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Plans for Hamilton’s 2023 Grey Cup Festival unveiled

Posted:August 15, 2023 | 5:59 PM
By:Joanna Petropoulos

Updated: April 4, 2024 | 11:59 AM

Plans for Hamilton’s 2023 Grey Cup Festival were officially announced today, with more than 40 events set to showcase the city during the festivities.

In a launch event Tuesday, Hamilton Sports Group was joined by Mayor Andrea Horwath and Minister of Tourism and Sport Neil Lumsden to share the details of the festival week.

The festival will run from November 13 to 19 with events planned throughout the city leading up to the big game at Tim Hortons Field on November 19.

Photo Courtesy of Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club

The Hamilton-Wentworth public and catholic school boards have scheduled a P.A. day on November 17 to give students and their families a chance to join in on the festival fun.

Early celebrations are set to include the arrivals of both the Grey Cup and the teams playing in the game itself.

Leading up to Sunday, fans can explore “Fan Central” events from Thursday through to Saturday at a hub on James St.

Fan Central is being produced by Hamilton’s Supercrawl and plans include live music, a collection of food trucks, the Hamilton Christmas Market, photo opportunities, art installations and more all free of charge.

The Canadian Armed Forces at the John Weir Armoury will be providing an interactive football-themed area with activities, obstacle courses and an exhibit from the Canadian football Hall of Fame.

Events are planned throughout the city to keep celebrations going all week (Photo Courtesy of Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club)

The Grey Cup Santa Claus Parade will also take place downtown on November 18. The parade will take a football twist with the addition of CFL cheer teams and the Grey Cup trophy, as well as festival-themed giveaways throughout the parade.

Hamilton won’t be the only city with football on the mind that week. Niagara Falls will host the 2023 Canadian Football League Awards at the Fallsview Casino on November 16.

Game day itself will kick off with an outdoor tailgate event at 2 p.m. and a block party with food and music throughout the Stipley neighbourhood surrounding the stadium to get fans ready to celebrate the 110th Grey Cup game at 6 p.m.