Hamilton

Architecture Crawl gives a peek at Hamilton's built world and music scene

You can still get in on the built-environment action and arts scene this week even if you're not an architect attending the Ontario Association of Architects conference. Here's how.

Tour to "showcase and celebrate Hamilton's architecture, burgeoning arts scene and renewed energy"

You can still get in on the built-environment action and arts scene this week even if you're not an architect attending this conference. A local group of architects is throwing an architecture crawl on Thursday that includes a bus tour to a few notable spots and some local bands and food. It costs $65 for shuttles to and from locations, and a drink, refreshments and entertainment at each stop.

Here are the stops on the crawl: 

Stelco Tower: The tour's starting point and after-party location is the 21st floor of the Stelco Tower at 100 King Street West. Performances by The Medicine Hat, Harlan Pepper and DJ Choose^UP.

Staircase Cafe and Theatre: A theatre and incubator for local art whose staircase namesake is impossible to miss in the centre of the four-storey building. Performances by The Vaudevillian.

Balfour House: Chedoke Estate: "A hidden 1830s mansion on the escarpment brow never before open to the public." Performances by The Dinner Belles.

270 Sherman: A 1900-built cotton factory complex turned into artist lofts and gallery spaces. Performances by Bump City, and an art exhibition by TH&B United.

Sarcoa: This stop highlights the proximity of the 1400-km Waterfront Trail that connects the Canadian shores of Great Lakes. Performance by Alfie Smith.

The Hamilton and Burlington Society of Architects say the tour is meant to "showcase and celebrate Hamilton's architecture, burgeoning arts scene and renewed energy."

More details: 

  • musicians and artists featured at each stop
  • drinks and hors d'oeuvres by local restaurants (and a cash bar)
  • shuttle buses between venues (you don't just have to go on the prescribed loop)
  • proceeds go to The Threshold School of Building, which provides construction trades training for at-risk youth

See a map of the tour route and learn more about the stops and the bands here

Tickets cost $65 for members of the public. Shuttles start at 7 p.m.