Hamilton's heart beats with the vibrant rhythm of its Black community, a force that has woven a rich tapestry of history, art, fashion, and incredible cuisine into the city's soul.

Grab this guide, curated by BLK-OWNED Hamont, and embark on an adventure. Dive into the culture of the African and Caribbean Diaspora in Hamilton, unearthing the city's coolest Black-owned restaurants, unique boutiques, and inspiring artists along the way. Your exploration supports local legends and promises unforgettable finds.

Black-Owned Food & Drink Stops in Hamilton

Whether your ideal stop involves innovative, feel-good vegan treats, authentic Jamaican jerk, or delicious Nigerian suya skewers, this list is your essential guide to fueling your perfect Hamilton day with local culinary legends. Get ready to feast!

  • Afro Fusion Resto on James Street North features dishes inspired by West African cuisine like Ghanaian Peanut Shop and Jerk Poutine.
  • Wass Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar serves up flavour-packed meat and veggie dishes with add-ons available like an aromatic traditional coffee ceremony. Their injera made fresh in-house is a must try.
  • Bar Sazerac is co-owned by award-winning Bartender Kyle Ferreira. His flair for cocktails is seen throughout the creative drink and snack menu. Pop a few doors down to the Ferreira family-owned Saltlick Smokehouse for quality BBQ.
  • Nonno's serves up vegan sandwiches inside the Hamilton Farmers' Market that guarantee a return visit. The Gabagool is a must-try. You'll thank us after the first bite.
  • Caribb Pop is another must-visit spot inside Hamilton Farmers' Market. This refreshing and delicious beverage company serves gut-healthy, pre-biotic tropical sodas that are low in sugar, big on flavour and fully plant-based. Our favourite flavours are Guava Splash or Lime'n!
  • Calabar Kitchen, inside neighbouring Jackson Square, shares a vibrant African culinary journey with dishes featuring a blend of spices and flavours, from the fiery kick of Jollof rice to the comforting warmth of moi-moi.
  • Trinicanjam is the newest addition to Hamilton's vibrant Caribbean food scene. You can taste both Trinidadian and Jamaican cuisines here, with a fusion of cherished Canadian dishes.
  • Lyn's Lindstead Market has been a community icon since 1999 and a true hidden gem in Hamilton. It offers an authentic taste of Jamaica, featuring an incredible hot food service with favourites like jerk chicken, oxtail, rice and peas, and much more. Be sure to drop by to enjoy their classic Caribbean snacks and impressive assortment of baked goods.

Shop Black-Owned Retail in Hamilton

Hamilton is totally stacked with cool thrift stores and unique fashion spots, home goods and gifts, including some awesome Black-owned businesses and creators. You can pick up the hottest streetwear and check out goods from BIPOC vendors. Want the full scoop on local Black-owned spots? Hit up the BLK OWNED HAMONT website.

  • Right in the heart of James Street North, you'll find Reloved Boutique! This cool spot is a women's clothing consignment shop run by an awesome mother-daughter duo. They also stock a hand-picked collection of goodies from local and Canadian women-owned brands-score!
  • You can find some of the best streetwear in Hamilton at BDRCK, located in Jackson Square. This fashion-forward spot, owned by a father-daughter duo is a must-visit for the freshest styles in shoes, hats, and clothing for men and women.
  • Back at the Hamilton Farmers' Market, check out The Artisan Market, a quaint stall filled with handmade clothes, art, cars, bags and accessories. If you're looking for a unique gift or a treat for yourself, Ms. Anne will definitely have something for you.
  • An honourable mention goes out to Golden Thimble, the Ottawa Street North tailor that will get you looking your very best! Quiana is a true seamstress, with incredible talent and beloved to all of her clients, new and old. If you have anything that needs to be altered or if you're looking for a custom piece for a special occasion, check them out!

Hamilton Black Culture and History

Hamilton's rich Black history, evident in its historical landmarks and the instrumental role of talented Black artists, has solidified the city as a major cultural destination. Explore these significant sites during your visit, which represent both Hamilton's past and present.

  • Are you ready to move and groove with the Defining Dance Movement class? Josh Taylor is the founder of this inclusive community hub for those interested in hip-hop and street dance. DMD has a class for beginners, experts and everything in between. You can also find them at festivals and events throughout the city.
  • Fruit Salad creates events for lesbians, 2SLGBTQIA+ women, femmes, gender non-conforming folks and their friends to have fun! Their events range from dance parties to karaoke, line dancing and more. These events are all created by the wonderful Sarah Barnhart, who is a Hamilton community champion and leader.
  • Griffin House National Historic Site shares the fascinating history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers at this preserved home set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Dundas Valley. The National Historic Site is currently closed for renovations but can be experienced here virtually.
  • Stewart Memorial Church is home to Canada's oldest Black congregation, established in 1835 by members arriving in Hamilton via the Underground Railway. Some famous congregants here included Olympian Ray Lewis and the Honourable Lincoln Alexander.
  • Early Black Community on Hamilton Mountain Audio Tour on Concession Street uses storytelling and poetry to tell the stories of Early Black Canadians in Hamilton Mountain's "Little Africa". This is best experienced 'on location'. You can also read more about this history at the Ontario Heritage Trust website.
  • Keep an eye out for Hamilton's new HSR bus wrap designed by local artist Stylo Starr honouring community leader Queen Cee. In addition to the bus's bold visual exterior, riders will find messages inside the bus sharing Queen Cee's story and community impact.

Hamilton Musical Artists

  • Hamilton's own Buddah Abusah is a talented music creative with incredibly infectious energy, blending hip-hop and Lo-Fi beats to forge a uniquely local sound. Known for his electric live shows and feel-good messages of peace, love, and equality, Buddah is a dynamic force you don't want to miss!
  • Whitness, a true gem in Hamilton's music community, captivates audiences with her heartfelt R&B sound and authentic spirit. Her honest lyrics and warm presence invite everyone to connect, dance, and feel right at home in her world.
  • Legendary Juno-winning artist Harrison Kennedy rose to fame as a member of Chairmen of the Board, collaborated on Marvin Gaye's iconic "What's Going On," and later established himself as a celebrated blues singer and guitarist after a successful solo comeback.
  • 2025 Order of Hamilton winner Luckystickz is one of Hamilton's most dynamic steelpan musical artists, blending his Jamaican and Trinidadian heritage with an exhilarating fusion of Soca, Dancehall, R&B, and Gospel. With international acclaim and a community-oriented vision, this Berklee-trained virtuoso exemplifies the beauty of the city's music scene with his genuine artistry.

Festivals and Events

Hamilton is where it's at for annual festivals and events! Get ready for awesome music, tasty food, cool art, and vibrant culture, all coming together. Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss these must-do experiences:

  • Fresh Up Festival brings Hamilton fans some of the freshest R&B, hip-hop, soul, and roots acts year-round at venues across the city.
  • The John C Holland Awards celebrate Black excellence in the Hamilton community and have become a cornerstone of Black History Month.
  • The Gala du mois de l'histoire des Noir.es presented by Centre de Santé Communautaire and Centre Francophone Hamilton, celebrates their 13th annual Black History Month event, bringing the black French Hamilton community together for an unforgettable night.
  • In February, Buzz Worthy Podcast will feature four local Black business entrepreneurs. Learn about their success, their challenges, and what's possible right in our own backyard in Hamilton, Ontario.
  • Unnoticed Histories of Black Communities is a virtual interactive public lecture series led by Kojo Damptey, exploring the contributions, struggles, and imaginations of Hamilton Black history, present, and future.
  • Every August 1, Emancipation Day honours the abolition of slavery and the legacy of Hamilton's Enerals Griffin at Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum with Griffin House National Historic Site. Celebrate with food vendors, live music, history presentations, games, and a feature exhibit highlighting Hamilton's City of Music.
  • Follow BLK OWNED on Instagram to stay up to date on their latest news, events, and programs.
  • Visit the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Public Library for more Black History events.

About BLK OWNED

BLKOwned - Garden party 2026BLK OWNED is a community-based organization committed to empowering Black businesses and entrepreneurs through advocacy, programming and opportunities that will accelerate and sustain their businesses. Follow them on Instagram and visit their website www.blkowned.ca. If you are a Black-Owned business, connect with them for support, to collaborate, or to be featured.