In celebration of the Road World Cycling Championships, a festival celebrating the character and cultures of Canada will be held from Sunday, October 5 - Sunday, October 12.

This festival will highlight the dynamic, multicultural essence of Canada, and includes performances from local musicians, artists and the Aboriginal community. The festival will also feature interactive cycling-themed events for the whole family that will appeal to both racing and non-racing enthusiasts.

Official Opening Ceremonies
Sunday, October 5, 7:00pm (Copps Coliseum). Join in the celebration as Hamilton Welcomes the World! This once-in-a-lifetime event will feature a wide range of live entertainment, and will showcase the spirit of Hamilton to the world. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 & under (+ service charges) and are on sale now! Call Tickemaster at (905) 527-7666, visit www.ticketmaster.ca or visit the Copps Coliseum box office.

"Tastes of Canada" Gala Dinner
Friday, October 10, 6:30pm (Hamilton Convention Centre). Explore the regional cuisines of Canada at the Official Gala Dinner of the Road World Cycling Championships. The evening will begin with a tasting of celebrated wines from Niagara's wine country. Live entertainment throughout the evening, including live jazz and a special performance by the renowned comedy troupe "Oh Canada Eh?!". Tables of 10 are $1250 (+GST) and are available by calling the Festival Hotline at (905) 524-FEST. This event is sold out!

Steam Whistle presents "Bikes, Bands and Beer" - October 9; 7pm - 1am, (Copps Coliseum Exhibition Hall). Celebrate Canadian style - with good food, energizing live entertainment and great Canadian beer! This party will rock Downtown Hamilton! Tickets are $10 and will be available Sept 8 at the Road World Cycling Championships Merchandise Store at Jackson Square, at the Festival Office (149 Main Street E), or by phone at (905) 524-FEST. Proceeds from the event will go to the McMaster Children's Hospital Foundation. For more information, call the Festival Hotline at (905) 524-FEST.

Ride the Festival Shuttle - October 9 - 12, 10am - 8pm*. Ride an authentic Double Decker Bus and visit all of the key World Cycling Festival Event locations! The Shuttle will visit Rib Row, the Rooftop Arts & Music Festival, the Aboriginal Festival, and Mohawk in Motion. This service is free to all cycling enthusiasts and festival goers. A shuttle schedule will be printed in the Festival Visitor's Guide as well as copies available on the shuttle.

A Celebration of Indigenous People
Thursday, October 9 - Sunday, October 12; 10am - 8pm* (Bayfront Park). Share the culture & heritage of the Six Nations people at this exciting and interactive festival. Enjoy daily demonstrations of aboriginal dance & song, enjoy authentic aboriginal cuisine, shop at the artisan & crafters market, and participate in the interactive learning centres. Enjoy special performances by the Kanata Dancers, World Hoop Dancing Champion Lisa Odjig, and Native Flutist & Sculptor David Maracle.

Rooftop Festival presented by Hamilton and Region Arts Council and Native Indian/Inuit Photographers' Association
Thursday, October 9 - Sunday, October 12; 12pm - 9pm* (Jackson Square) Visit over 60 Canadian artists featuring original Canadian works at the Arts Market. Multidisciplinary displays from the Hamilton and Aboriginal communities. An outdoor music festival will accompany the Arts Market, featuring live local musicians and dancers.

Mohawk in Motion Community Event
Sunday, October 12; 11am-4pm Mohawk College). This family focused event will feature interactive, cycling-themed demonstrations and activities for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. The Main Stage will feature live local entertainment, the Main Tent will house large screen TVs with food & beverage service, Cycle City will entertain guests with demonstrations and vendors and a Children's Zone are highlights of this event. Free parking available.

Rib Row Street Festival
Friday, October 10- Sunday, October 12; 4pm - 1am* (Ferguson Avenue & Ferguson Station). Get in the swing of things at the Rib Row Festival! Great food, licensed patios, street entertainers and an exciting line-up of live entertainment will keep the celebration going into the night. Just minutes from the race route, the "post-race party" will feature live "Big Band & Swing" and an evening of jazz & blues.

"Gearing up for World Cycling" with the United Way Stationary Bike Challenge
September 24; 9am - 6pm (Commonwealth Square). Get your team into the action by "Gearing up for World Cycling"! Corporate teams will ride 250 kms on stationary bikes. Teams will raise pledges with proceeds to the United Way. Prizes will be provided for teams with "best time" and top fundraising teams. For more information, call (905) 524-FEST

Northern Lights Theatre Company presents "2 with the Universe" - October 8, 9 & 11, Tivoli Theatre; 8pm. Enjoy award-winning contemporary Canadian theatre with this fast look at our current fascination with exercise and living healthy vs. the bohemian approach of living for the moment. Paired with cycling enthusiasm and interesting twists, this play is sure to appeal to all audiences. Tickets are $22, and are available by phone at (905) 777-9777.

Festival of the Arts - presented by Hamilton & Region Arts Council and the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers' Association - October 10; 7pm, Theatre Aquarius. Delight your senses at this celebration of Cultural Unity. This special, Friday-only performance will showcase the visual and musical talents of our diverse Canadian and Aboriginal culture. Special performances by the Aqsarniit Inuit Throat Singers and Drum Dancers, the Six Nations Womens Singers featuring Sadie Buck, Gary Santucci and the Inner City Dance Company, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kehewin Dance Troop. For tickets, call Theatre Aquarius at (905) 522-7529

Countdown to the Worlds BBQ with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce - October 5, Royal Botanical Gardens; 3pm - 6:30pm. Kick off the World Cycling Festival at this exciting family event. Great BBQ food, live entertainment, buskers & facepainters and a special performance by the Kanata dancers are part of this exciting program. Tickets include transportation on an authentic Double Decker Bus to the Official Opening Ceremonies, where you will sit in a special VIP section. Tickets are $50 for Chamber members ($60 for non-members) and $25 for children 12 and under (+GST). For tickets, call Helen Wilson at (905) 522-1151 ext 245.

"Cycle the Seven C's - Canadians Cycling for Children's Cancer Camp developing Courage and Confidence"
Monday, October 6 - Sunday, October 12 - Camp Trillium office (Main St W & Hess St). Up for a challenging adventure? Join Camp Trillium's team by "Cycling the Seven C's", a week long (24 hours a day) bike-a-thon benefiting children living with cancer. Gather your friends, colleagues and family and capture the Camp Trillium Spirit! To sign up, or for more information, contact Camp Trillium at (905) 527-1992 ext 34

The World Cycling Festival Schedule of Events is growing daily - for more information on any of the Festival Events, please call the Festival Hotline at (905) 524-FEST or email festival@hamilton2003.com.