10 things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend
We have a smorgasbord of events listed for you this weekend. We might be socially distanced, but you can still rely on lots of community engagement.
Here are 10 things happening in the Hamilton area over the weekend and into next week.
Expect hot and humid temperatures as summer makes a sudden return this weekend after showers on Friday. Keep the sunscreen handy. There will be partly cloudy skies and daytime highs around 30 degrees.
HAMILTON BIKE MONTH
Hamilton's bike month activities are looking a little different this year. Here are two fun looking events for you to participate in, even if you don't have a bike. Hint, try Hamilton Bike Share. There are various membership plans including pay as you go."
The bike week contest doesn't end until June 30. If you want to enter to win one of three prize packs available, all you need to do is ride your bike during the month of June and you qualify. Enter with this Google Form Bike Month 2021 Contest (google.com) or visit hamilton.ca/streets-transportation/biking-cyclists/bike-month.
New Hope Bike is running a family scavenger hunt on Instagram (IG) through the month of June. Check out their IG account NewHopeBike for all the details but remember photos must be posted on a public account in order to be seen and counted for the event.
WENJACK FUND
Want to do a little more? In light of the news this week on residential schools, Westdale Village community members are raising money to benefit the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Join Andrew Baulcomb as he spears this benefit fundraiser through gofundme.com. Even if you don't live in Westdale Village, all contributions are welcome, gofund.me/ef50b178.
NORDIC POLE WALKING
Norfolk County residents can look forward to some virtual and outdoor fitness classes beginning Tuesday, June 8. Classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays with qualified instructors. Cost is $5 per class and pre-registration is required. Visit Norfolk parks and recreation for registration information. norfolkcounty.ca.
RBG
It's a dazzling double feature at the Laking Garden this weekend. The RBG's iris and peony collections are in peak form. Time-ticketed vehicle parking is required. Visit the garden at 1221 Spring Gardens Rd., Burlington. Parking is $20 per vehicle and grants same-day parking access to the Arboretum. Free for RBG members. Book your visit at rbg.ca.
- Experimenting with dandelions. Love them or hate them, there's interesting things you can do with dandelions, including some fun at-home experiments. The RBG shows you some fun experiments on their RBGatHome. Watch youtu.be/8quYUmjxBzY. You will need a dandelion or two and a glass of water.
- Join Jenn from the RBG virtually at Hendrie Valley Nature Sanctuary talking about the turtle population on YouTube. youtu.be/ewPBfg7E_zM.
ANCASTER TRILLIUM AWARDS
Ancaster residents can enter their own or any Ancaster front garden to be part of the 2021 Ancaster Trillium Awards. Nominations are open until June 13 and judging takes place July 3 to 18. Visit the Ancaster Horticultural Society website for entry details. ancasterhort.org.
FRINGE TICKETS
This summer, the Hamilton Fringe Festival will share the biggest offering of unabashed and unjuried theatre produced right here in Hamilton. Offered online or live-at-a-distance, shows range from silly, zany, intimate, scary, friendly, to avant-garde and everything in between. There will be something for everyone in the family - kids, teens, and adults in every genre. The Hamilton Fringe Festival runs July 14 to 25. Tickets are on sale now. hamiltonfringe.ca.
VICTORY VOLUNTEERS
Hamilton's Victory Gardens is looking for volunteers. Garden volunteers need no prior gardening experience and all are welcome. There are low to high impact opportunities. Volunteer today by visiting hamiltonvictorygardens.org.
GHOSTLY RALLY
Try a little ghostly adventure. Discover the story of traitor John Dunham, hung for treason in the Bloody Assize of Burlington with Adventure Drives. Cost is $99 per car. You need two to five participants in your vehicle. A Ghost Outing has spots are available on Sunday and for the next couple of weekends. This is an interactive scavenger style rally drive and is a two-hour socially distanced event for family or friends. The adventure starts and finishes at Dundurn Castle. adventuredrives.net/product/a-ghost-outing-burlington/.
NIAGARA FOOD DRIVE
On Friday and Saturday, food vendor Panzeroli is inviting the public to drop off nonperishable items to a food drive for West Lincoln Community Care at the West Niagara Agricultural Centre and Fairgrounds in Grassie. Hours on Friday are 5 to 8 p.m., and noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The fairgrounds are located at 7402 Mud St. W.
TAKE A MOMENT
It's been more than a year of the pandemic, so the City of Hamilton is encouraging you to take a moment. It's offering 15-minute ideas to help you feel better. Visit cmha.ca/take-15-minutes-just-for-you/.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com