While Family Day means many businesses and services are closed for the statutory holiday, there are also events happening in Hamilton and the Niagara Region to get families out of the house and enjoy the holiday on Monday.
Here are a few in the area:
‘Family Day Extravaganza’ at Winterfest
<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamiltonWinterfest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#HamiltonWinterfest</a>, <a href=”https://twitter.com/TheAGH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@TheAGH</a> and <a href=”https://twitter.com/HamiltonLibrary?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@HamiltonLibrary</a> have joined forces to create a Family Day Extravaganza, presented by the Incite Foundation! <br>On Feb.20 from 10-6, it’ll be an action-packed day for the whole family: <a href=”https://t.co/DEHwlUo23v”>https://t.co/DEHwlUo23v</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#HamOnt</a> <a href=”https://t.co/C952e1pHOQ”>pic.twitter.com/C952e1pHOQ</a>
—@HamONWinterfest
The Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Winterfest and the Hamilton Public Library are offering a large Family Day celebration to finish the weeks-spanning festival with a bang.
On Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can experience many events in the downtown core for free, including musical performances, a scavenger hunt and craft workshops.
At the art gallery, attendees can take part in face painting, sculpture building or enjoying a movie with some hot chocolate.
On the Jackson Square roof adding to the Winterfest hub will be a rooftop story walk, snow-based science experiments and the appearance of Scout, the Hamilton Public Library’s mascot, to join the fun.
There will also be family-friendly musical performances by children’s music teacher Mr. Ben, Toronto R&B and soul musician Luckystickz and cover band Born in the 80s.
Artwork and installations at Winterfest
The Winterfest festivities include art pieces installed between the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Winterfest hub found on the roof of Jackson Square.
Featured on the roof near the library is an audio responsive light art installation by Métis visual artist Jason Baerg titled noohkoom kwaashkwaypayiw // Grandmother Bounce. Baerg’s art is about honouring time, place and our role in participating in continuum.
Baerg’s piece is available to be experienced until the end of Winterfest, visible during the day or night at no cost.
Take the family to a museum
A few museums across Hamilton and Niagara Falls will be open on Family Day.
At Hamilton’s Museum of Steam and Technology at 900 Woodward Ave., visitors can enjoy the Family Day Train Show from noon to 4 p.m. The show is free, open to the public and will feature a special display of model trains. More information can be found on the city’s museum website.
The Dundurn National Historic Site at 610 York Blvd. in Hamilton is offering guided tours of over 40 rooms in Dundurn Castle on Family Day, with opportunities to experience dress-up activities and explore The Hamilton Military Museum. Tickets can be found on the city’s website here.
The Niagara Falls History Museum at 5810 Ferry St. is holding a free Family Day event involving live animal shows with the Earth Rangers from the Earth Rangers Charity Woodbridge Ont. On Monday, there will be free shows at 11 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. which will include scavenger hunts, crafts and galleries exploring local history.
Animals and instruments in St. Catharines
There’s an opportunity to bring family and friends to play with animals, musical instruments and watch a few shows in St. Catharines, Ont. on Family Day.
Held at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pet Valu Vansickle and Pet Value On The Lane are sponsoring an event where families can watch some films, enjoy quiet time in the Indigenous Book Nook or play with animals.
Some events cost money and tickets can be purchased on their online shop here, but many other events including the animal petting and instrument petting zoos are free.
Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Kitchener Rangers
A great way to finish the Family Day weekend strong is watching the Hamilton Bulldogs play against the Kitchener Rangers at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton. This OHL match will start at 2 p.m. and tickets are available online here.
We’ll see if the Bulldogs get their revenge from the Feb. 10 game against the Rangers back in Kitchener, or if the Rangers will beat the Bulldogs at home.
Frost Bites closing ceremony
There’s no rest from promoting social change on Family Day.
The week-long theatre and performance festival will be holding workshops, presentations and the last showings of Show Home at the Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre on 876 Cannon St. E in Hamilton, The House Key Project and You Should Have Stayed Home at Theatre Aquarius on 190 King William St., followed by a closing ceremony gathering at 8:30 p.m. at Theatre Aquarius.
Tickets for the performances are available online, and the workshops are free to attend.
