Placemaking Event Programming

The City of Hamilton is proud to support a number of placemaking projects and events that will animate outdoor public spaces. The arts programming presented aligns with the 2021-2025 Economic Development Action Plan priority to revitalize priority areas through placemaking. 

Queers at the Pier: Sports Edition 

Steel City Inclusive Softball Association and our fellow inclusive sports leagues: Queer Hockey Hamilton, Mellow Queer Volleyball, Queer Axe Throwing, Hamilton City Roller Derby and Queer Biking Hamilton are happy to invite the community at large to Queers at the Pier: Sports Edition, presented by the City of Hamilton. 

On Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 5:30 to 11pm, join us at the Gantry Crane Amphitheatre at Pier 8 for an evening of music, entertainment, food, drinks and a craft fair. We'll be featuring some great local drag performers, musicians and lip sync performers from across the city, so don't miss out. 

For more information visit www.scisa.ca

Therapeutic Thursdays - A Strange Series

Strangewaves is curating a weekly series of concerts at Ferguson Station on Thursday evenings this fall. Each concert will feature a different musical genre, ranging from Jazz to Dance music. This series will showcase 2 special musical acts at each concert, with an emphasis placed on providing a space for marginalized groups such as those from the LGTBQ+ and BIPOC communities. Strangewaves will utilize its deep connections in the innovative arts scene of Canada to curate one-of-a-kind experiences at Ferguson station, featuring a mix of local and artists from across the country.  This series is free to attend and is presented by the City of Hamilton.

Earth Wind & Choir - Pitch Blender at the Pier

Welcome to Earth Wind & Choir (EW&C)’s Pitch Blender at the Pier – Summer Music Series, an eclectic monthly summer concert series at Pier 8's Gantry Crane amphitheatre. EW&C has been situated in the North End and James St N neighbourhoods for the past 15 years. As a community choir, EW&C has included many Hamilton artists and musicians in their membership ranks and collaborated with many more.

These free events, happening on the third Sunday of the month, will highlight idiosyncratic music ranging widely in styles and collaborations with other art forms. The focus is hyper-local, with poet emcees, a large installation by local visual artist Andres Miramontes, and vendors selected from the EW&C network that showcase the city’s richness.

HPO Downtown Summer Concert Series

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) has a 140-year history of making and celebrating music in all corners of our city and they are proud to call downtown Hamilton home. The HPO is thrilled to offer a free, bi-weekly concert series on King William St in the heart of downtown in partnership with the City of Hamilton. Join us the second and fourth Wednesday of June, July, and August at 12:15 pm as we turn King William Street into the perfect afternoon patio with performances by HPO ensembles. In support of this concert series, King William St will be closed to vehicles from James St N to Hughson St N from 7 am to 4 pm and seating will be available for public use.

Fringe On The Streets

Fringe On The Streets is a FREE new performance event, presented by the City of Hamilton & HFTco with support from Downtown BIA and Keeping Six. It's a guided walking tour of downtown Hamilton where you can experience the city through live art and performance.

Ride Smart Bike Rodeo 

Location: Pier 8, Hamilton

New Hope Community Bikes (NHCB) will activate Pier 8 by offering the Ride Smart Bike Rodeo. This drop-in program will feature cycling activities including helmet fitting, riding skills, balance activities, road safety instruction, and built features like rollers, a seesaw, and a balance beam.  The NHCB team of staff, apprentices, and volunteers serves diverse customers in Hamilton, ensuring all have access to affordable and accessible bikes and cycling education. NHCB will provide a trailer with bikes and helmets for children aged 8-15 to borrow. Certified staff and volunteers will facilitate the program, including a designated space and specialized instruction for those learning to ride for the first time. Participants riding their own bikes to Pier 8 are also welcome to join the Ride Smart program with their own bikes. 

Ride Smart fills a crucial gap in cycling education for youth and adults, promoting community engagement with cycling and providing essential safety knowledge. New Hope Community Bikes (NHCB) is a registered, cycling education charity dedicated to building community through bikes. Ride Smart Bike Rodeo at Pier 8 is presented by the City of Hamilton.

Pop Ups at Pier 8

Pop Ups at Pier 8 is a City-funded event series that has taken place every summer since 2021. It is a series of community-focused events encouraging exploration of the West Harbour including Pier 8, the new Copps Pier Park, and neighbouring areas. Pop Ups at Pier 8 is committed to providing fun, inclusive events with something for everyone. Programming for the series focuses on collaboration with local artists, creatives, businesses and communities within the Hamilton area. The goal of Pop Ups at Pier 8 is to create thoughtful and unique events that bring people together while appreciating our beautiful waterfront. 

This year, Pop Ups will feature 2 movie nights at Copps Pier Park and four signature events on the Discovery Centre patio featuring event elements they’ve become known for - live music from local musicians and DJs, interactive family activities, pop up makers and vendors, curated community partners and thoughtfully designed spaces.

73’ Til Infinity: Unity in Community

Now in its 2nd year, 73' Til Infinity is a dance series showcasing the various genres of music and their accompanying dance styles that led to the emergence of Hip-Hop Culture as well as how it continues to evolve and grow in influence.

Featuring an eclectic mix of live dance performances, dance battles, live DJ's including The Brown Brothers, DJ Fazooli, DJ Onglish Wav, live musical performances from Tarek Funk, S.O.A.P, and more artists to be announced, 73' Til will once again bring the vibe of a classic block party to Hamilton's downtown core. 

This is a FREE event for all ages curated by Josh Taylor & Defining Movement Dance and is presented by the City of Hamilton.

Summer Soul Sessions: BLK OWNED at Pier 8

Location: Pier 8, Hamilton

BLK OWNED is excited to present two Summer Soul Sessions at Pier 8 presented by the City of Hamilton, featuring vibrant marketplaces, electrifying music, and delicious food options. These events aim to celebrate Hamilton’s diverse culture, provide a platform for local BIPOC vendors, and offer attendees a free experience filled with music, dance, and community spirit. The August event is a Caribbean Celebration, and the September event is a Cookout Y2K Old School Vibes. Both events will feature food options, live performances and a BIPOC vendor marketplace. BLK OWNED is a non-profit organization with a mission to celebrate, showcase, explore, and support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the Greater Hamilton Area.