Things to Do in Hamilton This Long Weekend (May 15–17, 2026)
It’s a long weekend, Hamilton — and finally, a good one. The forecast is looking gorgeous: sunny and 20°C on Saturday, climbing to 23°C on Sunday with barely any rain in sight. Get outside, eat well, and enjoy yourself. Here’s what’s worth your time.
Catch the Victoria Day fireworks at Dundas Driving Park Sunday, May 17 · Dundas Driving Park · Free
The classic Hamilton long-weekend tradition. Food trucks, live entertainment, and kids’ activities kick off around 2 p.m., with the fireworks going up after dark (somewhere between 9 and 9:30 p.m.). Bring a blanket, get there early for a good spot, and prepare for slow traffic on the way out. Full details →
Cheer on the Hamilton Cardinals at their home opener Friday, May 15 at 7:35 p.m. · Bernie Arbour Stadium, 290 Mountain Park Ave. E.
Baseball is back. The Cardinals open their season against the Kitchener Panthers, and with Friday’s forecast calling for 19°C and clear skies, this is shaping up to be a perfect ballpark night. Cheap tickets, hot dogs, and the gentle crack of a wooden bat. Bring the family. Schedule and tickets →
Browse the Winter Market at Connon Nurseries Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. · Connon Nurseries, 656 Robson Rd., Waterdown
Yes, it’s still called the Winter Market in May. No, that’s not a typo. It runs every Saturday inside the greenhouse — local food vendors, live music, hot breakfast and lunch, and the kind of warm, lush atmosphere that makes you want to linger. With Saturday looking sunny and 20°C, the Waterdown drive doubles as a great excuse to get out of the city for a morning. More info →
Grab Sunday breakfast at the new Gage Park Diner Open daily · Gage Park Diner · See listing for hours
Sunday’s forecast is the best of the bunch — 23°C and clear. Make it a slow morning: breakfast at Gage Park Diner, then a walk through Gage Park itself. The diner just opened, the park is at peak May green, and you’ll have the rest of the day for whatever Victoria Day plans you’ve got brewing. See the listing →
ALSO WORTH KNOWING
A few quick hits before you go:
- Coming up midweek: The seventh Crust Punk Sewing Circle lands Wednesday, May 20 from 6–9 p.m. upstairs at Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St.). Bring a sewing project and an acoustic instrument. Free, all ages. Only-in-Hamilton energy.
- Damn Fine Records has opened at 110 Ottawa St. N., bringing vinyl, CDs, and even 78s to the Ottawa Street strip. Worth a browse if you’re in the neighbourhood.
- Cravings Co. is opening downtown in the former Gully Café space, with house-made focaccia sandwiches from a Sheridan culinary grad.
- The Hammer Fest — Hamilton’s new grassroots community festival — lands at Flashbacks on Saturday, June 6. Mark your calendars.
- Annie Jr., a youth production at the Caledonia Lions Community Centre, opens next weekend. More on it in next week’s post.
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That’s your long weekend, Hamilton. Go enjoy it. 🔨
