Music in Hamilton
Hamilton is home to a vibrant music scene with a huge variety of talent, venues and events. The local music scene is growing, dynamic and diverse. It is an eclectic mix of performers, producers, products and performances. Hamilton’s music scene is founded on a long and established music history. In addition, established and emerging artists, businesses, professionals and festivals help make up what is often referred to as a 'music city'.
A city that celebrates and supports a 'music city' has many elements. Whether you are a musician, work in the music industry, or are a music fan you can find a collection of resources here.
Music Industry Events
Keep up to date with the latest events in the local music industry in Hamilton.
Recording Studios
There are more than 20 recording studios across Hamilton.
Loans and Grants
There are many loans and grants that are for artists and musicians.
Music Mondays
The Hamilton Music Advisory Team are launching a new live music series every Mondays outside of City Hall.
Live Music Venues
Hamilton has a long list of places and spaces across the city where you can listen to live music.
Hamilton Music Advisory Team
The Hamilton Music Advisory Team (HMAT) is a group of local music industry representatives.
Music in the City
Hamilton has a great music community with a variety of music organizations, groups and festivals.
Music Organizations in Hamilton
Music Festivals
Check out the music blog on Tourism Hamilton’s website for more of what's happening in Hamilton.
Concerts & Shows
Go to Tourism Hamilton to search for monthly music events happening in Hamilton.
Organizing an Outdoor Music Event
If you are interested in organizing a music event in a park, at a City facility, or an event that might require a road closure you can apply for a free special event permit. Speak with staff who can help you through this process.
Share Your Music Stories
The City of Hamilton’s Love Your City project has partnered with Hamilton Public Library. We invite Hamilton residents to share their stories–both past and present–about a number of aspects/cultural icons through an ongoing digital storytelling project. Love Your City, Share Your Stories features music with a number of videos already available online. We encourage you to share your music stories about Hamilton!
Entrepreneurial Support
Small Business Enterprise Centre
Musicians are small businesses and entrepreneurs. Hamilton’s Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC). It is located on the first floor of City Hall. It offers the information and tools that entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses: assistance with business planning, and workshops and seminars.
Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI)
CMI is a not-for-profit incubator based in Toronto. Its mandate is to help artists and artist managers evolve from starter companies into sustainable businesses. It provides hands-on networking, mentoring and collaboration. CMI works with the Cityand typically hosts one free annual bootcamp in Hamilton for local musicians.
Music Related By-laws & Policies
- Noise By-law (PDF, 70 KB)
- Busking Policy (PDF, 178 KB)
- Musician Welcome Signs & Loading Zones at live music venues
Contact us
28 James Street North
Phone: 905-546-4233
Email: music@hamilton.ca
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