Hello Neighbours
Harvest season is here! Years before Hamilton was officially a city, farmers hauled wagons of produce to the corner of York and James. The Hamilton Farmers' Market opened there in 1837, which makes it older than the city itself and one of Canada's oldest continuously operating public markets.
I recently visited one of our newer farmers markets on Ottawa Street and was reminded that many of our seasonal outdoor markets are heading into their final weeks. Now's the time to stock up on apples, Italian plums, gourds, and anything that makes a kitchen smell like autumn. Every basket goes straight back to the growers and small vendors who've worked all season to bring it to us. Here is a list of local Farmers Markets.
But Hamiltonians have always known the other side of fall too. The nights get longer, spirits appear, and the stories get darker.
This year, the harvest and the haunts arrive together. Spooky Season at Hamilton Civic Museums kicks off this weekend with That 70s Murder Mystery, a whodunit to solve at the historic Pumphouse. Later in the month, a Victorian Photography Workshop might help you capture a spirit or two. It's a chance to see our local history in a new light.
The month ends with Halloween, when the spooky folks come knocking. And no, we don't mean the municipal election candidates, although they'll be at your door too! (Advance polls open this weekend.) Watch for our upcoming All Things Halloween Guide soon.
Whether it’s in the sunshine or by moonlight there is always plenty to do and here's this week's full events list.
If you liked this week's issue please share it with someone who loves a good whodunit, whether it's at the museum or on the ballot.
~ Paul - ❤️
P.S. Speaking of ballot’s, today (October 1st) is National Pumpkin Spice Day. What are your views on PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte)? Which cafe in the city is your go to place for a PSL? Take the poll below and we will tell you the winner next week.
Who makes Hamilton's best pumpkin spice latte?
🗓 Want to see your Hamilton, Ontario event included here? Please complete our Event Form here.
Note: Events may be full, cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to check or reach out to the venue before going.
📆 DAY BY DAY VIBE
Dundas Museum has a new exhibition opening, starting on Saturday, Dundas Quilts: Historical and Contemporary Textiles.
If you always wondered if your dog could read your mind, now get it confirmed at the Canine Circus on Saturday at the McIntyre Performing Arts Centre. Get 50% off with Promo Code CANINE50
A circus of a different kind is on this week at Eastgate Square, Paranormal Cirque Nightmare.
It’s the 3rd Annual Milk & Cookies Festival at Summit Station on Saturday or you can take in a special Dundurn Castle & Ghost Bus Tour.
If hiking all the city’s stairs was on your list this weekend registration for this year’s Steeltown Stomp is full, but there is a waitlist.
Halloween is coming early to Gage Park on Saturday and Sunday with Spook Fest and to Hess Street early evening on Sunday with a market and also a horror themed Art Clash.
If you always wanted to learn the game, the Bard & Bear has a Beginner Blood on the Clocktower on Monday evening.
The Neighbour to Neighbour Centre is hosting a Climate Café on Wednesday evening.
Uncloseted Comedy has their Halloween Edition next Thursday at The Staircase.
When Patrick Dempsey Came to Dinner - Well Almost!
The Vibe Dinner Club is heading to Westdale for its next gathering on Wednesday, October 21, and after last month's night of "more fun than expected" and "fantastic" food, tables are filling up.
Past guests loved meeting like-minded people who are open to new experiences and genuinely interested in helping Hamilton thrive. Considering people did not know each other diners found “Great conversation with very friendly people” and there were plenty of laughs all around.
We almost had a surprise guest last time, as actor Patrick Dempsey was spotted filming just across the street from the afterparty at Easy Tiger (he ended up getting pizza at Tony G’s!)
But one lucky diner even snagged a selfie, so you never know who you might run into if you come out this time.
Take the quick quiz, get matched with five other locals, and find out the morning of the 21st which Westdale restaurant you're headed to.
Book your seat at thevibehamilton.dnnr.io
🍽 VIBE EATS
Friday night is the 2nd Annual Irish Whiskey Sip & Savour Night at The Scottish Rite.
On Saturday Summit Station has a Cookie Decorating Class as part of its Milk & Cookies Festival.
🚸 KIDS VIBE
Take your avid little reader to the biggest local children’s book event, the Telling Tales Festival at the RBG on Saturday and Sunday.
Or they can dance the day away at Bridgeworks on Sunday at the K-Pop Kids Party.
Brought to you in part by Hamilton Day
🎭 VIBE ON STAGE
The Players Guild production of Mass Appeal wraps up this weekend.
It might not be the Spanish Inquisition but John Cleese is at FirstOntario Concert Hall to talk on Sunday about The Holy Grail at 50.
There is a special screening of Love in Three Acts at Rooneys on Saturday evening.
🌺 CULTURAL VIBE
Some tickets are still available for Art Circuit 2026 visiting four galleries across the city on Friday night.
Restauranterer, Jen Agg will be holding a Table Boss Book Launch at Selo Cafe on Sunday.
The 10th Annual Scarecrow Walk kicks off in Waterdown on Monday.
🏀 VIBE SPORTS
As the regular season winds down, Forge FC have home games this week against Halifax on Saturday and Pacific on Wednesday.
🏅 VIBE TO WIN & CONNECT
Mahjong at McMaster Museum of Art is sold out but a few tickets remain for the Hamilton Chinese Association Mahjong at The Cotton Factory on Saturday.
😇 VIBE FOR GOOD
In the year of the horse there is a fundraiser Immersive Wellness Experience at TEAD.
🎸 LIVE MUSIC VIBE & DANCING 🕺
If the cancellation of the iconic rockers at Rogers Stadium got you down you can still enjoy AC/DC tribute Thunderstruck at Shawn and Ed Brewing on Friday.
Newer music venue Last Supper Books on James St North has FemBots with Mark Sasso on Friday and Jaye Woods 'HEAL' Album Release Show (with Luiz Granté, Eye-Sha) on Saturday.
After the popular Candlelight Concerts there is a new experience at The Westdale, The Jazz Room with shows at 4.30 pm and 7 pm on Sunday.
📡 UPCOMING VIBE
Following the buzz at TIFF the 21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival starts on October 16th.
Million-Dollar Murder returns to The Zoetic on October 17th.
Note: Events may be full, cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to check or reach out to the venue before going.
🔁 Looking for your favourite weekly or monthly event, like trivia, yoga, music jam, karaoke or open mic comedy show? We have them all in our Recurring Vibe.
🗓 Want to see your Hamilton, Ontario event included here? Please complete our Event Form here.
Any other questions? Get in touch [email protected]
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