Hamilton 
Journey back in time this weekend at Battlefield House Museum & Park, as they present the spirited re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek.
Credit: City of Hamilton
This annual bash is more than just muskets and marching; it’s a fascinating foray into Canada’s rich heritage, a celebration of the 1812 war’s pivotal moment that is sure to ignite history buffs and fun-seekers alike. Mark your calendars: it’s taking place on June 1 and 2, 2024.
Stepping through the gates at 77 King St. W. in Hamilton, you will be plunged headlong into the past.
Reenactors, hailing from all over Canada and the United States, will don their historically accurate uniforms, hefting period weapons with such authenticity one might just forget they’re in the 21st century. You’ll get a front-row seat to the tumultuous clash between British and American forces that transpired on that fateful day of June 6, 1813.
Now, here’s the scoop on the day’s main event: Battle re-enactments will be at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Lasting a tight and thrilling 20-30 minutes, the Saturday evening re-enactment culminates in a shower of fireworks, ensuring the sky echoes the excitement on the ground.
It is not all musket smoke and battlefield tactics. Attendees can revel in a flurry of activities designed to immerse them in the spirit of the 19th century. From savouring period food, participating in old-fashioned games, attending musket and cannon demonstrations, shopping at unique merchants, to grooving to historical music – it’s a full-on historical feast!
The event will also feature Indigenous programming. This includes the ‘Great Peace Game’ of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse, an engaging spectacle accompanied by a narration that takes place before each battle re-enactment. Post-game, you can enjoy the vibrant Gada:tro (Standing Quiver Dance) and the Smoke Dance, featuring Haudenosaunee singers and dancers.
The Battlefield House Museum & Park, a Georgian-style homestead and historic site owned by the City of Hamilton, is itself steeped in history. Built in 1796, it witnessed the Battle of Stoney Creek, where the Gage family was ensconced as the battle unfolded.
Thanks to Sara Calder, founder of Battlefield House Museum, admission to the festival is free! Some additional costs may apply for food, refreshments, and merchandise, but that’s a small price for a trip in the time machine!
During the Re-enactment event, on-site parking is not available. Free parking and shuttle service are offered from Sir John Henry Newman Catholic School, operating Saturday (10am-10:30pm) and Sunday (10am-5pm). The shuttle and event are accessible, with designated drop-off for persons with disabilities at the park’s entrance. Optimal bus routes include Route 5 Delaware and Route 44 Rymal.
The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek
What: Discover Canadian heritage and re-live firsthand the thrill and pageantry of the battle that was a turning point of the War of 1812.
When:
Saturday, June 1, 2024 – 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, June 2, 2024 – 10 am to 4:30 pm
Fireworks
After the Saturday evening battle.
Where:
Battlefield House Museum, 77 King St. West, Stoney Creek
Parking: No parking on site.
How Much: Free
These historical displays are fantastic! We should never forget how our country came to be, and had the British and Indigenous people not worked together to fight against the Americans, our part of the world would be very different that we know it. We can never be allowed to forget how the past shaped our present, and our future, no matter how ugly it may have been.