Summer Shortcuts
Sticking close to home this summer? We’ve got you covered.
From jaw-dropping waterfalls to blockbuster festivals, our ultimate summer guide to Hamilton is packed with unforgettable local adventures and fun things to do. Looking for summer activities, outdoor fun, or the best events near you? Let us show you where to find the top things to do in Hamilton this summer.
Top Things to do in Hamilton this Summer
There’s no shortage of fun experiences in Hamilton this summer. With outdoor activities, major events, world-class attractions, and family-friendly activities, the city has something for everyone.
Outdoor Summer Activities in Hamilton
We love to surprise visitors with our stunning nature. The best part? You don’t have to go far.
- Discover over 100 waterfalls in Hamilton that are close to attractions and places to eat with our Waterfall Guide.
- Explore scenic hiking trails through forests and along waterfront trails using our Hiking Guide.
- Check out our Cycling Guide to enjoy the best cycling routes in Hamilton and see the city on two wheels.
- Summer is the perfect time to connect with the land with these farms and agricultural experiences.
Top Summer Attractions in Hamilton
Hamilton’s vibrant neighourhoods are filled with iconic gardens, world-class attractions, vibrant street art, and historical sites. Let us show you how easy it is to spend a day (or maybe two) exploring the city.
- Come see Royal Botanical Gardens, in full bloom with a lineup of amazing summer events.
- Sky’s the limit to the fun you can have at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Hamilton’s top-rated aviation museum.
- Discover Hamilton’s creative side and take a self-guided tour of some of the city’s best street art.
- Step back in time and wander through Hamilton’s Civic Museums and National Historic Sites.
- Explore the city like a local with our neighbourhood guides and uncover some of the best places to eat, play, and shop.
Summer Festivals and Events in Hamilton
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, there’s an event for everyone to enjoy this summer. Mark your calendar for these must-visit summer events.
Summer Long Events
- Art Crawl: On the second Friday of every month hit up James Street North for a friendly, late night block party.
- Sporting Events: Summer is the perfect time to get outside and cheer on the hometown teams including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Forge FC, and Hamilton Cardinals.
- Music in the Garden: Enjoy music under the stars all summer long at Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Farm Crawls: Experience life on the farm as you spend a day exploring these rural destinations.
- Brott Music Festival: Spend some time with the sounds of the orchestra this summer with immersive and outdoor shows.
June Events
- Ginger Minj: The Big Gay Cabaret: Enjoy a night celebrating LGBTQ+ culture through music, comedy, and performance.
- Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek: The entire family can enjoy a weekend of historical fun with games, demonstrations, music, and food.
- RBG After Dark: Summer Pride Party: Celebrate Pride with food, drinks, music, and a colourful backdrop in the Rock Garden.
- Soaring Spirit Festival and POW WOW: Experience a weekend of celebrations including sunrise ceremonies, drumming, dancing, music, art, and food.
- Arkells present The Rally: Kick-off your summer the right way with one of Hamilton's favourite bands.
July Events
- Canada Day at Bayfront Park: Celebrate in Bayfront Park with activities, food, music, and of course fireworks.
- Because Beer: Get your brew-loving friends together for a weekend of craft beer and great music.
- The Enchanted Garden: Bring the kids out for a magical day when the Rock Garden transforms into an enchanted garden.
- Fringe Festival: Enjoy this creative festival with an action-packed lineup including sketch comedy, improv, theatre, and dance.
- The Wiggles Bouncing Balls Tour: Round up the kids for this high-energy show filled with music and dancing.
August Events
- Lucky Lion Night Market: Celebrate Asian culture with a culinary adventure at Bayfront Park.
- Festival of Friends: Bring your friends and family to this music, food, and art festival in the park.
- Dundas Cactus Festival: Enjoy this family-friendly street festival with food, entertainment, and live music.
- Winona Peach Festival: Enjoy this iconic summer festival with everything from midway rides to their famous peach sundaes.
September Events
- Labour Day Classic: Be part of this legendary football tradition when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Toronto Argonauts.
- Supercawl: Come experience Hamilton's biggest outdoor music, food, and art festival.
- Binbrook Fair and Ancaster Fair: End summer with these classic festival experiences with everything from midway rides to live music.
Summer Family Attractions in Hamilton
Release your wild child with these family-friendly activities, guaranteed to banish summer boredom.
- Slide into some serious fun at Wild Waterworks with water slides, a lazy river, and one of Canada’s largest wave pools, all on the shores of Lake Ontario.
- Travel through a canopy of trees on ziplines and bridges at Treetop Trekking.
- At African Lion Safari you can get closer than you ever imagined to over 1,000 exotic animals on Canada’s original safari adventure.
- Hamilton’s West Harbour is filled with hours of fun. Go roller-skating on an outdoor rink, explore the floating museum HMCS Haida, grab a selfie with the iconic Theodore Tugboat, or sail into an adventure with Pirate Life theatre.
- Soak up summer at Hamilton’s beautiful local beaches with sand, sun, and fun.
Where to Eat & Drink in Hamilton This Summer
Fuel your perfect staycation at some of the top places to eat and drink in Hamilton.
- Use our Patio Guide to book your table at one of Hamilton’s favourite summer patios.
- Plan a perfect park hang along with grab-and-go eats nearby.
- Raise a glass and visit some of Hamilton’s best craft breweries, wineries and cideries.
- You’ll find something to satisfy even the pickiest eater with our guide to kid-friendly restaurants.
- Discover delicious and budget-friendly food with our guide to affordable eats in Hamilton.
Bonus Tips for Planning your Hamilton Summer Trip
Make your summer getaway stress-free with these insider travel tips.
- Skip the drive and ride with GO Train with convenient all-day service into Hamilton’s West Harbour Station.
- Once you’re here, explore by bike or scooter and rent a SoBi Bike or e-Scooter to zip around the city with ease.
- Flying into Hamilton International Airport is easier than ever with daily Porter flights from across Canada, as well as luxury motorcoach connections to Air Canada flights from Toronto with Landline.
- Use our Accommodations Guide to find the perfect place to spend the night after a full day of fun.