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Celebrating all things Hamilton / Welcome Message
Arts + Culture

REVIEW: Theatre Ancaster’s A Chorus Line kicks up its heels

The entertaining and enduring Broadway classic is the first production on Theatre Ancaster’s 30th anniversary playbill for 2026-2027. Entering its final weekend of shows, Theatre Ancaster’s mainstage production of A Chorus Line provides a great opportunity to see a Broadway classic and be very well entertained by a…
Arts + Culture

It’s 10 years of the Bard under the stars for Tottering Biped Theatre

Hamilton’s Tottering Biped Theatre celebrates a decade of staging summer Shakespeare with its most ambitious season yet – three 2026 productions and many returning artists. Ten years is a milestone few indie theatre companies can boast. Amid economic challenges, competing entertainments, and changing audiences, making theatre as an…
Made in Hamilton

Saving the strays at Ladybird Animal Sanctuary

After rescuing nearly 1,900 animals over 16 years, Hamilton-based Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is close to creating a farm that will be a refuge for animals in desperate need. It all started with three friends working together for one unforgettable cat. Sweet Oliver the cat was the first…
Made in Hamilton

Made in Hamilton: The Mabel’s Labels Story

A frustrating parenting problem, a vision to solve it, and some tenacity helped a quartet of moms create an enduring brand. Read on for co-founder Julie Cole's six business lessons learned. Over 23 years ago, my sister and two friends, all of us former students…
City Life

Wesley: Never standing still

The made-in-Hamilton non-profit began its work in a church basement 71 years ago. Focused on poverty, homelessness, and the complex social challenges at the root of those issues, Wesley’s more than 300 staff lead critical social programs in 17 locations in Hamilton and beyond. Ryan S. was…
City Life

Kenadie, how do I talk to pretty girls?

Welcome to the monthly column from Hamilton drag queen Kenadie St. James! Read on for the best bad advice you’ve ever had! Hamilton, your problems are officially about to get WORSE. 💋 Local drag legend Kenadie St. James is serving up catastrophically bad life advice in her new HAMILTON…
Arts + Culture

Now THAT was a Festival of Friends!

A huge summer storm threatened to derail an all-star 50th anniversary concert on Sunday. But resilient Canadian musicians, led by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, refused to give in, and delivered an epic, memory-making show. That capped off three great days of music, markets, midway and food at Gage…
Arts + Culture

IN PHOTOS: Festival of Friends 2026

The Festival of Friends – its 50th year! – is in full swing at Gage Park. Featuring dozens of musical acts, market vendors, and lots of delicious food options, the festival wraps up with an all-star concert of local and Canadian acts on Sunday night! PHOTOS BY BOB…
Arts + Culture

Festival season: Summer on parade

Here is your hot 2026 summer festivals guide for Hamilton and Burlington. You’ll find everything from inaugural events to two local traditions that are turning 50 years old this year! Our summers may be short but fortunately for us, the list of local festivals is long. Spend warm-weather…

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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.


Made in Hamilton

Sam Mercanti: A lasting legacy

Hamilton entrepreneur has shared his life’s journey in RISEN, which is now both a book and an award-winning documentary. Sam Mercanti’s life as a man of faith, a man of business, and a man of philanthropy was documented in a book two years ago. It’s now an award-winning…
Food + Drink

Ottawa Street: Fabricating fun with food

Crown Point street has long been a thriving economic hub in Hamilton. Known for textiles, furniture and antiques, the corridor is now home to eateries that combine food with fun and friendship.  Once upon a time, the eastern boundary of Hamilton was Sherman Avenue. In 1909, Barton…
Arts + Culture

52 Things to Do in Hamilton

In The Insiders Guide to Fun in the Hammer, local writer Jason Allen shares a weekly activity for those looking to explore their hometown. When Jason Allen first moved to Hamilton nearly 20 years ago, he fell in love with the city, exploring its trails, waterways, and…
Arts + Culture

REVIEW: Energy and silliness of Spamalot is invigorating

Theatre Ancaster’s production of Monty Python classic features the work of talented cast, creative and production teams. Prepare to be lifted out of the November doldrums. If the dwindling sunlight of November has you feeling flattened, Theatre Ancaster’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot will do much to lift…
Arts + Culture

Maybe I’m amazed? No, I was astonished

Neither Paul McCartney or the newly unveiled TD Coliseum disappointed when I was among a sold-out crowd for the grand opening of Hamilton’s downtown arena. Rock ‘n’ roll royalty came to Hamilton last evening when Sir Paul McCartney graced the stage at 8:15 p.m. for a voracious crowd…
City Life

The Hamilton Biosphere Park: A new eco-destination

There is an internationally recognized ecological gem running right through the middle of our city. It’s time to recognize the fabulous opportunity before us to celebrate and protect the Niagara Escarpment. “This is amazing!”  “The views are incredible.” “It’s so close to neighbourhoods.”  “I never knew Hamilton…
Arts + Culture

The art of Revival

Jerrold and Marta Hewson aim to make their newly opened art store, café, photography studio and event space on Cannon Street East near Ottawa a hub for ‘creative disruptors.’ It might be hard to immediately see the silver lining in being struck by a car while crossing…
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…