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Celebrating all things Hamilton / Welcome Message
Arts + Culture

‘I’m an Anna through and through,’ says Frozen star

It’s a challenging role and a demanding run of 45 shows in 40 days, but Jessica Gallant feels she was born to play the awkward and intrepid younger sister in the musical adaptation of the Disney hit. Editor’s note: Check out our Instagram on Wednesday, Dec. 17…
City Life

Reason for the season: Where you can help those in need during the holidays

There are many worthy local organizations dedicated to ensuring every child, adult and senior can experience some joy and hope this season. Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2 is the perfect opportunity to donate.  It’s that time of year again, when our hearts are full with the magic…
Arts + Culture

Drury Lane’s Cinderella is a holiday treat

There is a lot to like about this Christmas pantomime. From zany slapstick to on-point choreography, this community showcase is fun for the whole family. A holiday tradition across the world, Cinderella pantomime shows have a lengthy tradition going back centuries. Featuring outlandish costumes and slapstick comedy while…
City Life

Deeply affordable 412 Barton opens

The $8.3-million project led by St. Matthew’s House will offer housing to 15 people facing homelessness, with a special focus on Black and Indigenous seniors and women. Two years ago, on another blustery December day, ground was officially broken at the site of a dream to house 15…
Food + Drink

The Iron Cow brings something that’s been missing to downtown

Part elevated British pub, and part sports bar, Matty Matheson-led eatery delivers with a creative and well-executed menu in a welcoming space. Holy Cow!  There is a new restaurant in town, part of the recently renovated and reopened TD Coliseum complex.  My dining experience as a media…
Arts + Culture

THE PLAYLIST

Dylan Hudecki is a Canadian indie-rock vet having played in many different bands, including By Divine Right, Cowlick, Slow Beach and The Dill. He’s a proud Hamiltonian who covers local album releases for HAMILTON CITY Magazine. COTS – Disturbing Body & Moonlit Building Hamilton has long been fertile…
Arts + Culture

Hamilton Reads — KidLit Holiday Edition

From picture books about difficult subjects such as homelessness, and grief, to collections of letters and art by Indigenous voices, laugh-out loud read-alouds, and spine-tingling poems, there are many choices this holiday season for the young reader on your list. As a parent, you think you’re supposed…
Arts + Culture

REVIEW: Frozen is heartwarming and magical

You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer and you’ll be transported as Theatre Aquarius's production brilliantly brings animated Disney classic to the stage. Frozen, The Broadway Musical at Theatre Aquarius is pure magic. That is true in both the literal and the figurative senses. If you’ve ever wanted to escape…
Arts + Culture

INTO THE GROOVE

Take a step inside Hamilton’s vibrant independent record store scene, and be sure to check out these neighbourhood hotspots when buying for the music lover on your list. Hamilton is home to an active network of independent record stores, each offering a mix of…
Arts + Culture

Joni Mitchell, Nelly Furtado to be honoured at 2026 JUNO Awards

Hometown rockers Arkells will perform when Hamilton hosts Canada’s national music awards in March. The stars are beginning to align for Hamilton’s turn to host the 2026 JUNO Awards.  Hamilton legends Arkells will perform, pop superstar Nelly Furtado will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame,…
Arts + Culture

A bold new era for Hamilton’s downtown

TD Coliseum offers a world-class experience for artists and fans in a reimagined, music-first venue that no longer feels like an arena. What has changed inside and what will it mean for the city? The media tours are done. The ceremonial ribbon has been cut. And…
Arts + Culture

HAMILTON’S CELEBRATION OF SOUND

2026 will be a history-making year in the city’s music sector and will chart the course for an amplified future. Hamilton is a city of music and 2026 will be a history-making year that will give music lovers plenty of reasons to celebrate.   It all begins with the…
City Life

OPINION: York Boulevard is a grand vision gone wrong

Hamilton’s gateway entrance from the west was once to be modelled after great European streets. But instead of being the ‘Champs Elysee of North America,’ the City caved to private interests and what was built is the architectural horror story it is today. There is a nearly 50-year-old…
Arts + Culture

Hamilton music makers you should know

This city is a musical powerhouse. Here are a few local standouts sharing what they love about the place they call home. Killotine Photo: Rae Chatten Who: Metal band, represented Canada at Wacken Open Air 2025. Members: Matt Fraser (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jesse Luciani (lead guitar), James…
City Life

Hounds of Hamilton

We need a big dose of dogs these days so HAMILTON CITY Magazine's new feature celebrates the city's canines. Send in your dogs (and cats)! Is there any better escape from the relentless news cycle, doom scrolling and polarizing politics, and any simpler way to…

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HAMILTON CITY Magazine’s mission is to tell the stories that celebrate the city’s past, present and future by featuring stunning photography, illustrations and world-class writing. It’s your city. It’s your magazine.


Arts + Culture

Film industry premieres Hamilton Film Board

Non-profit will invest in city’s screen industry. ‘Hamilton’s always been camera-ready. The film board makes sure we’re industry-ready too,’ says president. A group of local film industry leaders has come together to form the Hamilton Film Board, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Hamilton’s screen-based sector. “Hamilton has proven…
Food + Drink

ON THE MENU: WHAT’S OPENED AND CLOSED ON THE LOCAL RESTAURANT SCENE

Here's a list of what has come, gone and changed in Hamilton and Burlington in August. Launched Caked Coffee Vegan Bakery (364 Plains Rd. E., Burlington) A Toronto plant-based bakery has chosen the Aldershot neighbourhood for its second location. The bright little café is…
Arts + Culture

REVIEW: Newsies is art at its best

Curtain Call Performing Arts Company’s production of this classic musical features a strong cast, standout choreography and a message perfectly suited to our times. Curtain Call Performing Arts Company, a local theatre company soon entering its ninth season, has produced a wonderful rendition of Disney’s Newsies: The Musical…
Arts + Culture

Lots of heart in this Little Shop of Horrors

Big Hearts Little Theatre’s production features strong, sinister and sweet performances, and an extraordinary man-eating plant. Entering its final weekend, Big Hearts Little Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors offers a family-friendly option for those wanting to fill these remaining weeks before school starts with theatre…
Arts + Culture

This West Side Story soars

Theatre Ancaster’s production of classic, and still timely, musical is full of stellar performances, spectacle and energy. Heading home from Theatre Ancaster’s mainstage production of West Side Story, I reflected on the wealth of talent we have in the Hamilton area from actors and musicians to singers and…
Arts + Culture

Decades of Steel City sound

Hamilton has long punched above its weight as a musical powerhouse. Here, we trace 55 years of the city’s breakout bands. And check out great live music venues, too. It is no secret that Hamilton is one of Canada’s biggest and best music cities. With its…
City Life

Summer staycations: Sunflower fields and farms

The bright yellow flowers are beacons for people seeking spectacular photos but crowds are damaging to crops growing on private property. These farms offer sunflower field experiences that are safe and responsible. Sunflower season is short but spectacular – and best enjoyed at farms that welcome visitors responsibly.
City Life

Hamilton honours NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with key to the city

NBA superstar is only the second recipient of Hamilton’s highest civic honour. The first will likely surprise you. By Stephen Metelsky and Jenna Yeomans NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded the key to the City of Hamilton on Thursday, becoming only the second person in the city’s…