New year, new events. As the calendar turns to 2026, new players have entered the fray to jump start the year. The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Takeover Tour lands in the city, while Hamilton’s own Superstar Crush returns to rock Bridgeworks. Gallery exhibits hit the home stretch of their availability this upcoming weekend, while signature films are ushered into Hamilton’s independent theatres. Here’s the first What’s On of the year:
PWHL: Seattle Torrent vs. Toronto Sceptres
Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m.
TD Coliseum (101 York Blvd., Hamilton)
The PWHL Takeover Tour is landing in Hamilton this weekend. Bringing world-class talent to the city isn’t only done through musical ventures at the new TD Coliseum, it’s done through sports as well. The game between the Torrent and Sceptres will be an early-season clash between two teams trying to wrest control of the second seed in the league. Both teams are barely separated in the standings and early points can set the tone for the rest of the season. As the league continues to expand, the showcase only makes sense to come to a city hell-bent on expanding as well. Tickets are still available starting at $36.
Superstar Crush
Friday, Jan. 2, at 8 p.m.
Bridgeworks (200 Caroline St. N., Hamilton)
Superstar Crush is when a band blends influences from Blondie, Arcade Fire, and Pulp, and hydraulic presses them into a four-piece band. Packing their shows with fiery hooks, and dynamic stage presence, they’ve put on shows that almost come to odds with their tender lyrics. Originally assembled in Hamilton, the band has catapulted out of school basement parties and into bars and music venues in Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and Boston. Hosting three lead singers and wailing vocals, Superstar Crush’s songs and performances take turns into the otherwise unseen. General Admission is $20.
Jan. 2 to 4, open at 11 a.m.
Art Gallery of Hamilton (123 King St. W., Hamilton)
As the calendar changes, so will the AGH’s exhibits. Three long-standing exhibitions at the gallery will end this weekend, so if you’ve been meaning to go, there’s no time like the present. Whether it’s a journey through ancient, modern and contemporary art, a special collection from the past 15 years, or an idyllic display of the AGH’s permanent collection, there’s more than enough to soak in at the AGH. Unusual sights and familiar forms are core to the AGH’s exiting exhibitions — and when they’ll be back is a mystery.
‘Marty Supreme’
Until Jan. 8 at various times
Playhouse Cinema (177 Sherman Ave. N., Hamilton)
If you can resist wanting to see this movie after seeing the viral “Marty Supreme” jacket or Timothee Chalamet’s viral remix of “4 Raws” with EsDeeKid, you’re built different or off social media. Get ready to see one of the greats, when Chalamet plays table tennis legend Mary Reisman, as he goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness nobody around him understands. Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler Okonma (a.k.a. Tyler, the Creator) are in it, and “Marty Supreme” is directed by Josh Safdie, who co-directed “Uncut Gems.” It’s a movie with a lot to prove: Chalamet as a great leading actor, Okonma’s first theatrical role, Safdie’s first movie since splitting from his brother, and the film’s premise overall. Tickets start at $11.75 for members and $15.75 for nonmembers.
‘The Jury Experience’
Saturday, Jan. 3, at 5 and 7 p.m.
The Zoetic (526 Concession St., Hamilton)
Ever wanted to sit on a jury? Well, this is your chance. “The Jury Experience” is a thrilling courtroom drama in which the audience is made the jury. Those seated will have a chance to listen to testimonies, analyze evidence and then decide the ultimate fate, guilty or not guilty. It’s an act that demands the audience pays attention, and the acting makes engagement easier than fans would think. Tickets in all four available zones are still up for grabs at the Zoetic, with pricing starting at $53 in Zone D, scaling upwards.
Tom Waits Tribute
Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m.
The Block Co (395 John St., Burlington)
When an artist is paid tribute to, it’s most often done by a single artist. Taking a trip just outside the city limits, The Block Co is doing a tribute by committee. Pile in as more than 10 artists reach deep down and far back to find the soul and the exquisite songwriting of Tom Waits. Whether anyone can find the iconic voice that Waits has is yet to be seen, but attempts can be witnessed for $22.63 via Eventbrite.
‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ (dubbed)
Friday, Jan. 2, at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 4, at 1 p.m.
The Westdale (1014 King St. W., Hamilton)
A Belgian child navigating her young life in Japan, Amélie explores her little world with her companion Nishio-san. Eating Belgian chocolate, gifted from Amélie’s grandmother, things become strange. The child may be a god. To preserve her sanity and restore order to the household, Amélie’s family hires caretaker Nishio-san. Her goal is to help influence and shape the evolution of the toddler as she steps into the next phase of childhood. It’s a trippy concept, but the execution and animation are top tier, leading to a nomination for a Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture. Adult tickets are $15.25, children under 17, senior and student tickets are $12.25.
