WEEKEND PLANNER
Hamilton’s Winterfest is here with many events running daily through to Feb. 20. Here are five fun festival events. For a complete list of festival events and details, go to thespec.com/hamilton-events
Blanket Fort Building at Hamilton Artists Inc., 165 James St. N., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Hamilton International Village at Ferguson Station, Ferguson Street between Main and King, Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. #TryHamilton
Waterfront Festival of Lights dazzles at Pier 8, 47 Discovery Dr., starting at 5 p.m. each evening.
Centremount Winterfest event, a family fun afternoon of activity at Bruce Park, 145 Brucedale Ave. E., Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Beasley Park Winterfest event beckons young and old together at Beasley Community Centre, 145 Wilson St., Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.
Cheers
The Hamilton I Love Beer Festival continues Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Admission is $25 at the door, and beer tokens are $2 each. Hit the ATM on the way. This is a cash-only event. The festival is on at The Hamilton Convention Centre, 1 Summers Lane.
Drop a line
Valens Conservation Area is open daily for ice fishing. Only catch-and-release fishing is permitted, and bait and rental huts are not available. For updated ice conditions, call Valens at 905-525-2183 or 519-621-6029. Valens Conservation Area is located at 1691 Regional Rd. 97, (RR 6), Flamborough. valens@conservationhamilton.ca
Register now for Valens annual ice fishing derby on Feb. 11, from sunrise to 2 p.m. This is a catch-and-release bluegill, crappie and perch derby. Tickets are available in advance or day-of for $25 per adult and $15 per child (12 and under).
Also at Valens, skating on the lake is open, but if you’re hoping to skate the trail you will need to check the ice conditions before you go.
It’s hot
Take a break from winter’s chill. Don’t want to pay for a warm-weather vacation but need the warmth? Head down to the tropical greenhouse in Gage Park off Lawrence Road. The greenhouse features a flagstone path that leads you to fish-filled ponds and a spectacular waterfall. Lush, exotic plants, water lilies and lotus flowers add to the beauty of the greenhouse. There are four red-eared slider turtles that live in a custom-built pond adjacent to the waterfall. Through a partnership with Friends of the Aviary, several species of birds are also on display. The greenhouse is open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s wheelchair accessible and free.
Burlington Concert Band
It’s a celebration of love on Sunday, 7 p.m., at St. Christopher’s Church, 662 Guelph Line. Enjoy the Burlington Concert Band’s Gift of Love Valentine’s Concert. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Hamilton Theatre Inc.
Memories — A Celebration of 60 Years on stage performs daily to Feb. 25, at Hamilton Theatre Inc., 140 MacNab St. N. The performance celebrates the classic Broadway numbers that have been part of HTI’s legacy and makes it Hamilton’s oldest musical theatre company. Show Saturday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$27. Call 905-522-3032.
Compiled by Jennifer Moore, The Hamilton Spectator