What’s On in Hamilton this Thanksgiving weekend including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions.
Things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Hamilton: Friday, October 6 – Monday, October 9, 2023
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Rockton World’s Fair
October 5 – 9, 2023
Rockton Fairgrounds, 812 Old Highway 8, Rockton
$7 – $18
Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show
The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show returns with much anticipation and excitement for its 181st year. Come to the largest outdoor horse show in Canada! You’ll also find wonderful displays, competitions, art, a wide variety of food, indoor local market, and top notch concerts! You don’t want to miss this celebration. Details
October 3 to 9, 2023
Norfolk County Fairgrounds, 172 South Dr, Simcoe
$8 – $15
Fall Fun
Pumpkinfest at Merry Farms
Enjoy awesome activities while visiting the PUMPKIN FARM. Details
Saturday – Sunday, September 30 – October 29, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Open October 9
Merry Farms, 1974 Concession 2 Rd W, Hamilton
$18.99
Fall Pumpkin Festival at Clovermead Adventure Farm
Enjoy a wagon ride, Bee Train Ride, visit the farm animals, get lost in the corn maze, pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, and enjoy the fall decorations and family photo spots! Don’t forget to take a spin on the pedal cars or bounce on the giant jumping pillow, and bee sure not to miss the Pumpkin Cannon Show and Candy Cannon Show! Details
Select days in September & October 2023
Clovermead Honey Shop & Adventure Farm, 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer
$20.99 – $25.99 +HST per person
You might like: 30 Corn Mazes in Ontario For a Fun Fall Day Trip
African Lion Safari
Canada’s Original Safari Adventure – Get Closer Than You Ever Imagined to lions, giraffe, cheetah, rhinos and over 1,000 other exotic birds and animals! Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
African Lion Safari, 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton
$22.95 – $48.95
PYO Pumpkins & Pumpkin Hayrides
We have over 50,000 pumpkins to choose from in our fields and at the market. Details
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lindley’s Farm, 900 Fiddler’s Green Road, Ancaster
Free admission to the farm
The Hanes Corn Maze
The Hanes Corn Maze is a human sized puzzle, carved into over 20 acres of 10′ tall walls of cornstalks! Find all the checkpoints and solve the puzzle. This is an event for all ages, bring the kids for help. Details
Corn Maze | September 1- 30 & October 1-31, 2023 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Hanes Corn Maze, Dundas
$12 – $19
Family Fun at The Apple Orchard
Enjoy tractor rides, jump in the hay or bring your favourite pet and walk the trails and corn maze! Details
Thursdays – Mondays | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Apple Orchard Inc., 1668 Ontario 6, Hamilton
$9.29 – $10.20 + HST
Fall Festival at Brantwood Farms
Join us for fall fun on the farm. Wagon Rides Giant Jumping Pillow Corn Maze Haunted Barn Obstacle Course Corn Pit Straw Castle Mini Maze Tractor Go-Karts. Details
Saturdays & Sundays, September 2 – October 29, 2023; Open October 9
Brantwood Farms, 251 Powerline Rd, Brantford
$16
Harvest Festival Weekends at Puddicombe Farms
Enjoy fresh air and the beautiful scenery, while creating wonderful everlasting memories with family and friends! Details
Saturday & Sunday, September 9 – October 29 + October 9 2023 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery, 1468 Highway #8, Grimsby
Book your visit
Fall Colour Excursions
The most popular time of year to ride the train is the fall, when all the trees through the scenic Beeton Creek Valley display their changing colours. Enjoy the Conductor’s friendly and informative commentary highlighting the history of the line, the train, and how the railways shaped our country. Details
October 7 – 9, 2023
Excursions depart from the South Simcoe Railway station in downtown Tottenham (~90 minutes from downtown Hamilton).
$9 to $17
Visit the Twin Valley Nature Park
Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Nature Park is a 25 acre, family-run, wildlife park home to over 80 species of animals! Details
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Brant-Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, 84 Langford Church Rd, Brantford
$10.50 – $20
Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch
Bring the whole family to the pumpkin farm this fall for a weekend filled with fun. Details
Saturdays and Sundays, October 2023 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch, 416 Fallsview Rd E., Dundas
$16 + HST
Dorchester Fair
The Dorchester Fair is celebrating it’s 168th Fair, we have a Saturday Parade, Agriculture Displays, Midway, Homecraft Exhibits, Mini Tractor Pull, Fair Ambassador Program, Outdoor Entertainment Stage. Details
October 6 to 9, 2023
Dorchester Fairground, 4939 Hamilton Rd, Dorchester
$4.00 to $8.00
Burford Agricultural Fair
The Burford Agricultural Fair has a Demo Derby, Pony rides petting zoo snowmobile racing face painting, and lots more. Details
October 7 – 9, 2023
6 Park Ave, Brant
$8 to $12
PYO Apples
Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery, 1468 Highway #8, Grimsby
Carluke Apple Orchard, 2194 Shaver Rd S., Ancaster
Luna Farms, 8th Road, Stoney Creek
The Apple Orchard Inc., 1668 Ontario 6, Hamilton
Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting
For more options see,
Pumpkin Patches
You may like:
II. Live Music
Hamilton Record & CD Show
Hamilton Record & CD Show on October 7th at Bridgeworks. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Bridgeworks, 200 Caroline St N,, Hamilton
$5 – $20
Crush: Tribute to Bon Jovi
Crush: The Best of Bon Jovi is the ultimate tribute band, authentically recreating the sights and sounds of Bon Jovi. Experience the exhilaration of a live Bon Jovi concert as Crush delivers the hits with unmatched energy and precision. This is a must-see for any Bon Jovi fan. Details
September 29 – 30, 2023 | 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm, 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills
$20
An Evening with Andy Kim
He had worldwide hits in the 60s and 70s but for Andy Kim, performing before Canadian audiences still gives him a thrill, and Kim will do just that when he brings his hit-filled show to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre for one performance on Oct. 6. Details
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 8:00 PM
BPAC – Main Theatre, 440 Locust Street
$54.50 – $79.50
Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook
‘Tapestry’, the Carole King Songbook, staring Suzanne O Davis, is the Premier musical tribute to Carole King. This show recreates the sound and vibe of a 1970’s Carole King concert experience following her legendary album, Tapestry.You will be transported back to the iconic image of her multi-million selling album of 1971. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 8:00 PM
Memorial Arts Centre, 357 Wilson St East, Ancaster
$48
III. Theatre/Performing Art
Jonas and Barry in the Home
Playwright Norm Foster returns to Theatre Aquarius with a comedy about living the golden years to their fullest! Meet Barry who spends his time at Gateway Gardens Senior’s Residence taking naps and shuffling around in his slippers. Enter Jonas, a gregarious retired stage actor who spends his days wooing the ladies in the home. This odd couple form an unlikely friendship, embarking on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure to spice up their lives. Details
September 27 – October 14 2023
Theatre Aquarius Mainstage, 190 King William Street
$49 – $70
See a Movie at the Drive-in
Catch a movie at a drive-in near you.
Starlite Drive-in Stoney Creek
IV. Sports
Forge FC
vs. Atlético Ottawa on Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 4:00 PM
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
$29.85 and up
Yoga with Goats
Need a break from all the stuff going on in your life? Not a problem we have a great way to breathe, relax, and feel refreshed. Come join us for yoga with goats. You’ll have 40 minutes of yoga while surrounded by goats followed by 20 minutes of cuddle session with the goats and photo opportunity. Details
Sunday, October 8, 2023 | 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM
Triple C Farm, 500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster
$35
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
City parks and green spaces, Provincial parks and conservation reserves, City of Hamilton Trails as well as Hamilton Conservation Authority conservation areas are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- 25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Hamilton
- 25 Must Visit Nature Attractions and Parks in Hamilton
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 100 Adventures in Ontario Provincial Parks
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- 25 Nature and Wilderness Adventures in Ontario
V. Exhibitions and Other Events
Downtown Hamilton Ghost Walks
Traditional Ghost Walk of the “Haunted City”. Running for 20 years with great ghost stories. Landmarks like the Royal Connaught, Right House, Hamilton Place, St. Paul’s Church and the Pigott Building… Details
Thursday, October 5, 2023 | 8:30 PM
Royal Connaught Courtyard, 112 King St E, Hamilton
$12.39 to $14.16
Fear Farm: The Legends of Halloween
Visit Fear Farm during the 2023 season and enjoy the world famous hayride and outdoor haunts. 6 haunts to visit. Come enjoy the live horses on the hayride, the action, the actors, the atmosphere. Details
Friday – Sunday, September 30 to October 29, 2023 | 7pm – 10pm
936685 Blenheim Rd, Bright
$54.99 & up
Ontario Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of participatory arts and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Details
September 22 to October 15, 2023
Across Ontario
Free
Visit the Whistling Gardens
If you haven’t been to the Whistling Gardens before, plan a trip and see why Whistling Gardens is voted as one of Canada’s Best Botanical Gardens. Details
Wednesday through Sunday, until Thanksgiving Monday
Whistling Gardens Ltd., 698 Concession 3, Wilsonville
Regular admission
Festival of Fountains – The Night Garden
Festival of Fountains – The Night Gardens introduces guests to a highly visual immersive visitor experience to indulge all your senses! This interpretive storytelling experience of music, water, and lighting invite guests to experience the scenic botanical beauty at Whistling Gardens 22 acre multi-award-winning botanical gardens. Details
Saturday, August 26 – October 14, 2023
Whistling Gardens, 698 Concession 3 Townsend, Wilsonville
$22.60 to $33.90
Creepy Caledonia Ghost Tours
Join your Ghost Guide for a lantern-lit walking tour of historic Caledonia featuring local ghost stories, legends, and folklore. This unique historical tour is great for all ages. Whether you’re visiting Caledonia or have lived here for a lifetime, you’re sure to learn about our town’s interesting and ghostly history. Details
Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Caledonia Fairgrounds, 151 Caithness St E, Caledonia
$8
Hamilton Sings! Community Choir rehearsals
Hamilton Sings! is a no audition, mixed voice community choir for adults and older youth. Join us for an open rehearsal commitment free and see how you like it! Details
Saturdays, September 16 – December 2, 2023 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Central Presbyterian Church, 165 Charlton Avenue West, Hamilton,
$150 or pay what you can
Visit Dundas Peak, Tew & Webster Falls
Thinking of coming to explore DundasPeak, TewFalls or WebsterFalls? You must make a reservation in advance on weekends & holidays. Details
Reservation required every day of the week beginning September 23, 2023 for the fall colour season
Dundas Peak, Tew & Webster Falls
Admission fees will be $11 per car and $5 per passenger, plus a $10 reservation fee.
Even a Dog Enlists
Animals have been a part of war since the beginning of time. From pulling supply wagons to helping to evacuate the wounded, or simply acting as mascots and companions, animals have played an invaluable role in warfare. Even a Dog Enlists – Animals in Wartime Propaganda, from the Wildman Collection, represents symbolic examples from the First and Second World Wars in which animals were represented to generate enlistment and national pride, not only in Canada, but throughout the Allied countries. Details
Ongoing until March 17, 2024
Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope
Free with Admission
Quartz
Join us for QUARTZ: Queer Art Hang! QUARTZ at the AGH is a welcoming, accessible space for 2S-LGTBQIA+ community members to let their creativity thrive. Drop by our casual art-making session any time between 6:00pm-8:00pm. Details
June 16 – October 18, 2023 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King Street W, Hamilton
Free
WONDER: the real, the surreal, and the fantastic
Organized by theme, the exhibition brings together works by historical and contemporary artists who reflect and reimagine the body and the everyday in staging new and provocative worlds. Details
September 23, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King Street W, Hamilton
Regular admission: $0 – $15
Past: A Conversation on Canadian Ceramics
Curator and academic Rachel Gotlieb and artist Steve Heinemann explore the evolution of ceramics in Canada, examining the key influences and movements that have shaped this dynamic and ever-evolving art form. Join us on a journey through time, and discover the beauty, innovation, and cultural significance of ceramics in Canada. Details
Saturday, October 7, 2023 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom Webinar
Free
Enjoy Fall in Hamilton
Whether fall makes you want to cozy up indoors, walk through the city, or explore the changing natural scenery, Hamilton has something for everyone. Details
Hamilton Waterfront Trolley Tour
Have you ever wondered what those 2 big domes are at the Hamilton Waterfront? What is the Fishway? What is that silver pavilion at Bayfront Park? Come aboard the Hamilton Waterfront Harbour West Trolley Tour and find out for yourself! Details
Weekends, September 9 to October 9, 2023
Pier 8, Hamilton
$6.75 – $10.75
Waterdown Farmers’ Market
The outdoor Saturday morning Market returns for its 10th season with special opening day activities including the Flamborough Horticultural Society’s Annual Spring Plant Sale and performances by talented local youth from CBY Music and Performing Arts, Waterdown Dancers’ Inc. and Waterdown Music Academy. Details
Saturdays, until October 14, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 551, 79 Hamilton St North
Free
Talons and Tailfeathers
If you’re looking for a closer encounter with the Mountsberg Raptors then you’ll love Talons & Tailfeathers. This small-group experience with some of our resident raptors offers a meet and greet with our birds of prey while learning all about them. Details
Select Fridays & Saturdays, until October 7, 2023
Mountsberg Conservation Area, Milburough Line, Campbellville
$10 per person + Gate fee
The Weight of Clay 40 Years of the Collection
The Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with an intimate and personal retrospective exhibition titled, The Weight of Clay 40 Years of the Collection, running from June 16th to October 8th in the Lee-Chin Family Gallery. Details
June 16 – October 18, 2023
Art Gallery of Burlington , 1333 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington
Free
Escape the Ghost Ship: Boat Cruise & Escape Game
Hop aboard and enjoy a cruise around the inner harbour while solving the mystery as a team. Embark on this deliciously thrilling adventure at 200 Harbour Front Drive Hamilton! Details
Thursday – Saturday, June 1 – October 28, 2023 | 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM
200 Harbourfront Drive, Hamilton
$44 per person
VI. Thanksgiving Events & Dinner
Annual Thanksgiving Herb Giveaway
Don’t miss your last chance to visit the Historic Kitchen Garden before it closes for the year. Drop by to enjoy the fall colours and pick up a free savoury herb bundle to use for your Thanksgiving celebrations. Action 13, a community climate action group from Dundas, will be onsite sharing native plant seedlings and seed packs for your own garden while supplies last. Details
October 7 – 8, 2023 | 12 PM – 4 PM
Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd, Hamilton
Free
You might like: Freshly baked pies from Carluke Orchards
Thanksgiving Turkey Take-Out
- Radius Restaurant
- The Innsville Restaurant on October 8 – 9
- Pepperwood – October 7; Pre-order by September 30
- Familia Fine Foods – October 8 – 9; Pre-order until October 3
- Southcote 53 Tap & Grill on October 8 – 9
Thanksgiving Dinner Dine-In
- The Innsville Restaurant on October 8 – 9
- Swiss Chalet – until October 9
- OpenTable Listings
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.
Bookmark this page and check back next week for more weekend activities.
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