Programming + Events
AGH art+music+food Festival
Programming + Events
Programming + Events
There’s so much to experience at this year’s Festival!
Scroll down to explore all the events, performances, and activities happening throughout the week, or click the link below to view our full digital program and start planning your visit.
AGH art+music+food Festival Launch Party
8:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday, November 13, 2025
You’re invited to an unforgettable night of creativity, connection & celebration! Join us for an unforgettable night of creativity, connection, and celebration! The AGH art+music+food Festival kicks off with a vibrant launch party that sets the tone for 11 days of artistic exploration and experiences.
Unique Fashion Show
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Step into a world where style is more than clothing—it’s art in motion. Unique is a high-energy fashion show that celebrates the power of personal expression, inspiring Hamiltonians to embrace and showcase their one-of-a-kind style. This is an evening for the bold, the creative, and the unapologetically themselves.
Community Project: Textile Pizza
Friday, November 14 – Sunday, November 23
Join us for a collective textile experience! Hamilton Craft Studio invites you to take part in a self-serve community art activity that will grow throughout the 11-day festival. Together, participants will create a playful community textile pizza.
Edible Art: Transforming Sweetness into Masterpieces Workshop
6:30 – 7:45 PM
Friday, November 14, 2025
Calling all chocolate lovers and creative souls—this is your dream workshop! Guided by a professional chocolatier from Chocolate Tales, participants will create edible masterpieces using gourmet chocolate as their medium. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this hands-on workshop is fun, creative, and accessible for all ages.
Artist Led Gallery Tours
Please check event page for start times
Saturday, November 15 – Sunday, November 23
Join one of our local artists as they lead a tour of their favourites throughout the Gallery. Meet at the Visitor Services Desk; reservations are not required. Tours last approximately 45-60 minutes.
Art + Sound
Sessions start every 30 minutes | 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30 PM
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Join guest media artist and musician Douglas Tewksbury for a unique, interactive, hands-on sound experience. Together, we’ll wander and transform the Gallery into a living, resonant space by creating a collaborative soundscape.
Festival Family Day
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Join us in the Fischer Gallery for a day of family friendly fun! Cookie decorating, face painting, live music, AGH Creative Lab activities, and access to all the exhibitions in the Gallery.
Fabulicious!
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Presented in partnership with ACCA (the Afro-Canadian Caribbean Association), Fabulicious is a lively afternoon event featuring delicious tastes, live performances, and art and cultural offerings from local vendors.
Chamber Music Hamilton presents Michael Schulte and Friends
Doors Open: 1:30 PM | Show Starts: 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Experience an inspiring afternoon of music as Chamber Music Hamilton presents Michael Schulte and Friends. This captivating program explores 300 years of musical touchstones—from elegant court music and lively dance traditions to timeless treasures of the American Songbook and iconic film score classics.
Vine to Vision: Painting with Wine Workshop
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Get ready to sip, swirl, and create in this fun, hands-on workshop where wine isn’t just for drinking—it’s for painting too! In an intimate, small-group setting, you’ll receive extra guidance and plenty of space to explore your creativity.
Art After Dark ‐ Extended Gallery Hours
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Monday, November 17, 2025
We’ve extended our hours for the art+music+food Festival — And It’s FREE!
Frame by Frame: A Youth Filmmaking Workshop
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Monday, November 17, 2025
This hands-on workshop invites youth ages 14–25 to dive into the world of filmmaking through a creative, collaborative experience. Participants will experiment with different film genres and team up to produce a commercial, using the Gallery as a dynamic backdrop for this genre-focused exploration.
Bubble Tea Making: Hands-on Cooking Class
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Monday, November 17, 2025
This hands-on cooking class will teach you the secrets to creating the perfect blend of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls. Whether you’re a bubble tea enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for all skill levels.
Keep a Straight Face Art + Comedy Tour
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Monday, November 17, 2025
Join acclaimed comedy writer and stand-up performer Gavin Stephens for a one-of-a-kind tour through the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s collection. Art + Comedy Tours blend humor, storytelling, and artistic insight for a gallery experience that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.
Art After Dark ‐ Extended Gallery Hours
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
We’ve extended our hours for the art+music+food Festival — and it’s FREE!
Keep a Straight Face Art + Comedy Tour
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Join acclaimed comedy writer and stand-up performer Gavin Stephens for a one-of-a-kind tour through the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s collection. Art + Comedy Tours blend humor, storytelling, and artistic insight for a gallery experience that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.
“From Earth to Sky” Film Screening and Panel Discussion
6:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
From Earth to Sky is a powerful documentary that spotlights the groundbreaking work of influential Indigenous architects, including renowned Anishinaabe architect Douglas Cardinal. With visionary approaches rooted in culture, community, and sustainability, these architects are reimagining the built environment and transforming cities and communities across Turtle Island.
Art After Dark ‐ Extended Gallery Hours
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
We’ve extended our hours for the art+music+food Festival — and it’s FREE!
Meditation in the Gallery
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
We invite you to spend a peaceful hour meditating with others in the Gallery. This session will be led by experienced facilitators, giving you exposure to different approaches to mindfulness meditation from mostly guided to mostly silent.
Keep a Straight Face Art + Comedy Tour
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Join acclaimed comedy writer and stand-up performer Gavin Stephens for a one-of-a-kind tour through the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s collection. Art + Comedy Tours blend humor, storytelling, and artistic insight for a gallery experience that is as funny as it is thought-provoking.
Artist Flash Talk: Taking Root
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Celebrate the exhibition Taking Root: Recent Acquisitions with a special Artist Flash Talk. Hear directly from local artists featured in the show as they each share a 10-minute glimpse into their creative process, inspirations, and artistic journeys.
Let’s Glow: Fluorescent Paint Workshop + Dance Party
7:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An evening of creativity, music, and movement awaits at this vibrant, glow-in-the-dark paint and dance party. Featuring the luminous energy of fluorescent paint and the pulse of DJ Jooce’s beats, this experience is designed to inspire both artists and dancers alike.
Let’s Glow: Fluorescent Dance Party
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Enjoy an unforgettable night of electrifying music spun by our live DJ. Feel the beat! Feel the glow!
“SKETCH” Film Screening
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Friday, November 21, 2025
Experience the brilliance of child’s comically dark, scribbled drawings begin to come to life and wreak havoc on their small town. In partnership with the Westdale, we’re proud to present a special screening of this family film.
“3 Hours, 10 Minutes” Gallery Performance
Matinée Performance: 1:00 PM | Evening Performance: 6:00 PM
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Two strangers. One painting. An exploration of connection, reflection, and the power of shared experience.
Tastes of Comfort: Festival Finale
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday, November 23, 2025
As the autumn chill sets in, gather with us for a heartwarming finale to the art+music+food Festival. Tastes of Comfort brings together local chefs, bakers, and food artisans for an afternoon of soul-soothing flavors.
From the Canadian Art Collection
Yan Q.C.I. 1912
Emily Carr (Canadian 1871-1945)
oil on canvas, Gift of Roy G. Cole, 1992