June is quite busy this year, not just in Hamilton, but the whole of North America. From studs, to boots and balls, make sure you’re double-checking the context of your friends terminology, because you might find you’re getting your glam on for the pride parade, while they’re suiting up for the soccer game, or vice versa!
That’s right, June is Pride Month, and it’s also the start of the men’s FIFA World Cup taking place in Canada (and there might be a game or two in Mexico and the United States)! While Hamilton isn’t a host city, that honour has to go to our Greater Hamilton Area cousins up the road, there will still be plenty of festivities Downtown, for the queers and the… Qatari Men’s Football Team? No matter what brings you downtown, Pride, or the World Cup, there will be something on for you!
The World Cup
Want to get behind the soccer hype that has crashed over Canada this year? We completely understand. The World Cup is an exciting event and we have a few downtown busineses that can help you get your cheer on! Whether you’re looking to watch some games, get a bite to eat, go to a soccer game or get some merch, we’ve got a few different ways you can celebrate the great game coming to Canadian shores!
The Downtown Hamilton BIA has installed a really cool soccer heart in Gore Park for the duration of the World Cup. Keep an eye out on our social media to see how you can make the most of it
Biggs Ribs
Biggs Ribs will be showing the soccer all summer long! The biggest tournament on the calendar will certainly bring triumph and disappointment to many fans all around the city. So whether it’s a celebration meal, or eating the pain away, Biggs Ribs will have delicious ribs and wings to complement your tournament viewing. Located at 56 James Street North, the location will be decorated for the event and there will be special soccer specific meal deals for your enjoyment!
🌐 https://biggsribs.ca/
📍 56 James Street N.
Amici
Want to get amongst the festivities but don’t want to support a specific team? We get it, whether you’ve got Italian roots, or you’re just a fan of the game, Amici have you covered with their Amici Cup jersey! For the People’s champ, this stlylish jersey perfectly captures soccer culture, without you having to worry about being roasted by your mates because your team got knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina! If you’ve already got your country’s jersey, there is plenty of other great garments on their website you can pair together to create a great football fit.
🌐 https://amicibrand.com/
📍 17 John Street N.
Forge FC
Forge FC is Hamilton’s local soccer team and they’re getting behind the boys in Team Canada and the rest of the tournament! While not technically in our BIA, we’ve been working closely alongside Forge FC to bring some great experiences to you! Keep a close eye on our social media for more details.
Forge FC’s June fixtures: (Tickets)
AWAY – Inter Toronto V Forge FC – Sunday 7th June, 2.00pm
HOME – Forge FC v Halifax Wanderers – Wednesday 10th June, 7.00pm
🌐 https://www.cplsoccer.com/forgefc
📍 64 Melrose Ave N.
Pride Downtown
Pride and Downtown Hamilton go hand-in-hand. Our great community has been celebrating pride since 1991 and this year is no different! Alongside all the great official festivities, several of our businesses and community organisations are getting behind the celebrations. Read on to see what is happening in downtown this month!
Mystic Ramen
Death, Taxes, and Mystic Ramen’s drag brunches! Honestly, if they didn’t do one during Pride Month, we would be so surprised! The ever-successful King William event is back for another round on June 14th, with a slot at 11.00am and 1.00pm! We highly reccommend getting in quick on the tickets as these events often sell out. With the patio opening for the summer season, this is the perfect time to come on down! They are also running a collaborative Reloved, Ramen & Rosé event with Reloved Boutique on June 24th, more details on the Mystic Ramen website.
🌐 https://www.mysticramen.ca/
📍 51 King William Street
Queer Coffee Hamilton @ Relay Coffee
Queer Coffee Hamilton are doing their monthly meet up at Relay Coffee on June the 18th from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. This event runs every month but is always big during Pride Month! Whether you’ve heard of the Thirdsgay (third Thursday) events, are an active participant, or a newcomer, come on down and meet and connect with some of Hamilton’s queer community. The group is inclusive and sees both locals and people from all over the world joining. One of the best parts? It happens right here in Downtown Hamilton at Relay Coffee. Recently known as Strawberry in Heated Rivalry!
🌐 https://www.relaycoffee.com/
📍 27 King William Street
The Mule
The Mule are running a donation drive for the whole month of June with $1 donated to a local 2SLGBTQIA+ organization (Downtown Hamilton’s is Positive Health Network), for every Cod Taco or Slushie Margarita purchased.
In addition to the promotion, there is a new menu at the Mule! So if you’re looking to try something new, Downtown Hamilton’s favourite taco bar has got something for you.
🌐 https://www.themule.ca/
📍 41 King William Street
St. Joseph’s Youth Wellness Center
St. Joseph’s Youth Wellness Center is constantly running events throughout the year for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, but with Pride Month on they’ve got even more in their programming! In the build up to their Pride Prom at the Hamilton Art Gallery on Tuesday the 23rd of June, they have a Pride Prom Clothing Swap on Tuesday the the 9th from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, a Makeup & Skincare Popup from 4.00pm to 5.00pm. This is all additional to their usual events, such as the Bloom drop in peer support group meeting on Wednesday the 3rd and 17th of June, and SAGE, support around gender experience meeting on Wednesday the 10th and 24th of June.
🌐 https://www.stjoes.ca/youthwellnesscentre
📍 38 James Street S.
For requests to feature in our next blog post, please email Joseph at joseph@downtownhamilton.org