Seven things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend
Rain is in the air but it shouldn't dampen your weekend.
Environment Canada is calling for cloudy skies with periods of rain both Saturday and Sunday.
Here are seven things to do in the Hamilton area over the weekend.
AGH FILM FESTIVAL
Hamilton's 2021 Art Gallery of Hamilton Film Festival continues until Oct. 24. This annual festival presents international, independent and Canadian film to the Hamilton community. You can explore in person or catch online screenings. Purchase 10-packs or all access passes on the website, aghfilmfest.com.
PUMPKINFEST RETURNS
Pumpkinfest returns this weekend in downtown Stoney Creek. Events get underway Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will include live music at three venues, including by the Royal Canadian Legion, which will also be selling food, Queenston Stationery and the Bosphorus Market, located just east of the Elm-King plaza. Look for artisan vendors, pumpkins for sale, a costume contest and some trick-or-treating for the kids, which is restricted to four stations instead of individual businesses.
FREE TREES
The City of Hamilton is giving away free private trees to Hamilton residents. Plant a private tree on your property to improve air quality, fight climate change and increase property value. Trees must be planted on private property, preferably at the side or back of your home. The one-metre tall trees can be picked up Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forestry Yard, 1301 Upper Ottawa St.; or Wentworth Operations, 330 Wentworth St. N. For planting and more information, visit hamilton.ca.
WALK, RUN, WHEEL
The annual Wellwood Walk, Run, Wheel walk-a-thon is all online again this fall. The weeklong fundraiser event begins on Saturday and goes until Oct. 24. Collect pledges, challenge your friends and go online to sign up. Registration is free. More information at wellwood.on.ca.
ART STUDIO TOUR
Enlighten your weekend with the Beyond the Valley Studio Tour this Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour is of six artists' studios and includes 11 artists in the Dundas Valley and beyond. For a studio map and details on each artist, visit beyondthevalley.ca.
WATERDOWN HANDMADE MARKET
Joys of things to come are shared at the Waterdown Autumn Handmade Market and Craft Show on Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This outdoor market can be found at Memorial Park, 200 Hamilton St. N.
GAME DAYS
We've got home games Friday and Saturday.
Hamilton's Forge FC take on Ottawa Atletico Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Tim Hortons Field, 75 Balsam Ave. N. Tickets start at $25. Get them at the box office or ticketmaster.ca.
Bulldogs are home Friday night against Niagara before they head out to the Meridian Centre on Saturday. Friday's home game is at 7 p.m., FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd. Tickets start at $15. Get them at the box office or ticketmaster.ca.
Ticats' next home game is Oct. 23.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com