Archived weekend.
This week's pick
Saturday is your day. Twenty-nine degrees, mostly cloudy, and almost no rain — good conditions for the Butter Tart Market at the Art Gallery of Burlington and the races at Spencer Smith. Sunday flips hard: 32°C with thunderstorms rolling in by afternoon. Get the outdoor stuff done Saturday. Sunday, lean on the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology or the Art Gallery's free family studio, both of which have roofs.
The Burlington Butter Tart Market takes over the Art Gallery of Burlington on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1333 Lakeshore Rd. Fifty-plus local vendors, free admission, and a lakefront location — go before noon if you want first pick of the baked goods.
Sat · 10:00 a.m. · Art Gallery of Burlington · Free
The Art Gallery of Burlington runs a free Family Open Studio on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. — useful if the afternoon thunderstorms chase you inside. Programming is inspired by artist Roda Medhat's sculptural work; artist-instructors are on hand, but kids can also just make whatever they want.
Sun · 1:00 p.m. · Art Gallery of Burlington · Free
The Butter Tart Festival Races run Saturday at Spencer Smith Park with 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km distances. The 1 km option is genuinely doable for school-age kids. Every finisher gets a medal and butter tarts, which is a better post-race snack than most adult races offer.
Sat · 12:00 a.m. · Spencer Smith Park
Natalie Reis plays the Elgin Promenade Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. as part of the Downtown Summer Music Series. Face painting and caricatures are also on — good filler if you're already downtown for the market and need something to keep kids occupied mid-afternoon.
Sat · 1:00 p.m. · Elgin Promenade · Free
The Burlington Lions Club Farmers Market runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burlington Centre. It wraps before the heat peaks, which makes it the right call for an early start — fresh Ontario produce, baked goods, and local artisans.
Sat · 8:00 a.m. · Burlington Centre · Free
BurlingtonGreen runs a beach litter cleanup at 1094 Lakeshore Rd on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can hunt for nurdles — tiny plastic pellets — and make eco pledge buttons. No registration needed; parking fees may apply.
Sat · 10:00 a.m. · 1094 Lakeshore road · Free
Doors Open Burlington runs Saturday across multiple free sites including the Burlington Model Railway Club, the Masonic Temple, and the Art Gallery. No single ticket, no set route — pick two or three sites and walk between them. Good for curious older kids who like behind-the-scenes access.
Sat · 12:00 a.m. · Various Burlington sites · Free
Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology runs Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Miniature steam trains give rides on an outdoor track from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — check their Instagram before you go if Sunday's storms arrive early, since rides cancel in bad weather. Museum admission is by donation.
Sun · 11:00 a.m. · Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology · Free
Crowded Table plays the Central Park Bandshell Sunday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free outdoor concert — bring a blanket and check the radar before you head out, given Sunday's storm risk. The bandshell is at Central Park off New Street.
Sun · 7:00 p.m. · Central Park Bandshell · Free
Indigo Play Days runs Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at select Chapters and Indigo locations. This week's theme is a LEGO Disney Castle Make & Take — kids build a LEGO creation and take it home. No reservation needed; spaces are limited so arrive a few minutes early.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · Select Indigo and Chapters stores · Free
