GO to the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
GO to the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
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- GO to the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
GO to the 2023 Grey Cup Festival
Published: Nov 7, 2023
This month, Hamilton is the place to GO! The excitement of the Grey Cup takes over downtown Hamilton, with this multi-day festival leading up to the Big Game. Over 40 events will take place at various venues, and there’s something for all- from diehard football fans, to art & culture buffs, to food-lovers, and everyone in between.
With so much happening, put your focus on fun and excitement, rather than traffic and finding parking to get to all of the happenings. Use GO Transit to score a touchdown on your festival travel plans!
A $10 Weekend Pass makes it easy and affordable for events on Saturday and Sunday, and during the week, grab a Weekday Group Pass and head to The Hammer with the whole gang. If you’re bringing little football fans, remember that kids 12 and under ride free on GO.
A relaxing ride with GO Wi-Fi Plus to keep you entertained will start your day with a win!
What’s Happening at the Grey Cup Festival?
What’s NOT happening at the Grey Cup Festival?? Everything from concerts to the outdoor tailgate party right before the game. The Grey Cup Festival will run November 16 - 19, with lots of events and interactive activities to get you pumped up for the Big Game! Some events are ticketed, but plenty are free to attend, and, while some activities are geared for adult football fans, there will also be lots of family fun, too!
Pick your must-do events, and plan your trip there with GO Transit!
Fan Central
Fan Central is the epicentre of the Grey Cup Festival action. On James Street, you’ll find music, art, food, a beer garden, inflatables, the Christmas Market, giveaways and games. Don’t miss the Pancake Breakfast events on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18!
The Canadian Armed Forces Fan Zone (located inside the John Weir Foote Armoury) is the place for football-themed activities like flag football, an obstacle course, and the media centre featuring players, coaches, and special guests.
In the TELUS Kick For Good Courtyard, you can show off your kicking skills for a chance to win prizes!
Built in the Hammer Grey Cup Music Festival
From Thursday, November 16 to Saturday, November 18, you can enjoy live performances from 40 local bands on the James Street Festival Stage — all for FREE!
Carrie Underwood Concert
Headlining the Built in the Hammer Grey Cup Music Festival is country superstar, Carrie Underwood. Get your tickets to the concert on Friday, November 17 at the FirstOntario Centre!
Team Party Headquarters
Find your fellow team fans at the Team Party Headquarters on November 16, 17, and 18! Located at Hamilton Convention Centre, there will be TigerTown, Eastern Social Hall, Riderville, the Atlantic Schooners, Lions Den, Stamps House, and Bomber House team parties. Each team has their own room with live music, games, cheer performances, and more. Get a Team Party Pass to experience what each team has to offer!
Santa Claus and Grey Cup Parade
Santa is a football fan, too! The Big Man in Red is so excited to see which team will be 2023 CFL Champions that he wanted to combine the Hamilton Santa Claus Parade with the Grey Cup Parade! Come out on Saturday, November 18 to watch Santa drive his sleigh through downtown Hamilton, and you’ll also see a float with the coveted Grey Cup, along with CFL cheer teams and Grey Cup dignitaries.
Cheer Extravaganza
This family-friendly event on Saturday, November 18 is sure to get you ready to root for your team during the 2023 Grey Cup game! See all your favourite CFL dance and cheer teams perform, and get autographs and photos at an exclusive meet-and-greet after the event!
Neighbourhood Block Party, Sunday, Nov. 19th
Free to attend for all 2023 Grey Cup ticket holders, the Neighbourhood Block Party will keep you entertained at Tim Hortons Field until it’s time for kickoff. Juno Award-winning rock band Monster Truck will headline the ultimate party for all CFL Grey Cup fans!
The 110th Grey Cup Game
The 110th Grey Cup will be played on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. Kickoff is at 6 pm. Get your tickets now!
During the Twisted Tea Grey Cup Halftime Show, Have the Time of Your Life as Green Day takes the stage! The performance by punk rock legends Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool is sure to add even more energy and excitement to this incredible day.
Getting to the Grey Cup Festival and Grey Cup Game with GO
It’s easy to get to Hamilton for the Grey Cup Festival and the Grey Cup game with GO Transit. Take the Lakeshore West line to West Harbour GO Station or Hamilton Centre GO and you’ll be within walking distance of Fan Central for lots of festival fun!
Don’t forget to use the GO Weekend Pass or Weekday Group Passes for extra affordable travel, and bring the whole family because Kids GO Free!
Learn more about Hamilton
If you are planning to visit Hamilton to attend the Grey Cup Festival, you will find that there is lots to love out this city. You may even love it so much that you choose to go back again another time. Hamilton offers all the elements for an unforgettable day. From delectable cuisine to thrilling events, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a top-notch sports stadium, this city has it all. What's more, it's a breeze to GO to get there!