Happy Friday, Hamilton! 👋
If your group chat is already asking, "So... what are we doing this weekend?" consider this your cheat code. 😄
Valentine's Day weekend is here, featuring The Offspring with Bad Religion at TD Coliseum, romantic Candlelight concerts, dynamic husband-wife duo The War and Treaty at Bridgeworks, plus Hamilton Winterfest screenings, trails, and dining across the city.
📬 In This Week's Weekender
🎸 The Offspring: SUPERCHARGED Worldwide In '26 at TD Coliseum (Fri)
🎤 The War and Treaty live at Bridgeworks (Fri)
🕯️ Candlelight concerts at The Westdale (Fri-Sat)
🎭 Anne of Green Gables: The Musical at Theatre Aquarius
🌸 RBG Floral Showcase: Bloomland in Oz (ongoing)
🍽️ 5 restaurant picks (with menus) across Hamilton
☃️ Outdoor skating + winter trails
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly options
🌡️ Weekend weather (cold + sunny)
❄️ Big Events This Weekend (Feb 13-15)
🎸 The Offspring: SUPERCHARGED Worldwide In '26
When: Friday, Feb 13 @ 7:30 PM
Where: TD Coliseum (101 York Blvd)
Punk rock legends The Offspring bring their SUPERCHARGED Worldwide tour to Hamilton on Friday the 13th with special guests Bad Religion. One of the best-selling punk rock acts of all time, The Offspring guarantees an amazing night with hits like "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," "Come Out and Play," and "The Kids Aren't Alright." This is high-energy, sing-along punk rock at its finest.
🎤 The War and Treaty
When: Friday, Feb 13 @ 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show)
Where: Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St N)
Husband-wife duo Michael and Tanya Trotter bring their powerful blend of soul, gospel, and Americana to Bridgeworks. The War and Treaty's infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics have made them one of the most celebrated acts in roots music. This intimate show promises to deliver their signature emotional performances and joyful spirit. 19+.
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen
When: Friday, Feb 13 @ 8:30 PM
Where: The Westdale (1014 King St W)
The timeless hits of Queen performed by candlelight in The Westdale's beautiful setting. Expect "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "Somebody to Love," and more classic anthems reimagined with strings and stunning ambiance. Perfect for a romantic Friday evening.
🕯️ Candlelight: Valentine's Special - Love Songs on Strings
When: Saturday, Feb 14 @ 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM
Where: The Westdale (1014 King St W)
A Valentine's Day celebration featuring romantic classics performed by candlelight. From "Unchained Melody" to "At Last," this enchanting evening showcases timeless love songs reimagined with strings. Two showtimes available for the perfect date night
🎭 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. Opens Friday, February 13 and runs for three weekends through Sunday, March 1.
🌸 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
Ancaster: 🍛 India Village
Where: 370 Wilson St E, Ancaster
Ranked #1 in Ancaster on TripAdvisor, India Village represents the various styles, authentic flavours, and delicious tastes that originate from India. From scrumptious marinated chicken and paneer to tender cuts of lamb and beef, everything is skillfully prepared with fresh ingredients. Their Naan bread is made fresh in the burning Tandoor oven
What to order: Butter chicken, Tandoori specialties, and fresh Naan.
Waterdown: 🥞 Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge
Where: 64 Hamilton St N, Waterdown
Known for gourmet comfort food and a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, Symposium blends casual dining with a touch of elegance. Award-winning interior design and a beautifully landscaped patio create the perfect setting for families, date nights, or gatherings with friends. Diverse menu includes breakfast platters, signature burgers, and late-night desserts.
What to order: Symposium French Toast or Symposium Double Burger.
Dundas: 🌮 Thirsty Cactus
Where: 2 King St E, Dundas
Enjoy Thirsty Cactus's take on the Southwest in the heart of Dundas. From fish tacos to burrito bowls to eccentric mac and cheeses, there's something for everyone. They smoke their pulled pork in-house, offer 26 taps, and keep the kitchen open late. Generous portions, great flavors, and a lively atmosphere with live entertainment.
What to order: Fish tacos, pulled pork sammy, or jerk chicken bowl.
Stoney Creek: 🌮 Maria's Tortas Jalisco
Where: Stoney Creek
Run by mother-daughter team Maria Ojeda and Helen Tafolla, just about everything on the menu is made from scratch. Authentic Mexican cuisine worth the trip to Stoney Creek. From traditional tortas to homemade specialties, Maria's delivers genuine flavours and generous portions.
What to order: Authentic tortas and homemade Mexican classics.
Hamilton: 🇫🇷 The French
Where: 37 King William St, Hamilton
A stylish and sophisticated French bistro on King William Street. Part of the Equal Parts Hospitality group, The French offers a modern twist on fine dining, featuring classic French dishes such as escargots, steak-frites, duck confit, and its signature ricotta gnocchi with truffle and mushrooms.
What to order: Ricotta gnocchi, steak-frites, or mussels and frites.
🍽 Restaurant of the Week
🍔 HAMBRGR - 📍 49 King William St, Hamilton & 490 Queenston Rd, Hamilton
The Vibe
Whether downtown or at Crown Point, you're guaranteed a fine burger thanks to the HAMBRGR crew. They get their meat from local farmers and have an infectious passion for beef patties. The downtown King William location helped establish the street as one of Hamilton's premier dining districts.
The Food
This isn't your typical burger joint. Try the Maui Wowi with pulled pork and pineapple jam, or the Weekly Chef Smas, their catch-of-the-day burger equivalent. They also offer chicken and vegan options for those avoiding red meat. Every burger is crafted with care using locally sourced ingredients.
Why We Love It
HAMBRGR represents the evolution of Hamilton's food scene, locally focused, creatively executed, and proudly Hamilton. Their commitment to local farmers and innovative burger combinations make every visit an adventure.
Perfect For
Casual dinners, post-concert meals, weekend lunches, or anytime you're craving a seriously good burger made with local ingredients.
What to order: Maui Wowi or Weekly Chef Smash with a local craft beer.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Picks
⛸️ Skate outside (bundle up + bring hot chocolate in a thermos)
🌿 Gage Park Greenhouse (free + warm!)
🎭 Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (family-friendly 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 13): A mix of sun and cloud. High ~0°C, low ~-4°C.
Saturday (Feb 14): Sunny. High ~-1°C, low ~-2°C.
Sunday (Feb 15): Cloudy. High ~1°C, low ~0°C.
🧠 Hamilton Life Hack of the Weekend
📲 Use Passport Parking when you can. It's the easiest way to extend your session without running back to the meter mid-dinner.
💛 That's Your Weekender
If you do one thing this weekend: grab tickets to The Offspring for high-energy punk rock, catch The War and Treaty for soulful intimacy, or make it a romantic Valentine's evening with Candlelight concerts. Whatever you choose, Happy Valentine's Day, Hamilton! 😄
💛 Your Voice Matters
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Thanks for reading!
Michael Horvath
