Events and traffic chaos this weekend around Hamilton

Welcome to traffic chaos this weekend. Hamilton is shutting down the Linc in both directions for the entire weekend so residents will need to plan their days carefully.

Environment Canada is showing us all sunny skies and highs closing in on 23 C.

Here are some things you might want to give yourself extra time to get to.

Newcomer Day

Hamilton Newcomer Day is Friday. Festivities begin with a Canadian citizenship ceremony in council chambers, followed by an outdoor event in the city's forecourt, 71 Main St. W., all between 2 and 7 p.m. This free celebration is open to everyone. A variety of food options, family friendly fun and an information and service fair of more than 30 local organizations will be on hand. hamiltonnewcomerweek.ca.

• Check out the HSR's (Re)Designed Newwork Consultation at Newcomer Day.

Artists Inc.

Hamilton Artists Inc. invites you to join their fundraiser, a Prom Night: Mask-querade! Bring your dates and your corsages for a night of fun, dancing, and music on Friday. Music will be provided by DJ Sahra. Open to patrons 19+. Hamilton Artists Inc., 155 James St. N. Tickets are $20 at the door. theinc.ca

Mountain traffic

If you're driving on or near Hamilton Mountain this weekend, be aware that the Lincoln Alexander Parkway will be closed for maintenance in both directions this weekend. Starting Friday, the eastbound Linc from Golf Links Road to the Upper Red Hill Valley Parkway will be closed starting at 8 a.m., while the westbound closure from Red Hill Valley Parkway to Mohawk Road begins Friday at 10 a.m. Access to Highway 403 on-ramps and the Rousseaux Street off-ramp will remain open with access from the Mohawk Road on-ramp. However, the Golf Links Road on-ramp will be closed. The closures are slated to wrap up by 4 a.m. on May 29. Do yourself a favour and plan your trip accordingly.

Boats and trains, in the park

The Confederation Marine Modellers and Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers are a surefire hit at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, 900 Woodward Ave., this weekend. Boats in the Park is a demonstration of a variety of radio-controlled model boats. Visitors can check out the boats sailing on the museum's miniature pond, catch a ride on a miniature train provided by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers, take a tour of the museum, and create some boat-themed crafts in the hands-on activity area. The event is free and runs Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Medieval Faire

Step back in time this weekend at the Wentworth Medieval Faire on at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S., Jerseyville. Be transported to a world of knights, princesses and medieval marvels. Live full-contact jousting, birds of prey, belly dancing, vikings and Zoltan the Adequate are featured. Dress in theme or just enjoy the spirit of the day. Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $30 the day of the event. wentworth.medievalfaire.ca

Baby expo

The Bump, Baby and Toddler Expo is back at the Ancaster Fairgrounds this weekend. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $11.24. eventbrite.ca

Tour Auchmar

What historic Hamilton estate has been occupied by a politician, businessman and civic leader; a Royal Canadian Air Force convalescent hospital and the Sisters of Social Service? The answer is Auchmar, 88 Fennell Ave. W. Guided tours are this Saturday between 12 and 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required, $9 for adults. rec.hamilton.ca

Waterdown market

The Waterdown Farmers' Market opens this Saturday and will be open every Saturday morning, rain or shine, until Oct. 14. It's located at the legion, 79 Hamilton St. N.

Locke Street market

Fresh and local. Opening day for the Locke Street Farmers' Market is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Every Saturday at the corner of Locke and Herkimer, rain or shine.

Folklore, Fate and Fantasy

The Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra presents its final concert of the season on Saturday, 8 p.m., at McMaster's L.R. Wilson Concert Hall. Music Director David Willms leads the selection of powerful and expressive works by composers, including John Williams, Holst and Stravinsky and more. Tickets are $10. hpo.org

Spring Festival of South Asia

Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and enjoy South Asian music, dance, food, and more on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m., at Westdale Secondary School, 700 Main St. W. Handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and henna for purchase. Cultural program starts at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny

Just For Laughs is thrilled to present U.K. comedy superstar Jimmy Carr with his new show Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny. A household name in U.K. television and star of the U.K.'s most-streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, His Dark Materials," Jimmy is at FirstOntario Concert Hall, 1 Summers Lane, for two shows on Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $63. coreentertainment.ca

Walking tour

Downtown Hamilton Walking Tours resume for its sixth season on Sunday. Join Bill King for a free 90-minute tour of Highlights of Hamilton's Stone Age." Meet at the corner of King & John Streets at 10 a.m. Everyone welcome.

Concert Band

The Hamilton Concert Band spring fling concert is Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church, 479 Upper Paradise Rd. Tickets are $10 at the door. hamiltonconcertband.com

Game day

Get in on the CFL exhibition game, Hamilton vs. Toronto, at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday. Kickoff is 4 p.m. Tickets start at $35. ticats.ca

Looking ahead

Register now for the city's 15th annual Bike Day on June 1 at city hall from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., or at any of the six organized rides. Help kick off Bike Month in Hamilton. bikemonth.ca/hamilton

Hamilton's got a great lineup for the weekday Gore Park Promenade events on Thursdays from 12 to 2 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m., downtown until Aug. 31. This Thursday festival will see Gore Park transformed with live music, large-scale games like chess or checkers, vendors and more.

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