15 things to do around Hamilton this weekend

Our first weekend of May is promising tulips, tours and attractions galore.

You'll need a little sunscreen on Saturday for sunny skies and a daytime high of 17 C, but take an umbrella on Sunday.

Here are 15 things to do around Hamilton this weekend.

Opening ceremony

An opening ceremony in honour of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) is on at the Hamilton Public Library, 55 York Blvd., on Friday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. The Red Dress Exhibit is on at the library until May 19. A path of 21 red dresses, hung on wardrobe racks and bearing the stories of 12 victims, is a symbolic representation of the all-too many Indigenous women and girls in Canada harmed by violence. hpl.ca

Rock playoffs

Hamilton's NLL team takes on the Halifax Thunderbirds in its home quarter-final game at FirstOntario Centre on Friday at 7:30 p.m. torontorock.com

Wrestling

Hamilton Pro Wrestling is back on Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. with another night of action. At the Germania Club of Hamilton, 863 King St. E. Tickets are $22.63.

Billy Idol

Billy Idol is back, and he is bringing his greatest hits and some brand new music to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on Friday at 8 p.m. fallsviewcasinoresort.com

Doors Open

You've got one foot through the door, Hamilton, with 38 local sites to tour this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Enjoy guided and self-guided tours offered over the weekend at such beauties as the Lister building, St. Luke's Anglican Church, and the Carnegie Gallery, as well as food-focused walking tours of Dundas and Hamilton for those who prefer to enjoy their architecture with a snack. doorsopenontario.on.ca

Jane's Walk Hamilton

Jane's Walk is an annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Jane's Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours. There are more than a dozen walks organized for Saturday and Sunday throughout Hamilton. Visit the website and choose a guided or self-guided walk. janeswalkhamilton.wixsite.com/website/blog

Free attractions

Ontario celebrates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III by opening 10 major cultural attractions and 39 provincial parks with free day-use admission on Saturday. Attractions include: Royal Botanical Gardens, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and Floral Showhouse, Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre and more. Find the list of open parks at Ontario Parks.

Children's choir

On Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Faith United Church, 842 Main St. E., the Hamilton Children's Choir presents its annual spring concert, Trust Your Wings," in special collaboration with Amgan ~Lik~lgaawks (Cedar Sisters) comprised of Shannon Thunderbird and Kate Dickson of Coast Tsimshian First Nations and their adopted sister," Sandy Horne of the 1980s new wave band, The Spoons. No tickets at the door. hamiltonchildrenschoir.com

Battle of the Atlantic

Hamilton's Battle of the Atlantic ceremony with members of the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Naval Association to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Canadian sailors who served so valiantly in the North Atlantic during the Second World War is Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pier 8, 658 Catharine St. N. Parade and speeches.

Spring pottery sale

Pottery, pottery, pottery. Hamilton's spring sale hosted by the Pottery Guild is on at Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market St. S. Sale hours are Friday from 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feature artist is Jill Graham. hamiltonpotters.ca

Steps for Life

This five-kilometre walk in support of families touched by workplace tragedy is Sunday at The Lakeview, 180 Van Wagners Beach Rd. Registration opens at 10 a.m., and the walk starts around 11 a.m. stepsforlife.ca.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Tulips are in and magnolias are heading out at the RBG. Take time this weekend to get your fill as all those April showers show May flowers at the Rock Garden, Arboretum, Laking Garden and Hendrie Park. rbg.ca

African Lion Safari

African Lion Safari opens for the season on Saturday. Purchase tickets online to save a few bucks on admission, $36.95 for adults, $23.95 for kids (three to 12). lionsafari.com

Tree and compost giveaway

Hamilton's free tree and compost giveaway continues Saturday (and May 13) from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. (while supplies last) at Turner Park, 344 Rymal Rd. E. No registration is required. Trees include ornamental or shade trees, including white oak, redbud and many others. Take your own shovel and pails for the compost event. Donations for the United Way will be accepted. Must present driver's licence or property tax bill. hamilton.ca/treegiveaway or hamilton.ca/compostgiveaway

Look ahead

Benefit show in support of Diabetes Canada presents Hotel California, a masterful celebration of The Eagles' music at McIntyre Performing Arts Centre - Mohawk College on Tuesday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com