Seven March things to do around Hamilton this weekend

There is no shortage of things to do this weekend around Hamilton.

Environment Canada is calling for a possible 20 centimetres of snow Friday into Saturday, but look for daytime highs around 4 C on this first weekend of March.

You might need extra time to get out and about Saturday morning, but don't let the winter storm stop you from checking out these seven things to do around Hamilton over the weekend.

Science fair

Close to 200 students are set to compete Saturday at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Annual System Science and Engineering Fair held at Bishop Ryan High School. The best of the 107 exhibits will move on to the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair at the end of March.

Trail Mix Museum

Stretch those gams this weekend with 30 minutes of easy hiking in Hamilton along the Pipeline Trail between London and Strathearne streets. Along the way, you'll be treated to artwork presented by Red Tree Collective. Imagery presented along the trail establishes connections to the industrial and ecological history of the six-kilometre pipeline that has carried clean water to the City of Hamilton underneath the trail since 1859. redtreecollective.org/trail-mix-museum-2/

Dreaming of the 80s

Acclaimed pianist, composer and multi-instrumentalist with Barenaked Ladies, Kevin Hearn, and Juno Award nominated violinist, Hugh Marsh, look back fondly on the decade of decadence with their latest work, Dreaming of the 80s. The show is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. burlingtonpac.ca

Choirs

Chorus Hamilton is rocking Queen, the Beatles, Styx and more on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The 50-member choir presents an evening of 70s and 80s classics at St. Paul's United Church, 79 Park St. W., Dundas. Tickets are $25. chorushamilton.ca

Bach Elgar Choir explores the roots of music traditions in Durufle Requiem/Spirituals on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Central Presbyterian Church, 165 Charlton Ave. W. Tickets start at $17.31. bachelgar.ca

Getting sappy

Snow or no snow, the days are getting longer and that means sap is running. Maple syrup events start this weekend. Be sure to register early.

At Westfield Heritage Village, at 1049 Kirkwall Rd. in Rockton, Maple Syrup Season programming runs March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, as well as Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16; and Good Friday on April 7. Two demonstration sites are open, including the modern sugar shack. Maple syrup panels are on display, follow the maple trivia trail and get some pancakes from the St. George Lions in Ironwood Hall. Visitors can buy maple treats from the general store and gift shop. Some historical buildings will be open and volunteer historical interpreters will be out. Dress for the weather so you can stay warm for your two-hour visit. Advance reservations are required at westfieldheritage.ca.

It's maple season out at Mountsberg and Crawford Lake conservation areas.

Sweet Water Season runs March 4 to April 9 on weekends, holidays and March break from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Included in your visit: Longhouse Village exploration; First Harvest: Celebrating Sweet Water Exhibit; Maple Syrup Tastings at 12 and 2 p.m.; Maple Taffy on Snow at 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (additional fee applies); Sweet Water Demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1, and 3 p.m. Admission is $10.50 +HST for adults. An extra $1.50 added when purchasing at gate. Crawford Lake Conservation Area is at 3115 Conservation Rd. in Milton. conservationhalton.ca

Maple Town runs March 4 to April 9 on weekends, holidays and March break from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included in your visit: Wagon rides (sign up at the discovery centre); Raptor Centre, Cameron Barn, Candy Cabin, Sugar Shack demonstrations and more. Don't miss the Maple Trivia Trail through the sugar bush. Admission is $12 +HST for adults. Pancake Pavillion is extra. Mountsberg Wildlife Centre is at 2259 Milburough Line in Campbellville. conservationhalton.ca

The Friends of Bronte Creek Provincial Park in-person maple syrup festival is back. Festivities are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every weekend in March and during March break. Enjoy a guided tour of Maple Lane with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, wagon rides and more. Admission is your park admission. The pancake house is extra. brontecreek.org

More local maple syrup festivals or events are: Maple Syrup Gathering at Chiefswood Park, 1037 Brant County Hwy. 54, Ohsweken, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advance tickets only. Richardson's Family Maple Experience is March 19 or 26. Pre-book your time slots.

Seed library

The Royal Botanical Gardens seed library is open. Borrow, Grow and Return! is dedicated to connecting people to plants. The RBG provides seeds that you borrow, grow, and then return. If you are new to gardening, interested in growing a greater diversity of plants, or invested in supporting a community of growers, the seed library will help meet those goals. Seeds are generally available only in the spring and selection will dwindle as the seeds are lent out. So get your requests in and start growing. rbg.ca

Game day

Lacrosse is a hot ticket Saturday as the Rock hit the floor at FirstOntario Centre for Indigenous Heritage Night sporting a jersey reveal against their Rochester rivals. Opening draw is 7 p.m. torontorock.com

Your Bulldogs are in town Friday and Sunday this weekend with puck drops Friday at 7 p.m. against Owen Sound and then on Sunday at 2 p.m. with the Erie Otters. hamiltonbulldogs.com

Looking ahead

The Hamilton Public Library is gearing up for March break, March 13 to 17. hpl.ca

Theatre Aquarius' The Gig," written by Mark Crawford, runs March 8 to 25. theatreaquarius.org

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