What’s on this August long weekend in Hamilton, from music in Gage Park to Emancipation Day events
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There’s lots to do in Hamilton this August long weekend. Here’s a taste of some events around town.
Festival of Friends
- Gage Park
- Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 2
The 50th anniversary of the festival has some big names on this year’s bill, including Feist, and a special all-star concert to end the weekend with a host of local favourites such as Terra Lightfoot and Teenage Head, joined by other music stars including Maestro Fresh Wes and Hawksley Workman. The event also features vendors and a “huge” midway.
The Festival of Friends celebrates 50 years this weekend with a stacked concert lineup. (Festival of Friends/Facebook)
Lucky Lion Night Market
- Bayfront Park
- Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 2
A multi-day food festival featuring numerous Asian food vendors, cultural activities and lion dancing takes place this weekend.
ACCA’s Emancipation Day Celebration
- Hamilton City Hall
- Friday, July 31: 6 to 8 p.m.
Emancipation Day marks the date slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1834. The theme for the event hosted by the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association (ACCA) is “We Are Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams.” The event will feature a performance by Tania Hernandez and a keynote address by Dr. Alpha Adebe.
Tania Hernandez, also known as Miss Tania Lou, is a motivational speaker, vocalist and ‘cultural performer’ whose works promotes the beauty of her birthplace, Jamaica. (submitted by Tania Hernandez)
Emancipation Day Celebration and Reggae Royalty Concert
- Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum – 64 Sulphur Springs Rd.
- Community Celebration – Saturday, Aug. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Concert – Saturday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The afternoon will feature family-friendly activities, food vendors, museum exhibits and live entertainment. The day will also recognize the life and legacy of Enerals Griffin of Griffin House National Historic Site. The concert celebrates the work of Bob Marley and Marcia Griffiths, and is presented by the Tune In Foundation.
Now a city-maintained property, Griffin House was bought by Enerals Griffin in 1834 and remained in his family until 1988. (Kelly Bennett/CBC)
Summer Salsa Fest
- Pier 4 Park
- Saturday, Aug. 1: noon to 12 p.m.
Live bands performing Latin music, dance shows and workshops will bring the music and culture of salsa dancing to Hamilton’s waterfront. There will also be Latin food vendors.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Hamilton Stadium
- Saturday, Aug 1: 3 p.m.
The Tiger-Cats are asking their fans to wear white to the game on Saturday, against the Calgary Stampeders, to “help create an atmosphere that gives us the ultimate home field advantage. Every fan in white adds to the energy, and together we can make Hamilton a place no opponent wants to play.” The game this Saturday also features Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night as we proudly recognize the service and sacrifice of military members past and present,” the team says.
Die-hard Tiger-Cats fan Zach Jansons, second from right, at the season-opener at Hamilton Stadium, where the Tiger-Cats took on the Montreal Alouettes. (Jeffery Tram/CBC)
Flix on the Field
- Hamilton Stadium
- Saturday, Aug 1: 6:15 p.m.
The public is invited onto the field at Hamilton Stadium for a screening of How to Train Your Dragon following Saturday’s football game. “Bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather the family, and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening under the stars.” Tickets to the game not required. Enter through gate 5B.
Macon Thames appears in a scene from the new How to Train Your Dragon. (Dreamworks)
Milk and Honey: A Dairy Delicious Day
- Westfield Heritage Village
- Sunday, Aug. 2-Monday, Aug. 3: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The historic village in Rockton turns its focus to the history, science, and traditions of dairy and honey production in Ontario from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. It is promising hands-on activities, demonstrations, games and interactive experiences.
Westfield Heritage Village is turning its attention to the dairy-making methods of days past this Sunday and Monday. (Westfield Heritage Village)
