4 fall fairs, a bunny-fest and lots more to do Thanksgiving weekend in Hamilton and surrounding areas

Fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Take advantage of the crisp weather and changing leaves. Here are some events going on this week in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show Oct. 8-14

The Norfolk County Fair and Horseshow is coming back.

Filled with music, food, rides and events, the fair started Oct. 8 and will run until the 14th at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds in Simcoe, Ont.

Tickets are on sale on the fair's website.

50th Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Fest Oct. 11-14

For another weekend-long event, the Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival is turning 50 this year. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority said they're making the celebration "bigger and better than ever!"

There will have activities for the whole family, from face-painting, mini-train rides, to food, drinks, music and more.

The festival will run from Friday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Saturday, when festivities run until 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and children.

Rockton World's Fair Oct. 11-14

The Rockton World's Fair,an "annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition," takes placethis weekend.

Starting this Friday until Monday, families will be able to attend the yearly fair at the Rockton World's Fairground in Rockton, Ont.

Livestock exhibitions, vendors, food, drinks, contests and more are on the list for the fair.

One-day advance tickets for adults are $15, $13 for seniors and $7 for students aged six to 15.

Burford Fall Fair Oct. 12-14

For one more fair this weekend, the Burford Fall Fair is taking place at the Burford Agricultural Society.

The "small country fair" will run from Friday until Monday.

This year, the fair is celebrating 162 years and want attendees to spend a "weekend of fun, family, and festivities."

Tickets are on sale at the fair's website.

In conversation with Tanya Talaga at the Playhouse Oct. 10

As part of her book tour for The Knowing, Anishinaabe journalist Tanya Talaga will be in conversation with Dr. Savage Bear, director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute on Thursday.

The Knowing was released on Aug. 27. In it, Talaga talks about the journey of finding her great-great-grandmother, Annie Carpenter, while exploring the history of Indigenous people in Canada. The Knowingis also a four-part documentary.

"It's going to be a great conversation between two Indigenous women talking about colonization, talking about the aftereffects of Indian residential school and Indian hospitals," Talaga told CBC Hamilton.

The event starts at 7 p.m. at Playhouse Cinema. Tickets are $20.

Sport events this weekend

For those looking to cheer for their local teams, here are some games going on this weekend in Hamilton:

• Forge FC vs. Atletico Ottawa at the Tim Hortons Field - Oct. 12 at 4 p.m.
• McMaster's women's basketball vs. Memorial University of Newfoundland at the Burridge Gymnasium on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
• Mohawk College's both women's and men's volleyball teams will be facing off against the Centennial Colts at the David Braley Athletic & Recreation Centre on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. respectively.
• McMaster field hockey team vs. Guelph Gryphons at the Alumni Field on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
• Mohawk College's women's soccer vs. Redeemer Royals at the Dave Mantel Fields in Ancaster.

First annual Buntoberfest Oct. 12

ThePumpkin's Acres Rabbit Rescue is calling all bunny lovers to their first annual Buntoberfest.

The event is in support of the rabbit rescue and will have several vendors "selling a variety of products for small animals and their people." The fest will also havea vegan bake sale, game and of course, rabbits to adopt.

Buntoberfest will take place at the Central Arena at519 Drury Lane in Burlington, Ont. on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.

Good Shepherd Hamilton's annual Thanksgiving dinner Oct. 14

The Good Shepherd Hamilton's is holding its annual Thanksgiving dinner Monday, Oct. 14.

Starting at 3 p.m. and runninguntil 4:30 p.m., anyone can go by and enjoy a free hot meal at The Good Shepherd Centre at 135 Mary Street in Hamilton.