LOCAL EVENTS FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Easter weekend is here and you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate one of the principal holidays of the Christian calendar.
It’s also a time to recognize Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Here’s some of what’s happening this weekend in Hamilton and area.
Eid al-Fitr Bazaar
The Islamic School of Hamilton
(1545 Stone Church Rd. E.) offers a one-stop shop for Eid al-Fitr, Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m. Available items include Islamic clothing, accessories, Eid decor, dates, Islamic arts and books, gifts, custom printings, international food and services.
Easter egg hunts
Autism Dog Services hosts an Easter egg hunt at the Ancaster Optimist Youth Centre (237 Manitou Way). Running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event includes refreshments, kids’ crafts and a special appearance by the Easter bunny. You can also meet some of the service dogs in training. Donations will be collected for Autism Dog Services.
The Winona Easter egg hunt returns to Winona Park (1328 Barton St., Stoney Creek), for children ages one to 12. Online preregistration has ended, but you can try registering at the park starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. The Scottish Rite Club and Cathedral (4 Queen St. S., Hamilton) hosts an Easter egg hunt and breakfast from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. See scottishriteclub.ca for tickets. The Stipley Lions Club hosts an Easter egg hunt in Stoney Creek at Optimist Park (890 Queenston Rd.) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free, with no registration required.
More Easter events
Downtown Dundas presents a fun-filled afternoon Saturday with a petting zoo, balloon twister, Easter Bunny visits, live music and more, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., the Concession Street BIA presents sidewalk sales and special promotions from member businesses.
Film screenings
The Westdale Theatre (1014 King St. W., Hamilton) screens “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. See thewestdale.ca for tickets and more details. On Sunday, catch “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at the Westdale, beginning at 1 p.m. Visit the westdale.ca for $8 advance tickets.
Live music
Hear Ween tribute band Ocean Men live at the Casbah, Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Ocean Men salutes the American rock band Ween, with songs from every studio album and beyond. Find tickets at eventbrite.ca.
Catch another Blues and Roots matinee session, Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Coach and Lantern’s Upper Coach, 384 Wilson St. E. It’s a lively afternoon of music featuring the Coachmen, with special guest, Rob Cutting. See eventbrite.ca for tickets.
The Jackson Stokes Band performs with The Mount Nemo Rattlers at Bridgeworks, (200 Caroline St. N., Hamilton) Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at bridgeworks.ca. Hosanna Choir presents “A New Day Dawning” at FirstOntario Concert Hall (1 Summers Lane, Hamilton) Saturday at 7:30 p.m. See coreentertainment.ca for tickets.
See Rising Hedons live in concert at The Mule Spinner, (11 Landsdowne Ave., Hamilton) on Saturday at 7 p.m. It’s a mix of folk and bluegrass music. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Comedy
The Staircase Theatre (27 Dundurn St. N., Hamilton) presents “Smooth Comedy,” a variety show on Saturday at 8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of non-stop laughter, witty jokes, and side-splitting performances. See eventbrite.ca for tickets.
Fun and games Waterdown
Legion Branch 551
presents L.A. Bingo on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at 79 Hamilton St. N. See waterdownlegion.ca for details.
Pottery exhibition
This Saturday is your last chance to see the Potters’ Guild of Hamilton’s biennial juried exhibition at Carnegie Gallery (10 King St. W., Dundas). The exhibition concludes with its final day on March 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more at carnegiegallery.ca.
Vendor markets
The Ancaster Lions Spring Craft and Gift Show continues Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S. This year’s event features an estimated 100 vendors. March 30 is the final instalment of Connon Nurseries’ Saturday Winter Market. Browse 50-plus vendors at 656 Robson Rd., Waterdown, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for local food, artisan products and more, with live entertainment. The Rodmasters Swap Meet rolls into the Ancaster Fairgrounds Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors with everything for the classic car hobbyist.
Easter Monday
Join the SportHamilton Walk 30430 Challenge with an Easter Monday morning “walk-off” event at 9 a.m. at T.B. McQueston Park, (1199 Upper Wentworth St.) near the Linc. SportHamilton is challenging Hamiltonians to “Get Moving” in April by committing to walk 30 continuous minutes for 30 days, April 1 to 30. Register for free and track your progress at sporthamilton.com/walk30.