As Hamilton shakes off the quiet and cold of the frosty winter months, the great Steel City has a great lineup of local events to get you in the mood to leave your house again.
How do I spend a day in Hamilton?
We’re boutique hoteliers in the Ancaster and Hamilton area, so it’s a question we’re often asked by guests. Fortunately, our community has built a thriving arts and events scene with plenty of great events to check out this spring – we’ve even curated ten events for you to enjoy.
Read on to start planning and follow them up with a comfortable stay at The Barracks Inn!
10 Best Things to Do in Hamilton This Spring
1. Fully Committed
When: March 26, 2025 to April 12, 2025
Where: Theatre Aquarius
Gavin Crawford is seriously impressive in Theatre Aquarius’s professional production of Fully Committed. It’s a quick moving one-man show where he takes on dozens of characters in a fancy New York City restaurant. It’s a demanding, hilarious marathon that’s easily accessible in the heart of our city. You might know him for his work on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Gavin Crawford Show, and as the host of CBC Radio’s Because News.
2. Bedouin Soundclash: 20 Years of Sounding A Mosaic
When: March 28, 2025
Where: Bridgeworks
Catch these Canadian music legends as they celebrate two decades of their unique sound. It’ll be a night filled with those familiar reggae, ska, and rock vibes that you know and love at Bridgeworks, which is becoming a popular spot for live music in the city. Join JUNO-winning Bedouin Soundclash as they bring their 20th-anniversary tour for Sounding a Mosaic to Hamilton with iconic tracks and special guests, Sunshine Makers.
3. 131st Around the Bay Road Race
When: March 30, 2025
Where: Starting Points Vary Based on Race Length
Whether you’re running or just want to cheer from the sidelines, this historic road race is a classic Hamilton tradition that’s the oldest long-distance road race in North America – it even predates the Boston Marathon with its 1894 start. Be prepared for crowds, including Olympic medalists, and the option to run a 5K, 10K, 15K, or 30K race.
4. Nate Smith
When: April 1, 2025
Where: FirstOntario Concert Hall
Nate Smith’s concert is a great option to kick off April 2025 if you love live music that leans into country and bluegrass. He’s a rising country star who’s been enjoying great success with a string of No. 1 hits and a tour with Morgan Wallen – and he’s coming to Hamilton this spring.
5. Home Opener: Forge FC vs. Cavalry FC
When: April 5, 2025
Where: Tim Hortons Field
There’s really nothing better than the atmosphere at a home opener game. Head down to Tim Hortons Field to see Hamilton’s own Forge FC start their season with some exciting soccer action as you watch five-time CPL champs in what’s likely to be a pretty exciting match.
6. Dirty Dancing in Concert: Broadway in Hamilton
When: April 9, 2025
Where: FirstOntario Concert Hall
Enjoy a great night remembering the classic story of Baby and Johnny, set not to far away from Hamilton in the Catskills of New York State. It’s a live / film experience that goes hand in hand, featuring a complete screening of the movie with a live band and trained singers performing the iconic soundtrack.
7. The Vintage Marketplace
When: April 11, 2025 to April 12, 2025
Where: Collective Arts Brewing
8. Art Crawl on James North
When: April 11, 2025 and May 9, 2025
Where: James Street North, Hamilton
Walk along James North and pop into our best art galleries and studios on the second Friday of every month, including this April and May. See some local talent and maybe even discover your new favourite artist – the Art Crawl is a monthly event that Hamilton’s art scene revolves around.
Take off on foot and walk door to door, where most storefronts and galleries keep their doors open late to welcome you in.
9. Doors Open Hamilton
When: May 3, 2025 to May 4, 2025
Where: Various locations across Hamilton
If you love history and architecture, you should peek inside some of Hamilton’s most interesting buildings, many of which aren’t usually open to the public. You can really get a sense of the city’s history and architecture with this free event, where you can get behind-the-scenes access to unique buildings like the Ancaster Old Township Hall, the Cotton Factory, and even The Barracks Inn itself!
10. Mother’s Day Tea: Historic Cooking Workshop
When: May 10, 2025
Where: Dundurn National Historic Site
If you want a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day beyond a traditional brunch date, try this historic cooking workshop at Dundurn. You’ll take a trip back to the Victorian era at Dundurn National Historic Site and learn to prepare 19th-century recipes by the wood-fired range during this special Mother’s Day workshop. Afterward, enjoy a cozy afternoon tea by gaslight in the historic kitchen and discover the tea traditions of the MacNab family.
The Barracks Inn—Boutique Hotel in Hamilton
After a day of exploring these fantastic local events, The Barracks Inn in Ancaster provides a luxurious and comfortable haven for your spring getaway. Our central location offers easy access down the escarpment to Hamilton’s city center and its many attractions.
Be sure to check the Tourism Hamilton events calendar for updated information, ticket details, and more.
Book your stay today and start planning your next weekend trip to Hamilton, Ontario!