Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Oct. 4 to Oct. 6

Autumn in Hamilton brings a fresh energy with events that capture the city’s unique blend of history, creativity and community. Whether you’re exploring local art studios, enjoying a pumpkin patch, or taking in live performances, there’s plenty to experience! Here’s a look at what’s happening from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6:

October 4 

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

Noisemaker Presents: Kathleen Edwards

The event, which will take place at Bridgeworks, features Kathleen Edwards, whose music blends alt-country, folk, and heartland rock & roll. Since her 2002 debut with Failer, she has garnered multiple Juno nominations and performed alongside legends like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Her acclaimed solo records include Back to Me, Asking for Flowers, Voyageur, and Total Freedom.

Where: 200 Caroline St. N.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per ticket

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

October 5

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

Queens Court Musical 

This all-Canadian production featuring Sean Hauk from Brantford, Ontario, backed by studio musicians who recreate the iconic songs of Freddie Mercury and Queen. Each song is performed note for note, capturing the essence of the original recordings, including hits like “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “Somebody to Love.”

Where: 1014 King St. W. —The Westdale Theatre
Time:  7:30 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $50

Dundas Studio Tour (Oct. 5 and Oct. 6) 

Meet some of Hamilton’s leading artists and makers this fall during the Dundas Studio Tour. Discover unique creations inside local artist studios and explore the streets of Dundas, filled with coffee shops, restaurant and boutiques.

Where: 139 Park St. W.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission

Classic Troubadours Live

Experience the songs of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and Carole King all in one unforgettable night. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jacob Moon leads a dynamic 5-piece ensemble, paying tribute to these iconic artists with incredible performances.

Where: 357 Wilson St. E.
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $44.50 per ticket

Pop-Up in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden

Kids are invited to drop in for free nature-based activities in Sophia’s Garden, a new child-focused interactive space inspired by The Diary of Sophia MacNab. The garden, part of Dundurn’s Historic Kitchen Garden, encourages kids to explore nature through touch, smell and interaction with plants, animals and insects.

Where: 610 York Blvd.
Time:

• Oct. 5 —12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oct. 6 —12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

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.

King James

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: Main Stage
Time: Varies by performance
Cost: $30.51 – $109.61

Melanin Market Comedy Show

This comedy show is part of the Summer Night Market series. Enjoy a live country music performance by Jamila B and a comedy show by Black Zeus, along with a market featuring local Hamilton art vendors.

Where: 27 Dundurn St N. —The Staircase Theatre
Time: 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cost: $30

Movies at the Hamilton Public Library

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

Movie: IF (2024)
Where: 695 Queenston Rd.—Red Hill Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Hotel Transylvania (2013)
Where: 352 Rymal Rd. E.—Turner Park Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Encanto (2021)
Where: 571 Barton St. E.—Barton Branch
Time: 2 p.m.

Movie: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022)
Where: 777 Highway 8—Stoney Creek Branch
Time: 2:30 p.m.

October 6

Historical Battles Tour

A free historical walking tour at Hamilton Cemetery focusing on the stories of Hamiltonians who fought in the World Wars, War of 1812 and the American Revolution.

Where: 777 York Blvd.
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free

AGH art, music and food festival (Sept. 12 to Oct. 6)

The event will celebrate art, music, and food with Roger Mooking’s creativity at its core.

Where: 123 King St. W.
Time: The festival is open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Monday to Wednesday, the venue is available for pre-booked tours only.

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.

—Cover photo “Historical battle” via hamilton.ca