Things to do in Hamilton this Canada Day weekend

Summer is off to a blazing start, with lots to do in Hamilton.

The city is offering a variety of summer programs and activities to help people of all ages stay active, enjoy the outdoors and stay cool. Here's a list to help you make the most of the next few days.

Outdoor and wading pools

Outdoor pools will open for the season on June 27, with daily drop-in swims available through Sept. 1, weather permitting. Locations include:

• Ancaster Lions Outdoor Pool.
• Birge Outdoor Pool.
• Chedoke Outdoor Pool.
• Coronation Outdoor Pool.
• Green Acres Outdoor Pool.
• Inch Park Outdoor Pool.
• Parkdale Outdoor Pool.
• Rosedale Outdoor Pool.
• Victoria Park Outdoor Pool.
• Walker Outdoor Pool.

Wading pools

Families with young children can beat the heat at supervised wading pools, open June 30 to Aug. 22. Locations include:

• Andy Warburton Wading Pool.
• Dundas Driving Park *open June 23 to Sept. 1.
• Gage Park. 
• J.C. Beemer Park.
• Jesse Patterson (Huntington Recreation Centre).
• Powell Park. 

The Big Bounce Canada

The Big Bounce Canada, believed to be the largest touring inflatable event in the world, has created an action-packed day out suitable for all ages and featuring some of the most unique and exciting custom-built inflatable attractions ever made. The Big Bounce Canada, from June 27 to 29, includes seven massive inflatable attractions. The venue is Hanes Corn Maze, 1001 Highway #5 West. Tickets cost $32 and up.

Waterdown Oh Canada Ribfest

The Waterdown and Flamborough rotary clubs are hosting an event in Waterdown's Memorial Park from June 27 to 30 featuring ribs, live music and family activities. Admission is free. 

Big Blue Blocks at HPL

Hamilton Children's Museum will be popping up at Hamilton Public Library, central branch, on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families are invited to build and play with the Big Blue Blocks designed to inspire children to create their own inventions, environments, and activities. Admission is free. 

It's Your Festival 2025

Round up the family for a weekend of festivities in the park when It's Your Festival returns to Gage Park this summer.

Bring friends and family together for a great time this long weekend. With a jam-packed lineup of music, entertainment, art, and food, It's Your Festival is sure to be something for everyone.

The festival is open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m each day, June 28 to July 1.

Southbrook Golf & Country Club Canada Day Celebration

This event takes place on June 29 at 4349 Hamilton Regional Road 56, Hamilton. Activities include live music from Brian Melo & Suzie McNeil There will also be multiple inflatable attractions the whole family will love, face painting and cotton candy, a mini market featuring local businesses, and an amazing fireworks show to end the night.

Pop-Up in Dundurn's Kitchen Garden

Hamilton Children's Museum will be popping up at Dundurn National Historic Site in the Historic Kitchen Garden. Bring your young family and friends for free nature-based activities in 'Sophia's Garden,' a child-focused interactive space. This area of the garden was inspired by excerpts from The Diary of Sophia MacNab, as Sophia describes playing in the kitchen garden and growing a small plot of fruits and vegetables with her younger sister. This new garden features plants selected to inspire kids to touch, smell and interact with nature. This free outdoor garden event will be held June 28  to 29 from 12 p.m.  to 4 p.m. daily.

Postcards from the sky

This event for music lovers will be held June 28 at Church of the Ascension, 64 Forest Ave, Hamilton. Music and atmosphere intertwine in a concert designed to still the noise of everyday life and lift the soul. The organizers are inviting people to step into one of Hamilton's hidden architectural treasures — a breathtaking 175-year-old church bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight. This is music that floats, drifts, and dreams — this immersive experience invites you to pause, reflect, and be carried skyward. Performers include the National Academy Orchestra of Canada with Martin MacDonald as conductor.

Hamilton Cardinals

You can experience the excitement of hometown baseball with the Hamilton Cardinals at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium on June 27 (Hamilton Cardinals vs Welland Jackfish). Starting at 7:35 p.m., the thrill of baseball meets the excitement of classic game shows. Organizers promise fun challenges, interactive contests, and a night full of surprises as the Cardinals take the field. Tickets are $8 to $12.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats play against the Montreal Alouettes at Tim Hortons Field on June 27 starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and up.

Forge FC

You can cheer on Hamilton's Forge FC at Tim Horton's Field when they take on York United FC on Sunday, June 29, at 4 p.m.