readings, tea leaf readings, and handmade crystal jewelry.

Where: Marriott, 1224 Upper James St.
When:

• Oct. 11 – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 12 – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 13 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $11.98 (valid all weekend and children 12 and under free)

Fall Compost Giveaway

The City of Hamilton is offering a free compost giveaway for residents to enrich their gardens and lawns. Residents are encouraged to bring their own containers and shovels for the event, with donations being accepted to support United Way.

Where: Turner Park, 344 Rymal Rd. E.
Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (donations accepted for United Way)

Ghost Walks: Dundurn Castle and Ghost Bus Tour (Oct. 5 to Nov. 2)

Make it a night to remember with Hamilton’s Ghost Walks, which will lead you through some of the city’s most haunted spots. The Ghost Bus Tour includes chilling tales of ghosts and voodoo with stops at locations like Century Manor Asylum, Auchmar and the Custom House. Cap off the evening with an eerie tour inside Dundurn Castle, exploring the darker side of its history.

Where: Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd.
When: Oct. 5 to Nov. 2
Cost: $34 per person (+ HST & 1.5% fee)

Fall Garden & Mum Show (Oct. 4 to Oct. 13) 

The Fall Garden & Mum Show at the Gage Park Greenhouse showcases over 200 varieties of Chrysanthemums and more than 100,000 blooms. Presented by City Horticulture staff, this annual event features new themes each year with dramatic floral displays.

Where: 100 Main St. E.
Time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Adult admission is $9.50, seniors and children (6-12) are $8.50 and children under 5 enter for free

King James (Sept. 25 to Oct. 12) 

King James by Rajiv Joseph, in association with Alberta Theatre Projects, tells the story of two unlikely friends brought together by their shared love for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Spanning twelve years, from LeBron’s rookie season to an NBA Championship, this fast-paced comedy explores the impact of sports on life and relationships.

Where: 190 King William St. —Theatre Aquarius
Time: Varies by performance
Cost: $30.51 – $109.61

Dashain Fest 2024

Celebrate Dashain Fest 2024 with a night of vibrant culture, delicious food, live music and dance at Jerry’s Place Bar and Grill. The event welcomes attendees of all ages, making it a perfect gathering for friends and family alike.

Where: 1115 Fennell Ave. E.
When: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: $27.96 per person

October 12

Movies at the Hamilton Public Library

Join family and friends to watch movie screenings at libraries in Hamilton this weekend.

Movie: Franklin’s Halloween (1997)
Where: 565 Concession Street —Concession Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen

Experience the magic of Queen’s timeless hits performed by the Listeso String Quartet in an intimate candlelit setting at The Westdale. Songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You come to life in this unique multi-sensory concert designed for music lovers of all ages.

Where: 1014 King St. W.
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $31 per person

Puddicombe Farms Harvest Weekends (Sept. 21 to Oct. 27)

Puddicombe Estate Farms will host Harvest Festival Weekends this fall, offering a perfect outdoor family outing. Attendees can enjoy live music, a children’s fun zone, train rides, campfires with marshmallow roasting, wine and cider tasting, and scenic fall farm views.

Where: 1468 Highway 8
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission starts at $24.71

Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 5 to Oct. 27)

Spend a fun-filled day at Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch this fall, with weekend activities in October including wagon rides, mini-putt, farm play areas and a pumpkin patch. This is a cash only event.

Where: 416 Fallsview Rd. E.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: General admission (2 years and older) is $16 + HST, children under 2 enter for free.

Movies at the Hamilton Public Library

Join family and friends to watch movie screenings at these libraries in Hamilton this weekend.

Movie: Coco (2018)
Where: 970 Paramount Dr.—Valley Park Branch
Time: 1 p.m.

Movie: Free Birds (2013)
Where: 571 Barton St. E.—Barton Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: The Lorax (2012)
Where: 352 Rymal Rd. E.—Turner Park Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Wonka (2023)
Where: 695 Queenston Rd.—Red Hill Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)
Where: 777 Highway 8—Stoney Creek Branch
Time: 2:30 p.m.

October 13

Hamilton Film Festival (Sept. 18 to Oct. 27)

The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival returns to the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. This year’s festival offers a diverse selection of films, with genres including comedy, drama, documentary and emerging categories, ensuring there is something for every film enthusiast. Tickets are $99 plus applicable taxes.

Where: 357 Wilson St. E.
Time: Screening times vary. Visit here for more information.

Spencer Gorge Conservation hikes

Experience the stunning fall colours at Spencer Gorge this fall. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Tew Falls, Webster Falls, and the scenic Dundas Peak, which offers a cliffside overlook of the gorge.

Reservations are required to visit during this popular time of year. Guests can choose from the Dundas Peak & Tew Falls hike, the Webster Falls hike, or the full Spencer Gorge hike experience.

Where: Harvest Rd, Dundas
Time: Hike times vary. Visit here for more information.

October 14

Rockton World’s Fair

Gather your family for an unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend at the Rockton World’s Fair. Running from Oct. 10 to Oct. 14, 2024, this long-standing fair has delighted visitors since 1852. Enjoy amusement rides, classic fair food, livestock shows, craft sales and a demolition derby—ensuring something fun for everyone.

Where: 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton, ON

When:

• Oct. 11 – 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Oct. 12 – 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Oct. 13 – 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Varies by activity