Things to Do in Hamilton This Weekend: July 17–19, 2026
This Saturday is a busy one — Farm Crawl Hamilton, a wintertime market inside a greenhouse (yes, really), and a free outdoor dance festival wrapping up at Bayfront Park all land on the same weekend. Whether you’re heading outdoors or staying close to the neighbourhood, there’s a lot to work with.
Explore farms across Hamilton at Farm Crawl Hamilton
Saturday, July 18 · Various farms across Hamilton and surrounding area · Free to attend
Farm Crawl Hamilton gives families behind-the-scenes access to working farms across the region — meet the farmers, get close to animals, watch hands-on demos, and sample locally made products. Each farm offers its own distinct experience, so you can do one or make a day of it. It’s a genuinely fun way to get out of the city and connect with where your food comes from.
Full farm lineup and details →
Catch the final night of Dances at the Bay at Bayfront Park
Friday–Saturday, July 17–18 · Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Drive · Free
Presented by the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, this free outdoor festival brings professional Canadian dance companies to the waterfront for three evenings. Each night opens at 6:30 p.m. with a beginner-friendly line-dancing workshop before the main performances kick off at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday are the last two nights — don’t sleep on this one.
Event details and performers →
A winter market inside a greenhouse — at Connon Nurseries in Waterdown
Saturday, July 18 · 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. · Connon Nurseries, Waterdown · Free to browse
It sounds contradictory in July, but that’s the charm: a Winter Market set up inside the seasonal greenhouse at Connon Nurseries. Local vendors are bringing baked goods, specialty treats, artisan products, and more. It’s a cool (literally) escape from the heat and a good reason to make the short drive to Waterdown.
Walk the haunted streets of Dundas on Saturday night
Saturday, July 18 · 8:30–10:00 p.m. · Historic downtown Dundas · Paid (see link for tickets)
After your day of farm crawling or market browsing, cap off Saturday with the Dundas Ghost Walk. Guides lead you through the historic streets after dark with stories of local murders, restless spirits, and unexplained events woven through with real local history. It’s spooky, it’s fun, and it runs rain or shine.
Spend Sunday morning at Locke Street: Sundays UnLocked
Sunday, July 19 · 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · Locke Street South · Free
One of Hamilton’s best street festivals closes out the weekend. Locke Street goes car-free and fills up with local vendors, live entertainment, artisans, and community vibes all the way down the block. Shop local, eat well, and enjoy the neighbourhood at its liveliest. It’s a reliable Sunday well spent.
Also Worth Knowing
- New opening — The Chilaquiles Spot: Hamilton has a new fast-casual Mexican spot at 180 James Street South, taking over the former Los Mayas space. The lucha libre-themed eatery serves customizable chilaquiles, burritos, and tacos. Check out their menu →
- New management — National Pizza+: The spot at 3 King St E is under new ownership with a fresh menu as of July 13. Worth a revisit if you haven’t been in a while. See what’s new →
- Coming soon — Behind the Green Door: Hamilton’s first aphrodisiac-inspired dining experience is set to open this summer at 96 George Street in Hess Village. It’s 19+, fully gluten-free, and easily the most intriguing restaurant opening of the season. Follow along →
- Closing — Beer Store on Hamilton Mountain: The location at 1408 Upper James St. will permanently close after August 16. Stock up or adjust your weekend plans accordingly.
- Midweek — Movies by the Lake (Burlington): Every Tuesday through August 18, Spencer Smith Park in Burlington hosts a free outdoor movie night. Bring a blanket and settle in by the water. Details here →
Want more Hamilton in your inbox?
The Hammer is Hamilton’s free weekly newsletter covering new openings, local events, neighbourhood news, and hidden history — delivered every Saturday morning. Sign up free at onlyinhamilton.ca/newsletter and never miss what’s going on in your city.
That’s your weekend, Hamilton. Go enjoy it. 🔨
