Checking in with Downtown

Part 8

Spring into the New Season

The days are longer and the weather is warmer making it so much more inviting for us to get out of the house and explore what’s going on in the city. Within the next few weeks, you will find ways to celebrate Easter or Passover as well as events and activities to help fill that urge to get out and about.

Equal Parts Hospitality (the group that brings you The French and The Diplomat restaurants) is ready to help you plan your Seder or Easter dinner! Select your appetizer, main course (Braised Brisket, Prime Rib of Beef or Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey), choice of potato and delicious optional add ons all in one easy online order. Pre-order and pick up everything you need April 15th – 17th at The Diplomat Restaurant (43 King William St.). Sugar Daddies Keto Bakery (120 King St. E) has launched their 2022 Easter treats including Keto Tiramisu Cube Cake and Easter Cream Eggs. These goodies are available now to order online for home delivery and curbside pickup and will be available in-store on April 16th and 17th. If you’re looking for a new meal to try for your celebrations Afrolicious (46 James St. N) always has family platter options featured on their menu in addition to their individual meals.

The changing of the seasons brings with it annual events we look forward to each year. The gritLIT festival, Hamilton’s four-day literary celebration of all things writing, is returning for a hybrid in-person and online schedule April 21-24. gritLIT brings together diverse voices – the biggest Canadian authors, up and coming talent, and local Hamilton writers – in a series of readings and themed events. The festival’s mandate is one of accessibility for both authors and audiences. gritLIT puts a focus on local authors, giving them the exposure to readers that they richly deserve. Readings, Panels and Interviews offer a view into the minds of some of the most interesting writers working in Canada today. In-Person events take place at the Homewood Suites By Hilton (40 Bay Street South). Special Events give attendees an opportunity to interact with fellow book lovers in fun, immersive ways and Writing Workshops offer a chance to learn the tricks of the trade from some of the best authors in the country. View the full festival lineup and purchase tickets online here.

The Art Gallery of Hamilton’s annual Art Sale will be starting later this month with the Opening Reception Thursday, April 28 from 5-9pm. Complimentary admission to gallery exhibitions as well as the Art Sale will be available for the duration of the event, including the opening reception. The sale continues until Sunday, May 1. The Art Sale will be accessible via a virtual gallery for collectors attending remotely. The virtual access will be live to the public for the opening reception, at 5pm on Thursday, April 28. Find full details online here.

Saturday, April 23 the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra presents Legends of Swing at FirstOntario Concert Hall. Having performed alongside jazz greats and orchestras around the world, Dee Daniels is a unique Canadian talent known for her impressive vocal range and soulful jazz stylings. Daniels joins the HPO with guest conductor Karl Hirzer for a fun and fabulous evening dedicated to the great ladies of swing: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee and Sarah Vaughan. Tickets can be found online here. The HPO also has an online three concert package, join from the comfort of home viewable via livestream or on-demand viewing. This package includes access to the online broadcasts of Postcard from Buenos Aires, Gemma Conducts Mendelssohn and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Events like the Art Sale, gtitLIT and HPO performances being offered with online and in-person options are great for those who may not yet feel comfortable attending indoor events at full capacity. Taking a stroll and enjoying the weather is another great way to shake off winter hibernation and take in the new things that are happening downtown. Warm weather also equals patio season. One of life’s simple pleasures has to be enjoying great food & drinks in the sunshine, so be prepared to take full advantage of these temporary patios as the weather permits. However you chose to celebrate the changing season, we hope that you will make downtown a part of your plans.

If you are a Downtown Hamilton BIA member business and would like to be featured in a blog post, please email Suzi Ozer at suzi@downtownhamilton.org

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