The Top Live Music Venues In Hamilton, Ontario

The entertainment arena first opened its doors in 1985, and in 1999 the notorious band KISS shot the concert scene from their movie Detroit City Rocks right inside those very doors. In early 2015, it became the host to the 2015 Juno Awards and the eyes of the country were on the city again. Over the years the FirstOntario Centre stage has welcomed artists such as Shania Twain, Rush and Bruce Springsteen.

Insider Tip: If you really want to impress your Hamiltonian friends and family, refer to it by its original name of Copps Coliseum and avoid digging up any resentment that came with the 2014 name change.

If you find yourself feeling melancholic about The Clash, you can pay tribute by literally ‘Rock(ing) the Casbah.’ Since its opening in 2001, The Casbah Lounge has become a common stop on Canadian tours and has built up a loyal fan base of both artists and locals. Conveniently located next door to The Strathcona Bar, you can grab a snack and a uniquely named cocktail before enjoying a night of intimate live music. The Casbah has a big 2016 planned, with artists such as Yukon Blonde and The Sadies set to perform.

If you are willing to take on the 25-minute drive from the downtown Hamilton core, you are in for a treat at the Moonshine Café. Located just outside of Hamilton – in Oakville – this cozy venue has a capacity of only 60 people. The owners take pride in maintaining an atmosphere of respect and friendship with customers and artists alike. Live music takes place every night of the week at Moonshine, and the ultimate comfort food of burgers and wings are served. With a full stomach, a room full of new friends, and a long night of music, you are bound to fall in love with the Moonshine Café.

Insider Tip: Tuesdays are ‘Open Stage’ or open mic night, so if you are feeling brave and musical, head down to Moonshine Café for a session.

This venue is also a shape shifter between a nightclub, live music bar, and special events space. Serving various functions, Club Absinthe divides into two separate atmospheres. The lower level consists of a weekly DJ spinning while the main floor operates as the live music space. Live bands vary from blues to jazz to rock. Occasionally if you happen to be walking by, you can hear covers of your favorite golden age rock and roll song booming down the street.

Insider Tip: Club Absinthe is notorious for having Motown-themed club nights on Wednesdays, so be sure to have your dancing shoes ready!

The biggest music event of the year in Hamilton, Supercrawl is big sister to the monthly concoction of art known as ArtCrawl. On the second Friday of every month, galleries, antique shops, local vendors, and food trucks come together to pay tribute to the art and culture blossoming across James Street North. For the month of September, Artcrawl morphs into Supercrawl, in which James Street closes down and stages are set up for a whole weekend. Perhaps one of the greatest demonstrations of unity through art and music in Hamilton, Supercrawl is an absolute must-see.

Insider Tip: Do not show up to the corner of James Street North and King Street mid-January expecting a lively musical experience, you will only encounter Hamiltonians walking briskly into Jackson Square (the downtown shopping mall) to avoid the cold. Remember that Supercrawl is strictly a September event.