Staircase Cafe Theatre

This unique building that combines Hamilton’s historical architecture with Hamilton’s love of local arts began as the city’s first electrical facility in 1914. Taken over in 1997 as The Staircase Cafe & Theatre, it made its name as Hamilton’s main arts incubator, hosting more than 4,000 events. All manner of film, play, stand up, improv, art, music, dance, poetry, craft, food, and party has had it

s inception at the cultural epicenter of Dundurn Street North. Very, very briefly. Resurrected in 2021 and now known as The People Under the Staircase, the new ownership strives to preserve the iconic building and grow the community through food, games, music, theatre, and all manner of alternative arts. The new owner and staff are committed to giving a platform to performers and creators as well as being a fully accessible safe space. The People Under the Staircase houses two large event rooms, a black box theatre used for both live theatre and movie screenings, a large full service restaurant specializing in vegan pub food and craft beer, and 3 separate screens and stages. We have free onsite parking, a wheelchair accessible ramp, free wifi, and a VHS feature wall that we dare you to not take a picture in front of.