Welcoming Week | September 12-21, 2025
Events Calendar
Are you an organization that has an upcoming event? Contact us so that we can share it here!
Sept 5, 2025
Find HIPC on King William St.
Visit the HIPC booth on King William St. for a fun, interactive mapping activity! Learn about the Stories of Migration pop-up exhibit and services available to newcomers in Hamilton.
Sept 12, 2025
Connect, Create, Belong: in Hamilton - OCE SuperCrawl Pop-up
Join the Office of Community Engagement for an exciting welcome event designed especially for students, faculty, and staff to connect in the heart of Hamilton ahead of the school year! Featuring info fair, community café space, and interactive activities.
Sept 13, 2025
Hamilton Welcomes the World
This celebration is part of Welcoming Week 2025 (September 12–21), an international initiative which highlights the ways newcomers enrich communities across Canada and beyond.
The event aims to welcome and support international students as they begin their journey in Hamilton. Highlights include:
- A Mayoral address to officially welcome students
- An exhibition room with booths showcasing community services and student supports
- A guided downtown tour to introduce students to local spaces and services
- Community and peer networking
Hamilton Welcomes the World is an annual event hosted by the International Student Community Collective (ISCC) — a collaboration between Invest in Hamilton’s Global Hamilton Office, Mohawk College, McMaster University, Redeemer University, and Helping International Students (HIS).
Sept 16, 2025
Hamilton Welcome Event
An information fair where newcomers meet with dedicated service provider organizations.
Learn about the organizations and agencies that offer educational tools and resources for newcomers in Hamilton. Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community, no matter where they come from.
Free and open to all, registration is optional.
Location: Floor 4 – Central Library, 55 York Blvd (Jackson Square)
Sept 17, 2025
5 PM – 8 PM
Stories of Migration and Belonging Writing Workshop
As part of Welcoming Week, we are hosting a 2-hour writing workshop, facilitated by KEETUP, that encourages participants to share their personal migration story.
The workshop begins with a warm welcome and icebreaker using visual prompts, followed by story mapping and guided writing exercises. Participants share in small groups, reflect on belonging today, and conclude with a closing circle to celebrate learning and connections.
Registration is required. This workshop is limited to 15 spots.
Date: Wednesday September 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Visitor Experience Centre – 28 James St. N. (Lister Building at King William St.)
Sept 17, 2025
Newcomer Welcome Week Event
In celebration of Newcomer Welcome Week, we are excited to invite female-identified and gender-diverse immigrants and their families to our upcoming Welcome Week Event at YWCA Hamilton.
The event will include cultural snacks, music and entertainment from around the world, a photo booth, a fashion show showcasing traditional attire, and exciting activities for the kids. This is a free event.
If you require any accommodation or have questions, please contact:
Natalie McFarlane-Brown
Newcomer Support Worker
C: 365-324-0247
E: NMcFarlane-Brown@ywcahamilton.org
Thaer Trad
Supervisor, Immigrant & Settlement Services
C: 289 527 6454
E: ttrad@ywcahamilton.org
Location: Putman Family YWCA, 52 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 4B2
Sept 18, 2025
YMCA Open House - Welcome Week
Learn about local community services available to newcomers and residents
Explore YMCA programs and services offered across our region
Enjoy interactive activities, presentations, and networking with community partners
We look forward to welcoming over 100 newcomers and community members to this exciting event. It will be a valuable opportunity to connect, share resources, and strengthen partnerships as we work together to support newcomers in our communities.
Sept 18, 2025
International Entrepreneur Meetup: Founder Focus
Whether you’re building your first startup or you’ve already weathered a few storms, this is your chance to connect with fellow founders, learn from expert advisors across key industries, and maybe even find your next collaborator. Expect lively conversations, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your next big move.
Grab a snack, pull up a chair, and let’s get real about the ups and downs of building something from scratch. Hosted by Invest in Hamilton in partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union, this isn’t your average networking event—it’s a celebration of bold ideas and the people behind them. See you there!
Approval is required as space is limited!
