Good morning, Hamilton! 👋

Family Day weekend is here! Whether you're looking for art activities, cultural celebrations, outdoor adventures, or just a cozy movie day, Hamilton has something for everyone this long weekend.

From Winterfest's final stretch to the Lunar New Year Market, plus free City recreation programs on Monday, here's your complete guide to making the most of the Family Day long weekend.

Here's your Family Day weekend guide.

--- Michael Horvath

🎨 Saturday: Winterfest finale & Lunar New Year Market

🎭 Sunday: Smörgåsbord art festival & family activities

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Monday: Family Day free recreation & Art Gallery party

🏛️ What's open & closed on Family Day

🚗 Getting around this weekend

Part of Winterfest's final weekend, this vendor market features local artisans, makers, and small businesses. A great opportunity to shop local and treat yourself before the long weekend.

👉 Winterfest full schedule

When: Saturday, February 15 (times TBA)

Where: Hamilton Convention Centre

The TET 2026 Lunar New Year Market ushers in the Year of the Horse with over 50 vendors, cultural performances, Chinese lion dances, Japanese spear demonstrations, and a dedicated kids zone. The market celebrates family and renewal with food, entertainment, and community.

👉 CBC Hamilton coverage

When: Sunday & Monday (all day)

Where: Magnolia Hall

This five-day festival concludes with a "mixed bag of family activities, workshops, music, food and more" on Sunday and Monday. The event promises something for everyone with free activities throughout both days.

👉 Smörgåsbord website

The Lunar New Year Market continues Sunday at the Hamilton Convention Centre with vendors, performances, and cultural demonstrations. A great way to experience the Year of the Horse celebrations with the family.

When: Monday, February 17 (various times)

Where: Select City recreation centres

Swim, gym, and skate drop-in sessions will be available for people of all ages on February 16. Check the City website for specific locations and times.

👉 City recreation programs

When: Monday, February 17

Where: Art Gallery of Hamilton

Join the Art Gallery of Hamilton for an action-packed day of art, music, movement, and fun for the whole family. This Winterfest finale event features interactive art activities, performances, and family-friendly entertainment.

👉 Winterfest schedule

Features include:

• Pizz-Art Party and Community Quilt

• Storytelling Machine

• McMaster Pop Up Planetarium

• Mr. Ben Musical Performance

• Steel City Slither Performance and Interactive Movement Experience

• Hamilton Music Collective activities

👉 Active Parents event listing

When: Monday, February 17, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Step outside this Family Day and take a hike around the historic village and area trails. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and explore Hamilton's heritage.

👉 Westfield Heritage Village

When: Monday, February 17

The Hamilton Children's Museum invites families to enjoy interactive exhibits indoors and outdoor activities. Visitors will create bird feeders to place in backyards — a perfect Family Day craft to take home.

👉 Hamilton Children's Museum

CLOSED Monday, February 17:

• All City of Hamilton administrative offices

• All Hamilton Public Library branches

• Community Recycling Centres

• Housing Services Office (350 King St. East)

• HSR Customer Service Centre (36 Hunter St. East)

• Licensing and By-Law Services counters

OPEN Monday, February 17:

• Select recreation centres (with Family Day-specific programming)

• Customer Contact Centre (905-546-2489, 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

WASTE COLLECTION:

No garbage or recycling pickup on Monday, February 17. Waste will be collected one day later (Tuesday, February 18).

👉 Full City holiday hours

🚌 HSR: Check real-time alerts for any service changes or detours. HSR Alert Map

🅿️ Parking: Parking enforcement will not enforce routine matters from Saturday, February 15 at 5:45 a.m. until Monday, February 16 at 10:00 p.m. Parking details

🚧 Road Closures: Check the City's interactive map for any lane restrictions or scheduled road closures. Road Closures Map

From cultural celebrations to art activities to outdoor adventures, this Family Day weekend offers something for everyone. Whether you're exploring the Lunar New Year Market, creating art at the AGH, or taking a winter hike at Westfield Heritage Village, Hamilton has you covered.

Don't forget: Winterfest's final events happen this weekend, so it's your last chance to catch the festival that's been bringing joy to Hamilton all month. 🎭

And remember, no garbage or recycling pickup on Monday. Collection moves to Tuesday this week.

Have a wonderful Family Day weekend, Hamilton! ✨

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Thanks for reading!

Michael Horvath