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Local bookstores are turning the page

By Stephen Near
Independent bookstores in Hamilton have shown a once-unexpected resilience to the challenges they face, continuing to be critical to the city’s literary scene, offering slowed-down and personal experiences for shoppers, and serving as anchors of their neighbourhoods. Stepping into Epic Books on Locke Street, one of Hamilton’s more…
Arts + Culture

City reflected in Hamilton Arts Week

By Stephen Near
Hamilton Arts Council’s annual cultural celebration returns for 2025 with 12 signature events from June 3-12 that showcase the diversity, creativity, and stories of our city. Hamilton is an arts town and that is never more true than during Hamilton Arts Week, taking place across the city…
HCC
Hamilton music Collective
Food + Drink

Business friends are Pinch hitters

By Stephen Near
The astonishing rise of Hamilton’s most out-of-the-box eatery is a story of a community rallying – twice – around owners Stefani Dubbeldam and Amanda Wright. Sitting with small business owners Stefani Dubbeldam and Amanda Wright, surrounded by greenery and the scent of fresh-baked cookies, it’s easy to be…
Arts + Culture

gritLIT opens a new chapter

By Stephen Near
Launch party at Theatre Aquarius marks an exciting new page for Hamilton's literary festival. It was a chilly evening, but the vibe was warm Tuesday as gritLIT, Hamilton’s premiere literary festival, celebrated the launch of its April 2025 event in the lobby of Theatre Aquarius. Hosted by Lishai…
Arts + Culture

Hamilton Literary Awards reward standout books and storytelling

By Stephen Near
The 31st annual ceremony, now co-hosted by the Hamilton Arts Council and the gritLIT Readers and Writers Festival, will happen Dec. 12 at the Central Library. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the winners in each category. Over 30 years of stories is something Hamilton…
Arts + Culture

A place for weird dreams

By Stephen Near
The Staircase Theatre and Café has been both a critical indie arts venue and a home for artists across Hamilton for 28 years. It’s a place where creatives of all kinds can take risks. “There’s a weirdness here.” I’m nestled inside the brownstone interior of Hamilton’s Staircase…
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