Make room in your weekend plans: Burlington and Hamilton are lining up dark fiction, independent film, Indigenous arts, live music and plenty of fall colour from Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, 2026. Use this guide to choose your stops, and check with event organizers before you head out in case schedules or ticket availability change.
6 Weekend Highlights
1. DReadCon Dark Fiction Festival and Convention
Bring your love of dark fiction to DReadCon at the Holiday Inn Burlington, 3063 South Service Road. Canada’s dark fiction festival and convention features authors, panels and vendors. The event runs Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17. Friday’s watch party is listed for 6:30 p.m.; Saturday’s convention and market run until 4:30 p.m. Check the organizer’s page for registration details and the latest schedule.
- Event information: DReadCon overview
- Tickets/registration: Register with DReadCon
2. BPAC Marks Secret Path Week
Set aside Saturday for Indigenous-led arts, music, storytelling and community at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC). The afternoon Secret Path Cushion Concert with Elders Shannon Thunderbird and Kate Dickson runs from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Family Lobby. Drop in for cultural dance, stories, teachings and a craft. It’s all ages and pay-what-you-can, including free.
Return at 7:30 p.m. for She Carries the Song, featuring Indigenous singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin and Lacey Hill. Tickets are listed at $37.50–$57.50.
- Event information: BPAC’s Secret Path Week program
- Tickets/registration: Free, drop-in afternoon event and evening concert tickets
3. 21st Annual Hamilton Film Festival
Follow the festival across the weekend at venues including Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, The Westdale and Playhouse Cinema. The Hamilton Film Festival runs October 16–25 and showcases independent local, Canadian and international films, along with filmmaker events.
Start Friday with the opening gala at 6 p.m. and the Local Shorts screening at 8 p.m. at Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Saturday’s program includes screenings and industry events, while Sunday brings more film options. Review the festival schedule before choosing a screening, and book through the relevant screening page.
- Event information: Hamilton Film Festival
- Tickets: Opening gala and Local Shorts tickets
4. Stoney Creek Pumpkinfest
Head to downtown Stoney Creek on Saturday, October 17, for Pumpkinfest. The City lists the free, family-friendly event for 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on King Street East. Browse artisan vendors, catch live music, enjoy family activities and seasonal treats, and look out for the costume contest planned for 2 p.m.
Take time to wander the participating businesses while you’re there. The event is a lively way to spend an autumn afternoon in the Stoney Creek community.
- Event information: City of Hamilton: Stoney Creek Pumpkinfest
- Tickets: Free admission; no ticket is required. Check the City’s event page for updates.
5. Fall Floral Mum Show
Visit the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse when Hamilton’s Fall Floral Mum Show opens Saturday, October 17. Running daily through October 25 from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., the seasonal exhibition features more than 200 chrysanthemum varieties and over 100,000 blooms. Look for the flower market, café and weekend children’s activities, too.
Admission is listed at $10 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and children aged 6–12, and free for children aged 0–5. The City lists family admission at $26 and notes that ticket information is coming soon. Check its page before visiting for the latest admission details.
- Event information: Fall Floral Mum Show
- Admission details: City of Hamilton Mum Show information
6. The Guilded Pumpkin Harvest Market
Make a stop at The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, 80 Queen Street South, for this fall makers’ market on Saturday and Sunday, October 17–18. The listing gives hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and describes a gathering of makers, artists, artisans and small businesses. Browse for handmade goods and seasonal finds.
- Event information and entry details: The Guilded Pumpkin Harvest Market
- Tickets: Free entry; no ticket is required. Check the event listing for any updates before you go.
More Local Events This Weekend
Add another stop to your itinerary with these confirmed events and seasonal activities:
- The Great Pumpkin Trail at Royal Botanical Gardens: Visit Hendrie Park October 15–18 for a time-ticketed evening trail with jack-o’-lantern displays, entertainment and seasonal activities. Event details and tickets.
- Fall Displays in Hendrie Park: Explore RBG’s fall displays, scheduled October 10–November 1. Check the garden’s visitor information for hours and admission. RBG event details.
- Community Folk Fest: Catch a free day of live music, songs and stories at Mills Hardware on Sunday, October 18, from 1–8 p.m. Lineup and event information.
- Halloween Skelebration at Mountsberg: Plan for Friday evening, October 16, from 4:30–10 p.m. Advance registration is required for this Halloween experience. Conservation Halton details and tickets.
- Hamilton Fall Harvest Market at Lime Ridge Mall: Browse vendors and seasonal activities on Saturday or Sunday, noon–8 p.m. Tickets start at $6.99. Market details and ticket link.
- TERRA Fall Market: Shop local makers, growers, bakers and artisans at TERRA Hamilton or TERRA Waterdown on Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission and parking are free. TERRA event details.
- Burlington Centre Lions Farmers Market: Pick up local produce, food and artisan finds Friday or Saturday, 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Market schedule and information.
- Sunday’s UnLocked: Walk Locke Street vehicle-free on Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and enjoy local vendors, food, music and activities. City event details.
- Sisters of ’78: See Theatre Aquarius’ production during its run through October 18. Confirm the performance time and ticket availability directly with the theatre. Production details and tickets.
- Peter Pan the Musical: Catch a 45-minute performance at The Staircase Theatre on Saturday or Sunday, with listed showtimes of 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Event information.
- An Evening of Victorian Spiritualism: Choose a Saturday, October 17 tour slot at Whitehern Historic House & Garden. The event is for ages 12 and up, costs $20, and requires preregistration. Hamilton Civic Museums details.
- The Crafty Cauldron Market: Browse Halloween-themed local makers at Galileo Gardens in Stoney Creek on Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The listing notes free admission and parking. Event information.
- Navratri with Summit Park Gujarati Community: Join the community celebration Friday or Saturday evening, 7–11 p.m., at Saltfleet District High School. The listing gives admission as $5, with children under 10 free. Event and ticket details.
Schedules and availability can change, so confirm details with organizers before setting out.
Explore the Weekend, and the Neighbourhood
A festival, market or performance can make a neighbourhood feel different from a quick drive-through. Notice how easy it is to walk between stops, where people gather, and what local shops and community spaces add to the experience. Treat these outings as one way to understand community character, not as a predictor of property values.
As you explore Burlington’s downtown, Aldershot, Millcroft or Alton Village, or Hamilton’s Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas, the Mountain, Waterdown or west end, take time to see what fits your everyday routine. Explore Aldershot and Hamilton West with Team Smulders, and reach out when you’re ready for informed local guidance.