Six things to do in Hamilton over the first weekend of 2026

2026 is here, and that means it’s back to work or school for many come Monday.

But the looming end of two-week holiday break doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of stuff to check out around Hamilton this weekend.

From hockey games, live shows and museum exhibits, here are some things to do before life goes back to normal.

Catch a PWHL game at TD Coliseum

Hamilton might not have a PWHL team of it’s own, but the city will be home to one of the league’s Takeover Tour games on Jan. 3.

Head over to TD Coliseum for the puck drop at 2 p.m. as the Toronto Sceptres take on the Seattle Torrent. The two teams are neck-and-neck in the league’s standings, so it should be an exciting game to watch.

Tickets can be bought online, and start at $36 including taxes and fees.

Watch a Juno winner perform at a local brewery

Enjoy some blues music on Sunday by going to see Juno-award winner Steve Strongman and special guests play at the SHED (Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.) on Jan. 4.

The two hour-long show starts at 1 p.m., but the brewery encourages attendees to get there early once doors open at noon to get a seat and some food and drink.

People can buy a ticket for $30 online.

See the RBG’s seasonal displays one last time

The holidays might be over, but people can still keep the festive spirit alive by heading to the Royal Botanical Gardens for the final weekend of it’s seasonal displays.

Those looking to add something fun to their regular visit to the gardens can check out the botanical trains with no additional cost to their general admission tickets. If people want to check out some holiday lights, they can buy tickets for Winter Wonders, the gardens’ after-hours light display.

Take a wintry walk through Battlefield Park

The Battlefield House Museum & Park has opened it’s grounds for visitors to take a step into the 19th century. The museum also has a winter-themed tour around the Gage farmstead to teach people about past holiday traditions.

Tickets must be bought in person, but the rates can be found online.

Support a local band’s new album

Indie rock fans can head to the Doors Pub on Saturday night for Brantford-based band hi, low’s album release party.

Self-proclaimed as “Daft Punk for scene kids” and makers of “crunchy lo-fi ear candy for people with attachment issues,” hi low only started releasing music last summer. “hi, low for mayor” is their first full album.

Doors open at 8 p.m., before hi low and special guests Backseat Dragon and Captain WildChild take the stage at 9 p.m.

Learn the science behind ice and snow

This one is for the families with little kids who love science or are just curious about the world around them.

Visit the Activity Centre at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology to learn all about the states of water, including some “cool” experiments and crafts.

The Activity Centre is free for museum ticket holders, and tickets can only be bought in person.

Looking ahead

City of Hamilton museums and recreation programs should be back to normal scheduling after this weekend. Plus, the renovated Children’s Museum will be open starting Jan. 10.