Family Day
art-stravaganza

James Paterson is an artist and author, who has a studio at the Cotton Factory. Join James as he reads from his book, Saturday Morning, while activating the story on his Storytelling Machine sculpture.

Steel City Slither is a Hamilton-based, multi-generational dance company founded and directed by Eshe, a professional showgirl and teacher with over 20 years of international experience. The troupe brings together dancers of all ages and backgrounds to create bold, theatrical works rooted in dance and fused with empowering storytelling.

Performing at events such as Hamilton Pride, Supercrawl, Glitter, the River Run Centre, and Theatre Aquarius, Steel City Slither creates inclusive, high-energy performances that explore themes of self-acceptance, survival, transformation, and hope. Their work invites audiences into moments of warmth and connection, making each show both a celebration of artistry and a reflection of community.

With a deep commitment to radical kindness and accessible self-expression, Steel City Slither is more than a dance company - it’s a living, breathing space where Hamilton’s creative spirit gathers, moves together, and slithers onto the stage, even in the heart of winter.

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For Winterfest, Steel City Slither invites the community into a one-of-a-kind experience that is part dance intensive, part live performance -  and entirely joyful. Designed for participants of all ages and experience levels, this interactive offering blurs the line between audience and artist. No prior dance training is required - just bring your curiosity and creativity, and Steel City Slither will take care of the rest. Together, participants help bring the company’s Winterfest presentation, Everyone Is an Artist, to life - a celebration of movement, imagination, and the belief that art belongs to all of us.Designed for participants of all ages and experience levels, this interactive offering blurs the line between audience and artist. No prior dance training is required - just bring your curiosity and creativity, and Steel City Slither will take care of the rest. Together, participants help bring the company’s Winterfest presentation, Everyone Is an Artist, to life - a celebration of movement, imagination, and the belief that art belongs to all of us.

Hamilton Music Collective (HMC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2008 by a local group of musicians, educators and community supporters, who are passionate about music and believe in its transformative power to enrich lives and empower students. HMC’s mission is to invigorate the music scene in Hamilton through professional live performances, education, events, workshops and exhibits.
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Get ready to move and groove at HMC’s Kids Rave — a high-energy event packed with dancing, games, and family-friendly music! Hosted by a local personality and a live DJ, this exciting experience invites kids and families to let loose on the dance floor while enjoying interactive surprises throughout the show.

More than just fun, this dance party offers a peek into how music is made today. Through engaging moments on stage, kids will discover how digital tools have transformed songwriting, beat-making, and performance—opening up a world of creativity for young music lovers.

Designed for ages 3 and up, this 1-2 hour presentation is the perfect way to introduce people of all ages to music production in a playful, groovy setting.