Hamilton’s Best Venues for Live Music Lovers

Corktown Pub

Address: 175 Young St

Phone: 905-572-9242

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 4 PM to late

Corktown Pub is Hamilton’s oldest licensed venue, serving drinks and hosting live music for over 92 years. It’s a place where history and modern tunes come together. The pub features a spacious main room with a stage, a bar area, and outdoor patio seating. Its classic pub atmosphere, complete with exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings, adds to the charm of watching live performances here.

Events:

• Open mic nights
• Weekend live bands
• Community events

The Capitol Bar

Address: 973 King St E

Phone: 289-389-1001

Open: Daily, 4 PM to 2 AM

The Capitol Bar is known for its craft beers, wines, and cocktails. It’s a place where you can enjoy good food and great music in a relaxed setting. The venue boasts a large selection of local and international craft beers on tap, as well as an extensive cocktail menu. Their kitchen serves up delicious pub fare with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great spot for dinner and a show.

Events:

• Live music every Friday and Saturday
• Monthly local artist shows
• Special performances by touring musicians

Stonewalls

Address: 339 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON

Phone: 905-577-0808

Open: Thursday to Sunday, check for event times

Stonewalls is a community-focused venue that hosts a wide range of events. It’s a place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy music. The venue features a main hall for larger performances and a more intimate lounge area for smaller gigs. Stonewalls is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to supporting local talent across various genres.

Events:

• Sunday acoustic shows
• Weekly concert series
• Tribute nights
• Family-friendly music events

The Casbah

Address: 306 King St. W

Phone: 905-741-7625

Open: During scheduled events

The Casbah is a smaller venue known for its intimate atmosphere. It hosts a wide variety of music styles, making it a favourite among music fans. With a capacity of around 200 people, it offers an up-close experience with performers. The venue is equipped with a high-quality sound system and lighting, ensuring a great experience for both artists and audience members.

Events:

• Monthly local artist residencies
• Tribute nights
• Themed music parties
• Open mic nights

Mills Hardware

Address: 95 King Street East, Hamilton, ON

Phone: 905-777-1223

Open: For ticketed events or by appointment

Mills Hardware blends historical charm with modern entertainment. It’s not just a music venue but also hosts other types of performances. The space is housed in a building over 110 years old, featuring high ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows. It can be configured in multiple ways to accommodate different types of events, from standing-room concerts to seated performances.

Events:

• Live music shows
• Theatre performances
• Comedy nights
• Special events promoting diversity in music

This Ain’t Hollywood (Closed)

This Ain’t Hollywood, a beloved Hamilton music venue, closed its doors in 2020 after 11 vibrant years. Located at James and Murray, it was known for its gritty charm and diverse lineup. The venue hosted Canadian icons like The Rheostatics and The Forgotten Rebels, alongside controversial acts such as Black Pussy and Vag Halen. Local talents The Dirty Nil and The View honed their skills here, while stars like Jeff Martin of The Tea Party chose it for intimate gigs.

This Ain’t Hollywood wasn’t just about music. It hosted Kiwanis TV Bingo nights and collaborated with nearby Dr. Disc, creating a cultural hub. The annual “Happy Birthday Kim” celebration became a community tradition. Touring acts like Dwayne Gretzky and emerging artists such as Jackson Smith found a welcoming stage.

Though its closure left a void, This Ain’t Hollywood’s spirit lives on, inspiring other venues to keep Hamilton’s music scene thriving. It remains a symbol of the city’s rich musical heritage and the importance of supporting live music.