Happy Friday, Hamilton! 👋
If your group chat is already asking, "So... what are we doing this weekend?" consider this your cheat code. 😄
Professional lacrosse returns to TD Coliseum as the Toronto Rock take on the Colorado Mammoth, Anne of Green Gables continues its sold-out run at Hamilton Theatre, and Hamilton Winterfest wraps up its final weekend. Plus: fresh dining picks across the city, winter trails, and your usual weekend essentials.
📬 In This Week's Weekender
🥍 Toronto Rock vs. Colorado Mammoth lacrosse (Fri
🎭 Anne of Green Gables: The Musical continues (Fri-Sat-Sun)
❄️ Hamilton Winterfest final weekend (through Sun)
🌸 RBG Floral Showcase: Bloomland in Oz (ongoing)
🍽️ 5 restaurant picks (with menus) across Hamilton
☃️ Outdoor skating + winter trails
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly options
🌡️ Weekend weather (cold + chance of flurries)
❄️ Big Events This Weekend (Feb 20-22)
🥍 Toronto Rock vs. Colorado Mammoth
When: Friday, Feb 20 @ 7:30 PM
Where: TD Coliseum (101 York Blvd)
Professional lacrosse returns to the newly renovated TD Coliseum. The six-time NLL champion Toronto Rock take on the Colorado Mammoth in fast-paced, hard-hitting box lacrosse action. It's Latrell Harris Bobblehead Night and Great White North Night, the first 5,000 fans receive a collectible bobblehead. Family-friendly entertainment with hometown energy.
🎭 Anne of Green Gables: The Musical
When: Friday-Sunday (multiple showtimes through March 1)
Where: Hamilton Theatre Inc. (140 MacNab St N)
Based on L.M. Montgomery's timeless classic, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical follows the rise of Anne Shirley, a feisty, red-haired orphan who arrives unexpectedly in the small farming community of Avonlea. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest-running annual musical theatre production, this beloved story continues to capture hearts with its powerful performances and memorable songs
❄️ Hamilton Winterfest (Final Weekend)
When: Through Sunday, Feb 22 (festival ends)
Where: Various locations across Hamilton
Hamilton Winterfest wraps up its final weekend featuring winter activities, performances, art installations, and community celebrations across the city. From January 31 through February 16, Winterfest has brought Hamilton together to celebrate the season. This is your last chance to catch the festivities before the festival concludes.
🌸 RBG Floral Showcase: Bloomland in Oz
When: Saturday-Sunday (ongoing through April 6)
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens (680 Plains Rd W, Burlington)
Step into a world of wonder this winter at Royal Botanical Gardens. Inspired by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this whimsical indoor experience transforms the land of Oz into beautiful floral displays, colourful blooms, and artistic creations. It's a magical adventure for all ages, perfect for a winter escape.
🌲 Outdoor + Winter Activities
⛸️ Outdoor Skating (weather permitting)
When: Daily until 11 PM
Where: City rinks across Hamilton
Free drop-in skating at Bernie Morelli, Dundas Driving Park, Freelton, and Waterdown Memorial Park. Weather-dependent, so check before you go.
🌲 King's Forest Winter Walking Trail
When: Anytime this weekend (daytime best)
Where: King's Forest Golf Course
Scenic 2.5 km trail. Snowshoes and Nordic walking poles are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
🌿 Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse
When: Anytime this weekend
Where: Gage Park
Free, cozy, and a nice warm-up when the cold becomes too much. Great low-key family plan
🍽️ Where To Eat This Weekend
Hamilton: 🍕 Bardō
Where: 289 Locke St S, Hamilton
Building on the foundation that 'Good Ingredients Matter,' Bardō (formerly Earth to Table: Bread Bar) serves seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in a warm, modern atmosphere. Known for stone-baked pizzas, vibrant salads, fresh pasta, and craft cocktails. The Locke Street flagship has been serving Hamilton since 2010.
What to order: Bee Sting Pizza, burrata, or short rib linguini.
Ancaster: 🍝 Cavallo Nero
Where: 370 Wilson St E, Ancaster
A casual Italian dining restaurant in the heart of Ancaster Village. Cavallo Nero offers authentic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and Italian classics in a warm, modern atmosphere. Known for generous portions, quality ingredients, and friendly service. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or gathering with friends.
What to order: Truffled mushroom pizza, gnocchi, or lamb shank.
Dundas: 🍻 The Winchester Arms
Where: 120 King St W, Dundas
A cozy British-style pub in the heart of downtown Dundas. The Winchester Arms offers a welcoming atmosphere, a great selection of draught beers, classic pub fare, and a friendly neighbourhood vibe. Perfect for gathering with friends or a relaxed dinner out
What to order: Fish and chips, bangers and mash, or shepherd's pie.
Waterdown: 🌮 Cima Enoteca
Where: 190 Locke St. S, Hamilton
Modern Italian dining featuring artisan pizzas, hand-crafted pasta, and craft cocktails. Cima celebrates Italian fare with seasonal ingredients, a warm atmosphere, and an excellent wine selection. Perfect for date nights or special occasions.
What to order: Fresh pasta, artisan pizza, or Italian specialties
Hamilton: 🥪 Ye Olde Squire
Where: 550 Fennell Ave. E, Hamilton
A beloved Hamilton institution offering classic pub fare, hearty portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for their excellent service, diverse menu, and comfortable setting, perfect for families or casual dining. Great spot for lunch, dinner, or watching the game.
What to order: Fish and chips, prime rib, or their famous wings.
🍽 Restaurant of the Week
🥩 Victoria's Steak & Seafood - 470 King St W, Hamilton
The Vibe
Hamilton's premier steakhouse, located at the corner of Locke & King in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, features exquisite steak and seafood classics in a modern, airy space. The sophisticated dining room and moody lounge create the perfect setting for celebratory occasions or elevated everyday dining.
The Food
Japanese wagyu, bone-in ribeyes, and other sought-after cuts anchor the menu, alongside fresh oysters, seafood towers, and caviar. The award-winning wine list complements every dish. Don't miss the iconic table-side martini cart; it's become a Hamilton institution.
Why We Love It
Victoria's delivers an unmatched level of hospitable service in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting. The charming terrace with patio umbrellas and string lights offers outdoor dining when the weather permits. It's become known throughout the Hamilton and Niagara regions as the go-to destination for special occasions.
Perfect For
Romantic date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, or anytime you want to experience Hamilton's finest steakhouse. The private dining room accommodates small groups, with full buyout options available for weddings and larger events.
What to order: Japanese A5 wagyu, oysters, bone-in ribeye, and a craft cocktail from the martini cart.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Picks
⛸️ Skate outside (bundle up + bring hot chocolate in a thermos)
🌿 Gage Park Greenhouse (free + warm!)
🎭 Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (beloved family classic)
🌸 RBG Floral Showcase (magical for all ages)
🚗 Getting Around This Weekend
🚌 HSR: Check real-time alerts before you head out (detours happen fast).
🚧 Driving: The City's interactive map shows lane restrictions + scheduled road closures.
🅿️ Parking: Quick refresher, "through streets" are no-parking 2 AM--7 AM year-round.
🌡️ Weekend Weather Snapshot
Friday (Feb 20): Periods of rain. High ~2°C, low ~-1°C.
Saturday (Feb 21): Cloudy with a chance of flurries. High ~1°C, low ~-2°C.
Sunday (Feb 22): Cloudy with a chance of flurries. High ~1°C, low ~-6°C.
🧠 Hamilton Life Hack of the Weekend
🎟️ Your Hamilton library card = free museum access. Show your HPL card at any of Hamilton's 8 city-owned museums for complimentary general admission. Works at Dundurn, Fieldcote, Hamilton Children's Museum, and more. Plus, borrow a 14-day Art Gallery of Hamilton pass (for up to 4 adults).
💛 That's Your Weekender
If you do one thing this weekend: catch the Toronto Rock lacrosse game for high-energy family entertainment, see Anne of Green Gables for timeless musical theatre, or treat yourself to an elevated dinner at Victoria's Steak & Seafood. Hamilton Winterfest wraps up on Sunday, don't miss the final festivities! 😄
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Thanks for reading!
Michael Horvath
