More than just football: 10 other things to do this weekend in the Hammer
If you didn't already know, it's Grey Cup weekend in Hamilton.
That doesn't mean it's all football. Here are some other things you can do around Steeltown this mid-December weekend.
It's looking like rain and temperatures well above zero on Saturday and sunshine for the big game Sunday. Environment Canada is calling for mostly sun with a daytime high of 4 C.
ART CRAWL
Friday night is Art Crawl on James Street North. Some things you can expect for a chilly December crawl are the grand opening of Bard and Bear Games, sales, live music, pop-up vendors, late night shopping and cafes.
STAIRCASE
Catch a little comedy on Friday night at People Under the Staircase (used to be The Staircase Theatre), 27 Dundurn St. N. The venue turned vegan pub food restaurant and premier alternative event space features live performance, music, video games and theatre. People Inside the Stair, Part 2, comedy show features Kenny Robinson and Hairy Kiwi and other comedy gems like Jimmy England and Jason DogLeash. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $24.69. peopleunderthestaircase.com
WALKING TOUR
Take full advantage of the self-guided walking tour featuring Stewart & Witton, the Hamilton firm behind some of the city's most beloved landmarks, as they celebrate 150 years in Hamilton. The tour features four fabulous Stewart & Witton buildings in Hamilton's stadium neighbourhood: the award-winning Playhouse Cinema; the Hendry's building, home to Hendry's Barbershop and the Barton Village BIA; the city-owned King George School; and St. Giles Church, Stewart & Witton's Gothic Revival masterpiece. Download the tour free at stewartandwitton.ca.
WINTER WONDERS AND RBG TRAILS
Winter days at the gardens are highlighted by seasonal displays and festivities including Winter Wonders. Daily visits to the Royal Botanical Gardens include: Festivals of Lights Mini-Exhibit, Festive Folklore Trees, Festive Plants Scavenger Hunt, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Discovery Station: Plants of the Holidays, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Guided Winter Walks of Hendrie Park on weekends from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and the RBG Express from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rbg.ca
- Winter trails abound through the Royal Botanical Gardens. The landscapes have changed and with no leaves to block the views you are sure to catch some breathtaking sights. Visit the rbg.ca for trail maps and hours.
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS
Hamilton's Dundurn Castle Victorian Christmas event is on. The historic house is transformed into a mid-19th century family Christmas. Call 905-546-2872 for information, or get tickets online at hamilton.ca/dundurn. Meanwhile, Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn Castle are also available. Preregistration is required.
HOLIDAY MARKETS AND SHOWS
Ancaster Christmas Craft Show is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S. Admission is $5.
Take a stroll through the Burlington Holiday Market this weekend, Thursday to Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. Concerts and choirs, interactive community art features, a holiday-inspired theme and advent-style community displays inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. It's in Lot 1 at Pearl Street at 431 Elizabeth St.
Then, head over to the North Coal Christmas Market at TNC Kitchen & Bar on the patio, 399 Elizabeth St., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 8 p.m.
OUTDOOR SKATING (weather permitting)
Outdoor ice at Hamilton Waterfront Outdoor Rink at Pier 8 is open for the season (rink and weather conditions permitting). The ice is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. but skate rentals won't be available until after Dec. 18.
City of Hamilton ice rinks are scheduled to open as of Sunday, weather permitting. During extended periods of above 0-degree temperatures, ice conditions will require a closure. There are four city rinks and 11 community rinks. City rinks are at Bernie Morelli - Serafini Family Outdoor Ice, 876 Cannon St. E., Dundas Driving Park, 71 Cross St., Dundas, and Waterdown Memorial Park, 200 Hamilton St., Waterdown and Freelton Community Park, 170 Freelton Rd., Freelton. COVID protocols will be in place. Find an up-to-date listing at hamilton.ca.
WINTER GOLF
Chedoke's Martin course is open for winter golf again this season. Open daily, weather restrictions apply, until March 11. Golfers can tee off between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Daily green fees are $20 per player, walking only. Contact the Chedoke Pro Shop at 905-521-3970. There is no online registration. hamilton.ca/golf-hamilton/winter-golf
THE ARTS
Theatre Aquarius presents Home For The Holidays" with shows until Dec. 18. theatreaquarius.org
Harlequin Singers' Christmas Time is Here! concerts at Bennetto Community Centre, 450 Hughson St. N., on Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or visit harlequinsingers.com.
A Christmas Spectacular" starring Pete Paquette and guests at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust St., on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
GAME DAY
The Rock are in Halifax Friday night for a tip with the Thunderbirds. You can stream the game via TSN.ca and the TSN app. Lacrosse is home again on Dec. 18 at FirstOntario Centre.
Grey Cup kickoff is 6 p.m. on Sunday. You can watch at home on TSN and an audio broadcast is available on local terrestrial radio on AM 900 CHML.
Bulldogs are next in town on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Mississauga Steelheads. Tickets available at ticketmaster.ca.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com