Out Dancing Hamilton

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If you're in Hamilton, Ontario, and want to go out dancing (solo or partner dancing), here are the upcoming dance events that I know about! Added as soon as I hear about them. Details about this site, including which events qualify and how to get your own event added.

There's also an Instagram account @outdancinghamilton – follow for a post about each new event, a Story each day that there's anything happening, and every Monday a post and a Story listing the week's events.


WEEK OF AUGUST 25-31 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Indie Sleaze with GENEVA
Andthenyou, 145 Main St E
Friday, August 29
10PM-2AM
Step into the chaos and glamour of the late-2000s bloghaus era – where gritty dance floors, flash photography, and unapologetic style ruled the night. This night, we're reviving the soundtrack of an era that blurred the lines between dive bars and fashion week afterparties. Expect the raw energy of The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Justice, and the deep cuts that defined a generation of indie icons. Think leather jackets, smudged eyeliner, messy hair, and a camera roll full of flash-lit memories. Whether you were there the first time or you're discovering the aesthetic for the first time, this is your chance to live it loud, fast, and a little bit unhinged. Sounds by Geneva. Genres: indie sleaze, remixes, electro, dance. 19+. $5 until 10:30; $10 until 11:30; $15 after 11:30. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Lose Yourself Fridays
Club Absinthe, 32 Hess St South
Friday, August 29
10PM-2AM
We're running it back with our biweekly Friday party: Lose Yourself Fridays – serving up the greatest Y2K throwbacks all night long. Sounds by DJ Todd G + Jooce. Come experience the hottest dance party in town. Let's go! 19+. $5 (ladies free before 11). DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Urban Cowboy Line Dancing
Collective Arts Brewing, 207 Burlington St E (left side of building)
Saturday, August 30
7PM-11PM
Join us on the patio at Collective Arts! Come join in on the fun and dance the night away, with full bar and food available to order. No cover, and free line-dancing lessons every 30 minutes. Lessons will be beginner-based with open line dancing on the breaks; drop-ins welcome. Accompanied teens and kids are allowed; we just ask that everyone is responsible and respectful of the other dancers. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s Vintage Dance Party
Ringside (behind Architect Hair Design), 324 James St N
Saturday, August 30
7:30PM-midnight
LET'S GET FERAL ON THAT DANCE FLOOR! Get ready for a KILLER SHOW with some of Hamilton's finest musicians! We'll be celebrating 4 iconic eras: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s through music, fashion and DANCE. (Oh by God, there will be dancing!). A night, undoubtedly, to be remembered for decades to come! A chance to go all out! The 5-piece live band (complete with saxophone) will be slaying your favourite hits all night long. A complimentary mini dance lesson at the beginning of the night will set us all off on the right foot (well, you know what I mean!). The snack, punch, & pizza table will be ready for ya once you work up those appetites! The vintage seating lounge on the patio will be vibin', inviting you to take a little load off. Life's all about balance, man. Spiked punch at the bar! Special prizes all night! Photo set up (OBVIOUSLY)! Yearbook for signing! and more! Last year was amazing! We are so excited to do it one more time – and even BETTER!! 19+; formal "prom" attire. Tickets $45+tax=$50.85 here; no tickets at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Swing at the Pier
Steel City Swing Dance on the Pier 8 skating rink, 47 Discovery Drive
Sunday, August 31
6:30-9PM
Don't miss these wonderful summer nights dancing to the setting sun with only the best vintage jazz tunes playing. We're dancing EVERY Sunday in July and August, weather permitting. Beginner Lindy Hop Lesson 6:30 PM; Social Dance 7 PM to 9 PM. Absolutely no experience, nor a partner, is required! Bring a friend or come on your own and come find out why swing dancing is the dance of happy feet! Free (donations appreciated). DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Salsa Bachata Sundays
Studio-G Latin Dance Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Sunday, August 31
7:30PM-11PM
DJ YESII in the House this LONG WEEKEND Sunday! Let's party like it is Saturday night! 8pm SALSA lesson (optional), then Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue with DJ YESII. Come dance with us. $20 with lesson or $15 without. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1-7 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, September 5
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Risky Business 80s Night
The Corktown (ground-floor stage), 175 Young St
Saturday, September 6
9PM-1AM
DJs MARK & DMurk host the best 80s party in the city. As always, DJ DMurk gets the party started at 9:00pm and then DJ MARK takes over the vinyl reins at 11:00pm until close. 19+. Advance tickets TBA , or $10 at the door.


DJ, Drop the Beat
Studio L14, 627 Main St E (rear of building)
Saturday, September 6
10PM-5AM
After taking our regular summer hiatus, we are ready to get back to dropping those dirty beats until the early morning hours inside Studio L14! Come join us on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10pm to 5am, to celebrate the kick off of our Fall 2025 DJ event lineup. This event, much like all of our events, features very talented local DJs from the GTHA that are passionate about what they do, and are 100% ready to lay down some killer sets for you to dance to all night long! It is important to us at Studio L14 to support our local DJs on their journey. Those who are passionate about the craft, who love what they do, and enjoy bringing a positive vibe to the dance floor. We truly appreciate all the love and support Studio L14 continues to receive after almost 8 years of running, and we are excited to continue to host some proper events for you all over this next season! Be sure to come out, say hi, and we will see you on the dance floor! DJ, DROP THE BEAT - The Fall 2025 Studio L14 Reopening Jam! House, Tech-House, and Techno, with Bootsy Adams 10pm-11pm, Trevor Wilkes 11pm-12am, Sio 12am-1am, Kevin Kartwell 1am-2am, Mike Conradi 2am-3am, and Osito 3am-5am. No alcohol served or permitted at venue. $15 (cash only). DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Salsa Bachata Sundays
Studio-G Latin Dance Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Sunday, September 7
7:30PM-11PM
Latin dancing with DJ: salsa, bachata. Occasional warm-up lesson. $10 at the door.


WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8-14 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Social Swing Dance
Steel City Swing Dance at Melrose United Church, 86 Homewood Ave.
Thursday, September 11
6:30-8:45PM
Come get bit by the swing bug at our Thursday Socials! We offer a beginner lesson to get you in the swing of things before we let you loose on the dance floor! Our DJ will have you jumpin' all night long! Beginner lesson 6:30-7, dancing 7-8:45. No partner required! We recommend wearing comfortable indoor footwear such as sneakers, and bring lots of water. $10. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Mrs. Magoo
Lotus Room, 69 John St South
Friday, September 12
10PM-2AM
Beyond the Pond with Mrs. Magoo from Scotland. What's Beyond the Pond you ask? The JUUUNNGGLLEEEE! AYE! The lass has returned to Canada and embarked on a wee tour. Hamilton Junglists, let's host with the most as we do and welcome Mrs. MAGOO! 19+. Tickets $33.28 (incl. $3.28 fee) at Eventbrite. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Disco Pop Electro
Selo Cafe + Wine Bar, 13 Hess St S
Saturday, September 13
3PM-6PM
"DISCO POP ELECTRO" returns with an Afternoon Patio Dance Party with DJ Donna Lovejoy. Good wine, cold drinks & snacks. Coffeeshop vibes with a wild side. All-ages; guests under-12 in free. **This event is weather dependent, refunds provided due to inclement weather** Tickets $15+fee=$17.31 at Eventbrite. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Wax Poetic: Only House, Only Vinyl
Andthenyou, 145 Main St E
Supercrawl Saturday, September 13
10PM-2AM
Wax Poetic is back for the seventh time! From humble beginnings within the warmth of 486 Barton, we're now back at it again for the third time at Andthenyou. To everyone who came out last time—and there were a lot of you—thank you. It was an incredible experience. You made the party, you brought the energy, and you kept the dance floor going all night. Once again, we're bringing you nothing but house, all night, only vinyl, strictly rhythm. Tickets are available only at the door for this Supercrawl Saturday. If it's anything like last time, it's going to get busy—get there before 12 o'clock for $10 tickets. House all night long with my brother in wax, Choonraider, and myself, DJ Decchio. 19+. $10 before midnight and $15 after. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Salsa Bachata Sundays
Studio-G Latin Dance Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Sunday, September 14
7:30PM-11PM
Latin dancing with DJ: salsa, bachata. Occasional warm-up lesson. $10 at the door.


WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15-21 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, September 19
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


DECADES video dance party
Decades Dance Party at Doors Pub (upstairs), 56 Hess St S
Friday, September 19
10PM-1AM
The next Decades Dance Party, by Dr. Abstract in collaboration with Dsptch. Dance to projected music videos from the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and naughts! Genres: Psychedelic, Mod, Punk, Disco, Goth, New Wave, Britpop, Indi, Alternative, Electronica, Rave. $10.


Kiki
Kiki Party Hamilton at Ringside (behind Architect Hair Design), 324 James St N
Friday, September 19
10PM-late
Kiki is more than just a queer-oriented dance party; it's a monthly celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, a safe and accessible space where everyone under the rainbow umbrella is invited to come as they are, embrace their authenticity, and have an unforgettable time. Hosted by Daniel and Noel: Daniel, known as "The Bear Dan", a longtime promoter in Hamilton and a passionate advocate for the vibrant gay community, and Noel the fabulous Noella DeVille, the one and only Miss Hamilton Pride Forever™, a beloved drag queen who lights up every room she enters. This time we have DJ DJ Zippertits hitting the decks, and drag shows by Chimaera and King Indee. Note: This is a queer-oriented event but everyone is welcome except for bigots. $15 at the door, cash only (no ATM on site though there's a BMO ATM nearby). For additional information see the organizer's posts on Instagram. (OutDancingHamilton lists dance-focused events; please note that in addition to dancing this event also includes other elements that may or may not interest you.) DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


A Side B Side
Handsome Dave's, 61 Young St
Saturday, September 20
10PM-1AM
A SIDE B SIDE is an in-person dance party with the duo of Dave (Risky Business) & Amy on the decks. A dual of danceable hits & the deep deep cuts. Small dance floor for a cozy neighbourhood experience. No cover. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM; EARLIER EVENT BUT SAME THING)


WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22-28 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Social Swing Dance
Steel City Swing Dance at Melrose United Church, 86 Homewood Ave.
Thursday, September 25
6:30-8:45PM
Come get bit by the swing bug at our Thursday Socials! We offer a beginner lesson to get you in the swing of things before we let you loose on the dance floor! Our DJ will have you jumpin' all night long! Beginner lesson 6:30-7, dancing 7-8:45. No partner required! We recommend wearing comfortable indoor footwear such as sneakers, and bring lots of water. $10. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Fascination Dark DJ Night
Andthenyou, 145 Main St E
Thursday, September 25
10PM-late
Hosted by Honey Boiler, experience the best Queer-Run Inclusive Goth night in Hamilton. Dress in your darkest leather and dance like no one is watching. Plus drag show. Genres: INDUSTRIAL, GOTH, POST-PUNK, DARKWAVE, DARK 80s, TECHNO, DRAG SHOW. 19+. Ticket info TBA. (OutDancingHamilton lists dance-focused events; please note that in addition to dancing this event also includes other elements that may or may not interest you.)


Saturday Social salsa bachata kizomba
Studio-G Latin Dance Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Saturday, September 27
7:30PM-1AM
In our main dance hall, a full club lesson (optional) then Latin dancing with DJ: Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue. When possible, also Kizomba and chill zone in our 3rd floor OG lounge. $20 with lesson or $15 without.


Outer Limits: 60s+70s+80s at 45rpm
Jason The 45 Selector at Ooey Gooey's, 107 George St
Saturday, September 27
9:30PM-2AM
Join me, Jason The 45 Selector (Ram Jam, Right On!) as I play 60s-80s exclusively on 45 rpm vinyl, a perfectly curated selection ranging from 60s/70s soul, funk, reggae, rock, glam, punk, surf, garage, and everything in between! The crowd decides the soundtrack as I NEVER play pre-selected sets. We go with the flow and it's a different gig every time! Cheap Beers! Great Food! Fantastic Music! Amazing Atmosphere! $10.


WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, October 3
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Rave Against the Machine
Location TBA
Saturday, October 4
8PM-2AM
Don't Get Caught in Line. An independent rave production by Andthenyou and Dropspot. Tickets at Eventbrite (early bird $11.98, then $17.31, then $22.63).


WEEK OF OCTOBER 6-12 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)


WEEK OF OCTOBER 13-19 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, October 17
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


WEEK OF OCTOBER 20-26 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

2010s w/ Tdesu
Andthenyou, 145 Main St E
Thursday, October 23
10PM-2AM
We welcome back the very talented TDESU (TO) to our underground party lair, who is ready to make our bodies and hips shake & groove to his unique smooth blends and twists. Come as you are, have delicious drinks and enjoy the vibes! More details will be added here once available. 19+. Cover TBA.


Kingdom Fridays 30th Anniversary
Club Absinthe, 32 Hess St South
Friday, October 24
9PM-3AM
Celebrating 30yrs of Friday nights that kicked off the weekend! 90s & 2000s Alternative Bangers with live-to-air DJs Dwight Hybrid and Paul Dhingra, and special guest DJ TJ (Kingdom Amazon Room) from 9pm to 10:30pm. Throwing it back to the fave Friday Alternative Club Night that shook the golden horseshoe ground one more time. Every Friday night we were Live-To-Air on 102.1 The Edge with our good friend, and yours, MC Martin Streek and DJs Paul Dhingra and Dwight Hybrid from the legendary NRG/Kingdom Club at the corner of Brant & Plains roads. "Get down here and hang with us!" We'll be celebrating the Martin, music, friends, and memories one more time at Club Absinthe in Hamilton. Making a significant donation to CAMH in Martin's name from each ticket sold. See you all Friday, October 24th at 9pm! Special thank you to the Marotta family for the trust and blessing to stage and host this night. 19+. Tickets at kingdom30.eventbrite.ca ($17.55 until sold out then $20), or cash at the door $25. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


WEEK OF OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 2 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)


WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3-9 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, November 7
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10-16 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)


WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17-23 (MONDAY-SUNDAY)

Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, November 21
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


FUTURE


Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, December 5
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Line Dance Fridays
Studio-G Hamilton, 126 James St N, Second Floor
Friday, December 19
7PM-9PM
Line dancing on the first and third Fridays of each month, including lessons with Jennifer. New and experienced dancers are all welcome! Lessons progress from Beginner to Improver/Intermediate, and Jen will always build on what we have learned last time. Make friends, learn a skill, and find out that exercise can be fun! $15 at the door. DETAILS (INSTAGRAM)


Past events