Things to do this weekend in Hamilton: Feb. 28 to March 2
Published February 28, 2025 at 8:16 am
Whether you’re catching an intimate acoustic performance, diving into a nostalgic theatre production or browsing a thought-provoking art exhibit, there’s plenty happening in Hamilton this weekend!
Here’s what’s going on from Feb. 28 to March 2:
February 28
Donovan Woods: Living Well Acoustic Tour
Experience an intimate night of soulful acoustics as Donovan Woods brings his unique blend of folk, country and pop to The Westdale. With heartfelt lyrics and powerful storytelling, this performance promises to be unforgettable.
Where: 1014 King St. W. (The Westdale)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: From $55
Greg Staats: Runners Continuum (Feb. 22 – May 18, 2025)
Runners Continuum features fourteen successive photographs alongside new works in photography, video and sculpture. Greg Staats’ practice combines language, memory and the natural world, creating a visual dialogue between trauma, renewal and Indigenous teachings.
Where: 123 King St. W. (Art Gallery of Hamilton – Exhibitions Gallery Level 1)
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Museum admission applies
Big John and The Night Trippers
Enjoy deep and soulful blues as Big John and The Night Trippers take the stage in Central Library’s Hamilton Room, presented by the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild.
Where: 55 York Blvd. (Hamilton Public Library – Central Branch)
When: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
March 1
Casey and Diana (Feb. 19 to Mar. 8)
A moving and unexpectedly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their caregivers and Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991. Written by Nick Green and directed by Andrew Kushnir, this co-production with The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre tells a powerful story of compassion and hope.
Where: 190 King William St. (Theatre Aquarius- main stage)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets from $30.51
Because Brrr Craft Beer Festival
Gather your brew-loving friends for a weekend of craft beer and cider sampling at Because Brrr Craft Beer Festival. Enjoy local brews, delicious eats and live music from artists like Born In The Eighties and My Son The Hurricane. Participating breweries and cideries include Bellwoods Brewery, Collective Arts Brewing, Paris Brewing, Black Fly Beverage Co., West Avenue Cider House and more.
Where: 200 Caroline St. N. (Bridgeworks)
When: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Cost: $32.18
RBG WinterTide
Experience the magic of winter as the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens transforms into a beautiful indoor and outdoor jazz lounge. Stroll under glowing lights, warm up around a fire pit, or cozy up indoors with live music, delicious bites and signature cocktails.
Where: 1185 York Blvd. (Royal Botanical Gardens)
When: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $24.86 per person
RBC Artist in Residence: Alex Jacobs-Blum ((Sept. 21, 2024 – March 16, 2025)
Alex Jacobs-Blum takes over the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Sculpture Atrium with In the Shadow of the Eclipse, an exhibition engaging the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s permanent collection to explore the intersections of peace, grief, love and loss.
Where: 123 King St. W. (Art Gallery of Hamilton – Exhibitions Gallery Level 2)
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Feb. 21 to March 2)
A beloved classic comes to life on stage with music by Alan Menken. This enchanting tale is perfect for all ages and features iconic songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”
Where: 357 Wilson St. E. (Ancaster)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 – $33 + applicable fees.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
This hilarious and heartfelt musical follows six quirky middle school students as they compete in a high-stakes spelling bee. Guided by three equally eccentric adults, the contestants navigate adolescence, rivalries, and unexpected revelations throughout the competition.
Where: 140 MacNab St. N. (Hamilton Theatre Inc.)
When: 2 p.m.
Cost: $25–$30
Wellness at Whitehern: A Historic Mental Health Tour
Explore the McQuestens’ experiences navigating mental illness through the life of Margaret Edna, the youngest McQuesten daughter. Using archival resources, this tour examines family support, caregiver fatigue, societal stigma and access to mental health resources in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A wellness activity follows the tour. Please note that mature topics will be discussed.
Where: 41 Jackson St. W. (Whitehern Historic House & Garden)
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person (Pre-registration required)
March 2
Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village (Feb. 23 to March 23)
Experience the magic of maple syrup season and see how sap is transformed into syrup at this historic village.
Where: 1049 Kirkwall Rd. (Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton)
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $10 – $21
Learning from the Masters: Helen McNicoll and Impressionism
In this hands-on course with artist-instructor Diana Gordon, students will learn to emulate the Impressionist style of Canadian artist Helen McNicoll. Through close-up studies in acrylics, participants will analyze McNicoll’s techniques, explore her brushstrokes and colour palette, and replicate a selected painting, including The Apple Gatherer.
Where: 123 King St. W. (Art Gallery of Hamilton)
When: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Members $275, Non-Members $300 (Plus applicable taxes. Registration required.)
Exhibition – Making Freedom Fly
Explore inspiring stories from the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian home front during the Second World War. Using archival collections and technology, this exhibition brings history to life through immersive digital experiences, including an interactive dome, life-sized avatars, HD cinema and augmented reality featuring the Avro Lancaster.
Where: 9280 Airport Rd. (Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum)
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wednesday to Sunday)
Cost: Free with museum admission (Adults $16, Seniors/Students $14, Youth $11, Free for members and children 5 & under)
Oscars Viewing Party
Celebrate the 97th Annual Academy Awards on the big screen in a stunning Art Deco theatre. Dress to impress in red-carpet fashion or channel your favourite nominated movie—dressing up is optional, and everyone is welcome.
Where: 1014 King St. W. (The Westdale Theatre)
When: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (Reservation required)