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Robbie Burns famously wrote that the best laid plans often go awry, a sentiment many local organizers likely felt last weekend when the wildfire smoke disrupted outdoor events.
Unfortunately the understandable cancellations or rushed pivoting to find alternative indoor options likely resulted in lower attendance and higher costs which will place pressure on independent artists, operators and venues.
It is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change, and why supporting our local scene whenever we can makes such a difference.
If you are looking to catch the final days of Fringe, our reviewers put together a list of their top ten shows to help you choose where to go - here on Instagram or here on Facebook.
Beyond the stage, the city is packed with options this week. You can take in bike rides, markets and cultural festivals, a variety of walking tours, many free outdoor music performances or maybe a creative workshop.
Whatever you choose to do, getting out in the community helps keep these local events and independent organizers thriving. Here is a full list of 100+ events and 100+ live music acts this week.
If you liked this week's issue please share it with someone who loves haggis almost as much as Hamilton's independent arts and community scene.
~ Paul - ❤️
Note: Events may be full, cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to check or reach out to the venue before going.
Experience Live Orchestral Magic This Week
Brott Music Festival is bringing world-class orchestral performances to the local stage this week with three incredible shows.
First up, dive into iconic film music with Hollywood Blockbusters on Saturday, July 25 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Hear the National Academy Orchestra bring silver screen soundscapes to life in an unforgettable, high-energy concert.
On Sunday, July 26, head down to Pier 8 for a free outdoor show, Brott on the Waterfront: The Waterfront Soundtrack. Enjoy lively brass and percussion performances right by the water for a perfect afternoon outing.
Finally, close out the week on Thursday, July 30 at FirstOntario Concert Hall with Beethoven & Stravinsky. Conducted by Tania Miller and featuring violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, this masterwork program of rhythm and fire features Beethoven's Symphony No. 8, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and Stravinsky’s Petrushka.
Get your tickets and explore the full lineup now at Brott Music Festival.
📆 DAY BY DAY VIBE
It’s the final 4 days of Fringe and if you are looking for some suggestions as to which performances to see check out our full list of reviews here.
On Saturday, Willards on Mulberry has a Tiny Clay Ice Cream Charm Workshop, there are three Historical Walking Tour’s of Dundas and the Hamilton Glowriders are setting off from Corktown Park at 8.30 pm.
Stetsons and cowboy boots galore this weekend with the Route 905 Country Festival at Ancaster Fairgrounds this Friday and Saturday. On Saturday there is Line Dancing w/Fruit Salad at Hamilton Farmers Market, Silly Willy Sing Along for Hamilton Foodshare and City Kidz at The Zoetic Theatre and the RAM Rodeo at Rockton Fairgrounds both Saturday and Sunday..
The Hamilton Fiesta Extravaganza is at Bayfront Park on Saturday and Sunday celebrating Philippine culture.
Our friends at Cable 14 are bringing the music Ensemble host Dave Rave and friends for free live recordings at The Westdale on Monday and Tuesday with a packed line up on both evenings.
🍽 VIBE EATS
Popular local butcher J Waldron Butchers are doing a pop up at Grain & Grit on Friday.
The Hamilton Whiskey Society is holding "The Whisky Social" at Barton Sulameria on Wednesday.
🚸 KIDS VIBE
The young acting troupe at Theatre Ancaster is putting on their production of Willy Wonka Jr this weekend.
Train Days w/Golden Horseshoe Steamers is back at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology on Sunday.
💪 ACTIVE VIBE
There is a Bollywood Dance Workshop at DMD Studio on Saturday.
Environment Hamilton and Hamilton Bikeshore are co-hosting a Park to Park Eco Ride across the lower city on Tuesday.
🎭 VIBE ON STAGE
Unclosted Comedy is putting on an Unlearning Anxiety Improv Workshop series at The Staircase starting on Wednesday for 6 weeks.
Comedy Night returns to Hendry’s Barbershop on Monday night.
Inside a Rock ‘n’ Roll Love Story
An Evening with Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida
GritLIT is bringing Canadian music icons Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida to Hamilton for an exclusive evening at the Playhouse Cinema on Thursday, August 6 from 7 pm.
Celebrating their new book, I'm Going to Break Your Heart: A Rock N Roll Love Story, the longtime partners will share a raw, honest look at fame, creativity, and staying connected through it all.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and tickets include access to an onsite book signing and meet-and-greet. This is expected to sell out so click here to secure your seats today.
🌺 CULTURAL VIBE
Revival Art Store is holding several Pebeo Art Workshops all weekend.
Obskurah is holding a July Spirit Salon night on Saturday.
There are craft markets at First Unitarian Church on Saturday and Aquanova Brewing and at West Avenue Cider on Sunday which is also a book fair.
🏀 VIBE SPORTS
Wrestling is back at the Columbus Club on Sunday with The Purge.
The Ontario Senior Lacrosse semi-finals on Sunday see’s Hamilton Bengals vs. Six Nations Rivermen.
🎸 LIVE MUSIC VIBE & DANCING 🕺
For the first time this season the Brott Music Festival is at First Ontario Concert Hall next Thursday with Beethoven & Stravinsky.
A new free Lunchtime Music with Friends of Casbah is starting next Thursday on King William Street.
Da Bomb! All 90's Throwbacks Party returns to The Corktown on Saturday night.
📡 UPCOMING VIBE
Canadian music icons and couple, Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida are coming to Playhouse Cinema on August 6th to discuss their new book - I'm Going to Break Your Heart: A Rock N Roll Love Story.
Outdoor theatre with Tottering Biped returns to Dundurn Castle starting on August 17th.
🔁 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 email us with Details, Date, Time, Location and a web link (web, ticket link or social media post) to [email protected]

Everything included in this newsletter is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Sometimes, the links we include pay us a referral or sponsor fee, which helps us continue to publish The Vibe at no cost to you *indicates sponsored advertising content.
©️ 2024-5 The Vibe Hamilton | All content and information set forth above was created by Paul Copcutt for The Vibe Hamilton and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under copyright law, including but not limited to The Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.




