Hamilton Winterfest is an annual celebration in its 32nd year that is planned and delivered by the Culture Division, Special Events Unit, in partnership with the Winterfest Committee, a group of long-serving community volunteers with connections to community associations and other community groups.

Winterfest is the banner under which a range of public programming is packaged and promoted to encourage Hamiltonians to brave the elements and experience what their city has to offer. For 2010, Winterfest will run from February 1-7. Although in previous years, Winterfest has had a two-week span, the Winterfest committee recommended that greater critical mass could be achieved through a one-week event.

Winterfest programming highlights are as follows:

• Community Kick-Off – February 2, 11:00 a.m. – Hamilton Convention Centre – in partnership with the Living Rock’s SoupFest
• Lumberjack Games – outside the Convention Centre from 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. to kick off Winterfest. At 11:30 a.m., everyone will move indoors for the start of SoupFest, an annual fundraising event for the Living Rock.
• Downtown Celebration – February 6, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. – Gore Park
• A tribute to High School Musical, performance by the Ronnie Russell Band, lumberjack games, buskers, free train rides, and free hot beverages.

Community Events – throughout Winterfest – various locations and times

• Events at local attractions and museums – throughout Winterfest – various locations and times
• Events at recreation centres and arenas – throughout Winterfest – various locations and times. Recreation centres and arenas offer programming on related themes that is promoted as part of Winterfest.
• Sweet Taste of Winter – January 22 to February 6 – at selected restaurants throughout the downtown – organized by the Downtown Hamilton and International Villages BIAs

The coordination of this annual program has shifted this year from the Special Events Unit to local BIAs that chose to participate. We plan to work with the Hamilton Association of Business Improvement Areas to expand the scope of this program in future years.

Click here for a complete list of Winterfest activities and venues.