Each week, we’re taking turns to share a list of hand-picked events we think are worth your time. Here are our choices for the week ahead.
Thursday, December 20
Art Battle Hamilton: Holiday Classic
8:00 p.m. — The Spice Factory
12 artists, 3 rounds, 1 winner! Watch local artists go head-to-head creating masterpieces before your very eyes at this monthly event. Smith & Patel host the Hamilton edition of Art Battle which takes place in over 50 cities worldwide. All artwork created is then available through silent auction. (More info)
Thursday, December 20
Moon Milk #20
8:30 p.m. — HAVN
Moon Milk is a monthly poetry night in Hamilton, with a featured reader and open mic. This month they team up with Personal Records to present an evening of poetry and music. Moon Milk is meant to be a safe, supportive environment for poets and writers to share their work. (More info)
Friday, December 21
Drag Wars: The Fierce Awakens
10:00 p.m. — Absinthe Hamilton
You better work! Eight fabulous challengers will duke it out for the title of Drag Supreme. #adamandsteve present Hamilton’s first and only drag battle competition. Hosted by the Xtacy Love, Drag Wars is a three-round drag show that allows up and coming drag queens to showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent while battling it out for a grand prize and a chance to open at a future Adam and Steve show. (More info)
Friday, December 21
Winter Solstice Bee Ball 2018
7:00 p.m. — The Mule Spinner
“The significance of the solstice for honeybees is that this is the first day of the year that the bees become active again in their colony. The bees use the sun as a calendar and when the days start getting longer again after the solstice, the bees start getting back to work!” This event celebrates the bees while raising funds for David Suzuki Foundation and their efforts to ban the harmful systemic pesticides in Canada. The evening features music (DJ Osito), food (Jonny Blonde), drinks, honey, raffle prizes, and more. (More info)
Saturday, December 22
Sonic Unyon 25th Anniversary Holiday Bash
7:00 p.m. — Mills Hardware
Legendary local label Sonic Unyon Records celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary this year, making their annual holiday show all the more festive. See a rare live set from original label signings Tristan Psionic, plus Night Court, guest appearances by Terra Lightfoot, Wayne Petti, Chrisy Hurn of Basement Revolver, and more secret guests. Proceeds from the night will be donated to Wesley. (More info)
Saturday, December 22
The Reason (Ravena 15th Anniversary Show)
7:30 p.m. — Absinthe Hamilton
This show is SOLD OUT, but I want to draw your attention to a second show that was added! If you missed the boat on this reunion show for Hamilton band The Reason, they have a second show coming up on December 29. The night will feature more local band nostalgia with Holiday, Sewing with Nancie, Catapult, and DJs. This will be a rager. (More info)
Saturday, December 22
BA Johnson / Lee Reed / Noble Santas
9:00 p.m. — This Ain’t Hollywood
Get into the festive spirit or as the artists on this bill say: “Avoid the horrors of the holiday season by drinking heavily with local ding dongs, BA Johnston, Lee Reed and the Noble Santas.” Bring a donation for Hamilton Food Bank for get into for $6. (More info)
Sunday, December 23
Bennies & Beats
10:00 a.m. — The Diplomat
Kick back before you have to do all the cooking over the holidays by brunching at The Diplomat during their Bennies & Brunch series. A live band will be playing from 11am to 3pm and reservations are recommended. (More info)
Sunday, December 23
10th Annual JR Digs Acoustic Christmas Concert
8:00 p.m. — New Vision United Church
A Hamilton holiday tradition hits the 10-year mark this year. The JR Digs Acoustic Christmas Concert is always a star-studded local affair. We’ll see Max Kerman (Arkells), Tyler Kyte (Dwayne Gretzky), Luke Bentham (The Dirty Nil), Jon Harvey (Monster Truck), Tim Hicks, Tom Wilson, The Trews, Wayne Petti (Cuff The Duke) and more to raise funds for YWCA Hamilton and Indwell and their efforts to tackle homelessness in Hamilton. (More info)
