Experience a vibrant arts and culture scene in Hamilton, Ancaster, Caledonia, and the surrounding areas, where a rich tapestry of theatre, concerts, exhibits, and dance shows awaits. This region is home to a diverse array of performances and events that cater to all tastes and ages, showcasing local talent and international acts alike. Whether you’re a fan of gripping dramas, mesmerizing dance performances, or live music, there’s something to captivate every audience member.
Throughout the year, theatres and venues across these communities host an impressive lineup of productions and concerts, from classic plays to contemporary performances. Local galleries and exhibition spaces also feature rotating art shows that highlight the creativity of regional artists, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the visual arts. With such a dynamic cultural landscape, Hamilton, Ancaster, and Caledonia promise unforgettable experiences that celebrate the arts and bring communities together.
The following calendar events are presented in various locations in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
October 26, 2024 – 7:30 pm
The Gettys – Hymn Tour with Keith and Kristyn Getty
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/gettys2024
The Gettys – Hymn Tour with Keith and Kristyn Getty offers an inspiring musical experience, blending timeless hymns with modern worship. Known for their powerful voices and heartfelt performances, the duo brings audiences together in celebration and spiritual reflection.
October 30 – November 16, 2024
THE MASTER PLAN by Michael Healey
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/the-master-plan
THE MASTER PLAN by Michael Healey is a biting satire about the stunning failure to build a smart city in Toronto. Adapted from award-winning writer and The Globe and Mail journalist Josh O’Kane’s best-selling book Sideways: The City Google Couldn’t Buy, THE MASTER PLAN lampoons the corporate drama, epic personalities, and iconic Canadian figures involved in the messy affair between Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto.
November 9, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Feher Conducts Brahms
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo110924
Join the HPO and conductor Andrei Feher with Métis mezzo-soprano Rebecca Cuddy as they plumb the emotional depths of Rachmaninoff’s “song without words”, and Ian Cusson’s moving song cycle setting texts by U.S. Poet Laureate and Muscogee Nation member Joy Harjo— an empowering exploration of love, relationships, and woman-ness. Then, revel in the warmth of Brahms’ sunny Second Symphony— a balm for the soul.
November 16, 2024 | 8 pm
CELTIC THUNDER
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/thunder24
“Odyssey,” a new show from internationally acclaimed group Celtic Thunder, is a fascinating exploration of Irish music and culture, firmly grounded in the ensemble’s impressive history, while ambitiously forging new paths. The word ‘Odyssey’ implies a significant journey, and that’s precisely what audiences are invited on – a sweeping voyage through the heartlands of traditional Irish music, the rhythmic pulse of contemporary Irish music, and the innovative original arrangements that are emblematic of Celtic Thunder’s unique sound.
November 22, 2024 | 7 pm
THE 80S CLUB
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/80sclub24-1
It’s time to bust out your neon scrunchies, put on your acid-wash jeans, and tease your hair up high! After a few sellout shows earlier this year, The 80s Club is going cross-country and it’s going to be radical! Honeymoon Suite, A Flock of Seagulls, Men Without Hats, and Spoons join forces for an epic tour filled with nostalgic classics.
November 23, 2024 | 7 pm
Scotty McCreery
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/mccreery24
Scotty McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. With his latest album Rise & Fall, featuring his sixth No. 1 single “Cab in a Solo,” current single “Fall of Summer,” and 12 additional tracks, McCreery explores classic themes of heartbreak, rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood, and enduring love, and through it all, felt comfortable being himself, resulting in a project full of electrified twang, rich baritone vocals and insightful storytelling.
November 25, 2024 | 8 pm
Marianas Trench
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/trench24
Marianas Trench is a Canadian pop-rock band known for their energetic sound, intricate harmonies, and theatrical performances. Fronted by lead vocalist Josh Ramsay, the band gained fame with hits like “Cross My Heart” and “Haven’t Had Enough,” captivating fans worldwide with their catchy melodies and emotionally charged lyrics.
November 29, 2024 | 6 pm
SESAME STREET LIVE! SAY HELLO
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/sesamestreet24
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighbourhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favourite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!
December 4 – 21, 2024
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/a-christmas-story
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and Upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd. Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois.
December 7, 2024 | 2 pm
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/nutcracker2024
Holiday magic is made year after year by Ballet Jörgen’s traditional treasure The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays.
December 8, 2024 | 8 pm
A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/dragchristmas24
For the 10th consecutive year, Murray & Peter proudly present a holiday tradition, “A Drag Queen Christmas” featuring contestants who appeared on the Emmy-Award winning television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race on MTV and Canada’s Drag Race on Crave TV. The tour will travel to 39 US cities and 15 Canadian cities; (US dates: November 13th – December 29th, Canada dates; Dec 4th – 23rd).
December 14, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Home for the Holidays
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo121424
Get into the holiday spirit with this joyful and heartwarming concert featuring the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, now celebrating 60 years young! The Hamilton Children’s Choir will lend their beautiful voices— as will you!— to a curated playlist of beloved Christmas carols and contemporary festive favourites led by dynamic conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser. It’s a Hamilton holiday tradition!
December 29, 2024 | 2:30 pm
Salute to Vienna
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/stv24
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert is a joyful, lively experience that has delighted audiences in Hamilton for more than 20 years. Every holiday season, this beloved tradition bursts to life at the FirstOntario Concert Hall with music, bright costumes, and lush flowers. As dancers enliven timeless melodies, including the Blue Danube Waltz, the Maestro regales the audience with stories (and a joke or two) from the conductor’s podium. Ring in 2025 with soaring arias, romantic duets, and festive overtures, courtesy of the “Waltz King,” Johann Strauss Jr.
January 10 – 19, 2025
THE NINE LIVES OF ROSS FORDHAM
Studio Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/the-nine-lives-of-ross-forham
The inspiring true story of one man’s grand adventures and never-ending dance with death. Through stories and songs performed by the merry band of Ross Fordham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who also happen to be award-winning actors and musicians!). THE NINE LIVES OF ROSS FORDHAM will leave you spellbound.
January 10, 2025 | 8 pm
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.broadwayinhamilton.com/pretty-woman-the-musical
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
January 16
Jeans ‘n Classics: Back to Back
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/jeans-n-classics-back-to-back
Peter Brennan’s Jeans ‘n Classics is now in its 3rd decade of bringing its impressive symphonic rock catalogue to symphony audiences across North America with a long list of crowd-pleasing shows. Closer to home, as with this show (marking their Theatre Aquarius debut), they have their very own symphony, the Jeans ‘n Classics Rock Symphony. This tight-knit collection of top players and vocalists is a star performer in the arts and entertainment scene. Most definitely NOT a tribute act, Jeans ‘n Classics faithfully interprets the music of legendary rock and pop albums and artists, with their own special and signature flair.
January 18, 2025 | 3 pm
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Beethoven’s Seventh
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
Rev up your new year with this HPO concert of brilliant orchestral works! James Sommerville is your guide on a vibrant journey from Pierre Mercure’s colourful symphonic fantasy, through Alice Ho’s animated tone poem that evokes the dazzling rebirth of a mythological bird, to Beethoven’s exhilarating Seventh Symphony. Sommerville also takes the spotlight as soloist in Mozart’s exuberant Third Horn Concerto.
February 6, 2025
ABBAMANIA
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/abbamania
Abbamania is the world’s number one production of Abba. This all-Canadian cast is from Ontario Canada and has played over 200 shows per year since 1999. They have performed more concerts than Elvis, The Beatles, Madonna and Michael Jackson combined. The cast is made up of studio musicians and singers with amazing vocals and an authentic look. Hear all the hits from “Waterloo” to “Dancing Queen.” Every song reproduced note for note, exactly as the original recordings.
February 8, 2025 | 7:30 pm
HPO Performs the Music of James Bond:
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo020825
Nobody does it better than Bond. Hamilton native Darcy Hepner takes you on a thrilling adventure for your ears only through the iconic music of James Bond films. Hamiltonian vocal stars bring the swagger and the romance of such Bond theme songs as License to Kill, Goldfinger and Skyfall.
February 15, 2025 | 8 pm
Colin James: Chasing the Sun 2025 Tour
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/james25
Supporting his new album Chasing the Sun, one of Canadian music’s most iconic blues rock singer-songwriters, Colin James, has announced a 2025 Canadian tour. With special guest Terra Lightfoot in tow, he’ll perform in 18 cities across five provinces next February and March.
February 19 – March 8, 2025
CASEY AND DIANA
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/casey-and-diana
Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’ who had the spirit to touch their hearts and the compassion to hold their hands when no one else would.
March 15 , 2025
Nikki Glaser
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/glaser24
For nearly two decades at clubs across the country, and as the host of three hit podcasts, Nikki Glaser has honed her shockingly honest, no-holds barred style, solidifying herself as one of the funniest voices in comedy today.
March 22, 2025 | 3 pm
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Pictures at an Exhibition
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo032225
Immerse yourself in the sounds of your HPO performing vivid masterpieces of orchestral colour. Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite enchants with charming fairy-tale pieces evoked through radiant orchestration, which the composer also applies to Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition— a musical gallery tour of paintings that is a splendid showcase for the Orchestra’s musicians. At the heart of the concert, Jane Coop takes on Ravel’s virtuosic Piano Concerto in G Major.
March 25, 2025 | 7:30 pm
CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.broadwayinhamilton.com/champions-of-magic
Following a decade of touring the world as one of the most successful magic shows in history, the Champions Of Magic team is back with an explosive ALL NEW show featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. Fusing their skills in grand-scale magic, a flair for spectacle and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. Combining their signature humour with groundbreaking magic, the world’s only team of illusionists present a brand-new production, unlike anything that has come before.
March 26 – April 12, 2025
FULLY COMMITTED
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/fully-committed
This devastatingly funny one-act follows a day in the life of Sam Peliczowski, an out-of-work actor who works the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan’s number-one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, histrionics—a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing to land a prime reservation or the right table. Amid the barrage, Sam’s got his own needs to contend with—his recently widowed dad wants him home for Christmas, and he’s up for a choice part at Lincoln Center.
April 1, 2025 | 8 pm
Nate Smith
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/smith25
Since bursting onto the scene a few short years ago, Nate Smith has accumulated over 1.6 billion career streams, scored two No. 1 records (“Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire”), three Top 5, garnered multiple gold and platinum records, sold-out shows across the US and received numerous nominations for best new artist from the ACM Awards, CMT Awards, iHeart Radio Awards and so many more. Most recently, Smith received the award for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Billboard’s Rookie of the Year and Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist for 2024.
April 12, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Nosky Performs Handel, Haydn & Bach
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo041225
Enjoy the scintillating textures and diverse instrumental sounds of three lively concertos by Handel and J.S. Bach, featuring notable Canadian violinist and early music specialist Aisslinn Nosky with musicians of the HPO. She also leads the Orchestra in Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 94— aptly nicknamed for its many musical twists and turns, it’s as much a sensation today as when the HPO first performed the piece in 1884!
April 18, 2025 | 8 pm
Brit Floyd
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/britfloyd25
Brit Floyd returns to the stage in 2025 with their biggest and most spectacular production to date, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s classic album ‘Wish You Were Here’, complete with a stunning laser and light show, iconic circular screen, inflatables and theatrics.
April 22, 2025 | 7:30 pm
CHICAGO
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.broadwayinhamilton.com/chicago-the-musical
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.
April 30 – May 17, 2025
WAITRESS
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/waitress
Jenna Hunterson is a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a baking contest offers her a chance at escape, Jenna fights to reclaim part of herself. Waitress celebrates the power of friendship, dreams, the family we choose and the beauty of a well-baked pie.
May 3, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: James Ehnes Plays Tchaikovsky
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo050325
Don’t miss the HPO’s rousing season closer! Hear the consummate artistry of eminent Canadian violinist James Ehnes in Tchaikovsky’s rhapsodic Violin Concerto. Then, experience the expansive sonic dramas of Mahler’s First Symphony, as the HPO takes you from a depiction of nature’s awakening in spring, through rustic dances and animals’ ironic funeral procession for a hunter, to a final confrontation with “all the world’s sorrow” that ends in blazing glory.
May 4, 2025 | 3 pm
Mini Pop Kids
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/minipopkids25
Canada’s #1 music brand for kids is coming to FirstOntario Concert Hall! Packed with ‘good vibes’ and positive energy, Mini Pop Kids Live presents The Celebration Tour! From today’s chart-toppers to classic hits, you’ll hear songs that make you want to sing, dance, and create memories with the whole family.
May 22, 2025
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/a-whole-new-world
Perfect for the whole family, revisit your childhood with the iconic music of Alan Menken, the master songwriter of Aladdin, Beauty And The Beast, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, and Little Shop Of Horrors. Discover how one man’s music gave us a whole new world of animated characters, stories, and classic films. Hear all your favourite hits including Be Our Guest, Part Of Your World, Friend Like Me, Under The Sea, Colors of the Wind, Go The Distance, Suddenly Seymour, and of course, A Whole New World.
A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken is a true triple-threat – a unique and powerful musical documentary style show; a performance featuring first-rate talent from Stratford, Toronto, the West End, and Broadway; and an engaging educational experience that will leave audiences raving about the show long after the final curtain.
May 30, 2025 | 7:30 pm
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Video Games Live
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/hpo053025
Witness an orchestral experience for the ages at the No.1 touring gaming concert in the world, Video Games Live! Led by beloved guest conductor Evan Mitchell, your Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra will immerse you in an evening filled with music from some of the most popular video games of all time including — Last of Us, Castlevania, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts and more. This concert features a mash-up of orchestral performances with synchronized video and light effects to dazzle the spirits of gamers across the generations.
June 5, 2025
GINGER MINJ: The Big Gay Cabaret
Main Stage, Theatre Aquarius, 190 King William St.
https://theatreaquarius.org/events/ginger-minj-the-big-gay-cabaret
The “Big Gay Cabaret,” starring Ginger Minj, is an exuberant and entertaining showcase that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture through music, comedy, and performance art. Hosted by the dynamic drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Ginger Minj, the cabaret features a vibrant mix of show-stopping numbers, witty banter, and heartfelt moments. With a flair for humor and a commitment to inclusivity, the Big Gay Cabaret offers an unforgettable night filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of community, making it a must-see event for anyone looking to experience the dazzling world of drag and the spirit of pride.
July 4 – 6 , 2025
The Wiggles – Bouncing Balls! Tour
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/wiggles25
That’s right, the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles are back for their biggest global tour ever! For the first time in over 5 years, The Wiggles will be returning for an extensive tour of the UK, US and Canada with their new show, based on their smash hit single Bouncing Balls! Experience the magic of this interactive and engaging live show experience set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education.
TBA
September 25, 2025 | 8 pm
Sarah Millican
Studio, FirstOntario Concert Hall, 10 MacNab St. South, Hamilton
https://www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca/events/detail/millican25
Outback Presents and Chambers Touring are excited to announce that well-loved comedian Sarah Millican returns to Canada with her brand-new stand-up show Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer. Following her previously sold-out tours, this is Sarah’s third time touring Canada, expanding her footprint to Canadian audiences from coast to coast and visiting 16 cities!
