Six ideas for things to do this weekend in Hamilton and area
Hamilton's cherry blossoms, Music Mondays and film festivals all scream welcome to May.
It looks like the maypole will have to wait for the wet weather to pass us by. You'll need an umbrella for the next few days, April showers aren't over just yet.
Environment Canada is calling Saturday as the only day with a hint of sunshine sandwiched between days of rain into Tuesday. Daytime highs are expected to be around 11 C on Saturday climbing to around 17 on Sunday.
If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are some things to keep you planning.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS
You have to stop and smell the flowers. Cherry blossoms are the showstopper this week and you can enjoy some of the best at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Arboretum is open to visit, flat rate parking is $10 between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (parking is metred beyond those hours), masks are mandatory, dogs must remain on a leash. The RBG Arboretum is located at 16 Old Guelph Rd. Alternately, Hamilton's Gage Park, Centennial Park in Dundas and Spencer Smith Park in Burlington are more great locations to see the cherry blossoms.
- The tulip show at the RBG Centre is also worthy of a mention. However, the RBG Centre remains closed along with the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden, and Hendrie Park. Trails and trailhead parking, and the Arboretum remain open.
- Plant stamping. The RBG helps you create art with plants. You'll need a few plants and a couple simple tools to create a botanical pattern on paper or textiles. Watch the RBGatHome video to get started: youtu.be/lSpyFeTDBZo.
MUSIC MONDAYS
Cue up your streaming services. Music Mondays begins May 3. The virtual music series put together by Hamilton Music Advisory Team (HMAT) and the City of Hamilton feature pre-recorded performances by 15 local musicians. Every Monday, a new video will be released on Facebook and on the City of Hamilton's YouTube channel at noon. May 3 will feature R&B performances from Angela Nethersole, Granny Smith, and Whitness. Visit hamilton.ca for more on Music Mondays.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Join the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for a special livestream of their spring performance celebrating the end of their digital season. Each section of the orchestra has prepared a performance of repertoire they have been working on during online sessions with HPO musician faculty this season. The performance will be hosted live on the HPO YouTube channel on Saturday at 2 p.m.
FILM FESTIVALS
Springtime film festivals are a plenty. Here are a few you can check out and gear up for some home viewing.
Hamilton's first film festival created by and for Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour (BIPOC) officially debuts at the end of May. The virtual festival will feature seven feature films, 17 short narratives and six short documentaries. You can purchase a regular three-day pass for $75. Visit the website hbff.ca or call 905-966-7750 for more information.
A new online Jewish Film Festival starts in Hamilton and Windsor from May 2 to 6 and 9 to 13. Packages are available for viewing and features 10 dynamic and acclaimed films to be released one film daily; each film released will be available for viewing for 48 hours. Tickets and passes can be purchased at whjff.eventive.org/welcome.
Filmmakers, from Canada and 65 other countries, will take part in Toronto's annual Hot Docs festival of documentary cinema, running online from April 29 to May 9. (Full program and details are at hotdocs.ca).
TICK WARNING
Watch for ticks if you are enjoying Hamilton's many trails and hiking paths. Hamilton Conservation Authority is warning residents to be aware especially in wooded or grassy areas. They recommend wearing long sleeves, closed-toe shoes and keep your pants tucked into your socks. A liberal dose of insect repellent with DEET or icaridin are also recommended by HCA.
BURLINGTON PARK PLAY
Summer is approaching, and the City of Burlington is hopeful that summer camps and a new Park Play program will be able to run, with registration for both opening May 1, 9 a.m. As always, any city-run program will be subject to provincial and public health regulations and could be cancelled due to the pandemic. Visit burlington.ca/summer.
MOTHER'S DAY
Don't forget next weekend is Mother's Day.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com