Eight things to do this weekend in the Hamilton area
Take an umbrella with you, there's a chance of showers with the hint of flurries over the weekend.
Such a beautiful autumn week has come to a close and the lights that are starting to appear in our neighbourhoods mean the holiday season is about to begin. Here are eight things to do this weekend as Hamilton turns festive.
ROCK LACROSSE
Lacrosse is back in the Hammer starting in December but did you know you can catch a free preseason game this Saturday, 7 p.m., at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville? The Rock take on The Rush, can you say Dilks vs. Dilks? We can! Donations to the local food bank will be collected. TRAC, 1132 Invicta Dr., Oakville.
RBG MAGIC
Just because the garden season has wrapped for another year doesn't mean you need to turn your back on outdoor activity at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Trails, guided tours and self-guided activities are sure to inspire all that visit. The RBG Centre is located at 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. General admission is $19.50 for adults.
Keep in mind as of Nov. 15, RBG requires all visitors aged 12 and up to prove they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas of RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, Rock Garden, Laking Garden, and also includes public programs and events at the Arboretum or other RBG properties.
Winter Wonders and Ride the RBG Express events start Nov. 24 at the RBG in Hendrie Park. Jump online now to book your spot between Nov. 24 and Jan. 9. Tickets go fast. rbg.ca
SUPERCRAWL
Supercrawl Presents the Zolas on Saturday, 11 p.m., at Bridgeworks, 125 Barton St. W. Tickets start at $26.40. Eventbrite.ca/e/the-zolas-tickets-162708492481
NIAGARA LIGHTS
Bright lights, big activity. Canada's largest free outdoor light festival starts this weekend in Niagara Falls. The 39th OPG Winter Festival of Light boasts over 101 Nights of Twinkling Lights now until Feb. 21, 2022. Enjoy displays, children's entertainment, festival maps to walking routes. Visitors can access the new tools and check out the displays at niagarafallstourism.com to plan your visit.
ARTISANS BAZAAR
Over 60 vendors are expected at the 2021 Holiday Market this Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Royal Botanical Gardens, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington. Admission is $5 (cash only), free for members and children under 12. Parking is free and shopper entrance is through Spicer Court, not the main entrance. COVID-19 screening will be in place and proof of vaccine required. theartisanbazaar.ca
DOUGHNUT DASH
They'll be sprinting to the finish line on Saturday at the Doughnut Dash 5K and kids run along Hamilton's waterfront around Leander Boat Club. Walkers start at 10:45 a.m. with the kids run/walk at 11 and the 5K starting at 11:15. Looks like registration is full, if you want to run you'll need to contact timforrester@hotmail.ca.
WALKING TOUR
Hamilton's Stories in the Stones free walking tour ends the season with a Veteran's Tour on Saturday. Join Robin McKee at 11 a.m., at Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd. Meet at the Gatehouse. For more information, see hamiltonhistory.ca.
GAME DAYS
Ticats' are in Toronto on Friday night for a 7:30 p.m. game against the Argos. ticats.ca
More double fun this weekend with the Bulldogs hosting both Friday and Saturday at FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd. Friday's game is 7 p.m., versus Peterborough and Saturday, 4 p.m., versus Ottawa. Tickets start at $15. Get them at the box office or ticketmaster.ca.
Hamilton's Forge FC are in Edmonton at noon on Saturday. You can watch the match live at onesoccer.ca.
And, lacrosse fans will want to know the Rock Saturday night home games at FirstOntario Centre start Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com