WEEKEND PLANNER
It’s looking like a mixed bag of weather in the Hamilton area this weekend. Keep an umbrella handy Saturday, when early reports from Environment Canada are calling for a chance of showers and a jacket Sunday, when the temperature isn’t expected to top 16 C. Below are 10 fantastic things to do this weekend that will be fun regardless of the forecast:
Apple Festival
It’s all fall harvest fun at Battlefield Park Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free outdoor event starts with a pancake breakfast and includes games, pumpkin decorating demonstrations and a bake-off. At 77 King St. E., Stoney Creek.
Ottawa Street
The Ottawa Street BIA’s annual sidewalk sale is Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be music, a kids’ zone and more to explore between Main and Barton streets.
Autumn fun
Corn maze and pumpkin patch! Yup, it’s that time of year again. Here are some local farms stacked with fall fun: Lindley’s Farm and Market at 900 Fiddlers Green Rd. has hayrides and a corn maze from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10 for hayride to the field for pick-your-pumpkin, and $8 for the corn maze.
Apple-Lee Fun Weekends at Puddicombe Estate continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Puddicombe Farm is located at 1468 Highway 8 in Winona. Train rides, a campfire, live entertainment and more.
Merry Farms at 1974 Concession 2 Rd. W. in Lynden holds its Pumpkin Patch Minis event Saturday and Sunday, which includes wagon rides, a corn maze, kids activities, food trucks, a pumpkin patch and more. Admission is $9, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no new admission after 4 p.m.
Rabies clinic
The City of Hamilton is hosting a lowcost rabies vaccine clinic Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gage Park. Cost is $25, cash only, on a first come, first served basis. Dogs and cats must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Etsy crafters
The Etsy Made in Canada Fair features unique creations from regional makers at the Lincoln Alexander Centre, 160 King St. E. Hours are Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door, or bring an item to donate to the hygiene drive.
Walking tours
Join Bill King on Sunday for a free walking tour of downtown Hamilton. This week’s theme is unusual and eccentric architecture. Meet at the Sir John A. Macdonald statue in Gage Park at 10 a.m. for the 90-minute tour. Tour Guys present free 90-minute walking tours this weekend. The Hamilton waterfront tour is Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Meet outside Williams Fresh Cafe at 47 Discovery Dr. The downtown Hamilton tour is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. Meet inside the lobby of the Hamilton GO station at 36 Hunter St. E. Tours are free, registration is recommended at tourguys.ca and the tour guide accepts tips.
Culture Days
Canada’s annual Culture Days are Sept. 27 to 29. A sample of local events this weekend include guided tours of the McMaster Museum of Art, the Burlington Cultural Diversity Festival, Dundas Valley School of Art workshops and activities at the Hamilton Public Library. Shopping for pumpkins has started at your local pumpkin farms. Find a list of places you can go for fall activities and more.
For a full list, visit culturedays.ca.
Charity walks and runs
The Suicide Prevention Community Council presents Running for Rachael on Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Old Navy entrance of Lime Ridge Mall. Same day registration is $30, and cash or cheques are accepted. Registration opens at 8 a.m., and you can choose between a 5km and a 10-km timed walk or run. The Autism Acceptance Walk, Run or Ride takes place Sunday at 11:45 a.m. with registration starting at 11 a.m. at Confederation Beach Park, 680 Waterfront Trail. Meet at the Willow Cove Pavilion. Registration and pledge form details are available at cnaf.net.
Fair time
Fair season is in full swing and this weekend we have the Caledonia Fair. It’s close to home and the fair is open Thursday to Sunday. Keep in mind, most fairs will not allow pets. Bring cash. The fairgrounds are located at 151 Caithness St. E., Caledonia.
Game Day
Hamilton’s Forge FC take on Pacific FC Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field, 75 Balsam Ave. N. Tickets start at $25.
Hamilton Bulldogs take on the London Knights Saturday at 7 p.m. at FirstOntario Centre, 101 York Blvd. Tickets start at $22 at the box office. Compiled by Jennifer Moore, The Hamilton Spectator