Hamilton, Ontario August 2025 | Family Events & Activities Guide

by Ana Bastas

Explore top family events in Hamilton, Ontario this August 2025—from Festival of Friends and ghost walks to art activities and night markets. Fun and free ideas for families!

Top Family Events in Hamilton – August 2025

1. Festival of Friends

📍 Gage Park (119 Queen St S)
📅 Friday–Sunday, August 1–3, 2025 • All day

Canada’s largest free summer music festival featuring headline acts like Sister Sledge, The Sugar Hill Gang, Brett Kissel, plus kid-friendly programming on the Tim Horton’s Children's Stage 
Expect artisan vendors, food trucks, and amusement rides—ideal for all ages.
Opens around midday; plan to arrive early to enjoy full schedule and family zones.

2. Lucky Lion Night Market

📍 Bayfront Park
📅 August 1–3, 2025 • Evening

A vibrant culinary experience with international food stalls, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment—family-friendly atmosphere for a lakeside night out

3. Ghost Walks: Hamilton’s Dark History

📍 Various historic areas (book online)
📅 Until August 24, 2025 (Just Friday/Saturday nights)

Dramatic guided tours exploring haunted locations and dark tales—best suited for older kids (ages 8+).
A fun, slightly spooky adventure combining history with local lore.

4. Family Fun Day at Art Gallery of Hamilton

📍 Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King St W)
📅 Sunday, August 17, 2025 • 1–3 PM

Hands-on art making inspired by exhibitions, perfect for creative kids 
Admission free to members; $5 per family for non-members (includes gallery entry).

5. Brott Music Festival – Family Programs

📍 Multiple venues including RBG & AGH
📅 Select weekends in August

Ontario’s largest orchestral music festival offers family and children’s concerts mixed in with classical, jazz, and pops
Great introduction to live orchestral music in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings.

6. Spend Your Summer on King William Street

📍 King William St (Downtown Hamilton)
📅 Through September 14, 2025 – Live music, street programming

Weekly family-friendly street events like buskers, pop-up performances, crafts—ideal for a relaxed neighborhood evening

7. Farmers’ Markets

📍 Downtown’s Hamilton Farmers’ Market (corner of James & York)
📅 Every Saturday, through November 30, 2025

A vibrant indoor/outdoor market with fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts, cooking demos, and occasional children’s kitchen events
A great Saturday morning family outing.

🎯 Why August in Hamilton is Perfect for Families

Free and budget-friendly: Most major events like Festival of Friends and night markets have no admission fees.
Varied experiences: From music and art to history walks and culinary exploration—something to suit every family’s interests.
Community vibe: Street festivals and markets foster a warm, Canadian small-town feel in an urban setting.
Creative & educational: Art studios, orchestral concerts, and ghost tours enrich kids’ learning and imagination.

📝 Planning Tips for Families

Tip	Details
Arrive Early	Secure good spots at Festival of Friends and night markets before peak crowds.
Pack Essentials	Bring blankets, sunscreen, snacks, and water for outdoor events.
Book In Advance	Ghost walks and Brott Festival family shows may require tickets—reserve ahead.
Mix & Match	Plan a Saturday: morning at the farmers’ market, afternoon art workshop, evening street event.
Check Details	Visit official event websites (Tourism Hamilton, AGH, Festival pages) for last-minute updates on schedule or weather.

August 2025 in Hamilton is brimming with music, culture, creativity, and free family fun. From dancing at Festival of Friends to crafting at the Art Gallery, exploring spine‑tingling Ghost Walks, or tasting global cuisine by the lake, this month offers endless ways to make memories together.