Step Into History: Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek at Battlefield House Museum & Park

Just a short drive from downtown Hamilton lies one of Canada’s most significant historical landmarks: the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site. Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Stoney Creek, this heritage site brings the past to life every year with an unforgettable experience – the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek. And it’s happening again next weekend, Saturday, June 7 & Sunday, June 8 making it the perfect time to plan your visit.

What Is the Battle of Stoney Creek?

On June 6, 1813, a dramatic night battle changed the course of the War of 1812. British troops launched a surprise attack on American forces encamped at Stoney Creek, regaining control of the Niagara frontier. It was a turning point that helped secure what would become Canadian territory. Each year, this historic clash is brought back to life with a thrilling full-scale re-enactment.

Event Highlights

This is more than just a battle re-enactment. It’s a weekend-long festival of living history:

• Battlefield House Museum Tours – Explore this 18th-century home built in 1796 and learn about the Gage family, who lived on the front lines of war.
• Battlefield Monument – Standing 100 feet tall, this memorial was unveiled in 1913 to commemorate those who fought in the battle.
• Military Encampments – See how soldiers lived, cooked, and trained during the early 19th century.
• Historic Music & Food – Enjoy live music and period-inspired food vendors.
• Drone Light Show (Saturday at dusk) – New this year! A stunning light show in the sky will tell the story of the battle and pay tribute to Indigenous contributions through the “Eagles Among Us” sculpture.
• Indigenous Programming – Don’t miss the narrated “Great Peace Game,” a Haudenosaunee lacrosse match held before each battle on Saturday.
• Traditional Crafts, Games & Merchants – Family-friendly activities and historical demonstrations throughout the park.

Schedule & Admission

Dates: Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, 2024
Location: Battlefield House Museum & Park, 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, ON

Schedule:

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Drone Show at dusk, Battle Re-enactment in afternoon)
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Battle Re-enactments:

Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 3:30 & 8:30 pm
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 2 pm

Drone Light Show NEW‘ (weather permitting): 9:30 pm after the Saturday evening battle
Fireworks take place on Saturday around 9:30 p.m. following the evening battle.

Admission is FREE  in celebration of Sara Calder, founder of Battlefield House Museum.

Parking & Shuttle Service:

Please note, there is no on-site parking during the event. Free parking and shuttle buses are available from:

• Sir John Henry Newman Catholic School: 127 Grays Road, Stoney Creek
• Glendale Secondary School: 145 Rainbow Drive, Hamilton

Shuttles run Saturday from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For more information, you can visit the official City of Hamilton event page.

Why You Should Go

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun, meaningful weekend with the family, this event offers a rare chance to see Canadian history in action. The atmosphere is immersive, the programming diverse, and the energy electric. Kids will love the games and costumes, and adults will appreciate the detail and storytelling.

Connect It With Your Trip to Hamilton

This event is a great reason to explore more of what Hamilton has to offer. In our recent post about Hamilton and its hidden gems, we shared how a free audio tour helped us see the city in a whole new way from waterfalls and castles to film sets and vintage cathedrals. The Battlefield House is the perfect historic companion to that modern tour. It’s not just about the past; it’s about how the past still shapes the land around us.

Arrive early, wear comfy shoes, and bring a blanket or lawn chair for watching the battle. And don’t forget your curiosity, there’s a lot to explore.

History lives here. Be part of it.