Music in Hamilton

photo collage of three images, Jackie Washington, Super Crawl and Gage Park

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'.

Hamilton City of Music logo

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.

 

 

Man with pen filling out an application

 

Anne Foster Windows Whitney Mcmeekin Display

Anne Foster Windows

Local artists are invited to submit applications to create window displays for the Anne Foster Windows. Deadline for 2018 & 2019 displays is April 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm.

Learn more about the project and how to submit your application

Music in the City

Hamilton has a great music community with a variety of music organizations, groups and festivals.

Check out the music blog on Tourism Hamilton’s website for more of what's happening in Hamilton.

Live Music Venues

Hamilton is home to more than 200 music venues from small to large arena-sized facilities. 

View the open data list of live music venues (XLS).

Concerts & Shows

Go to Ontario Live Music 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

Contact us

28 James Street North
Phone: 905-546-4233
Email: music@hamilton.ca

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