July 2, 2025
This summer, the core has come alive with events that bring people together in all the best ways. From creative community moments to laid-back evenings with good music and good company, we’re only just getting started.
June opened with Park Crawl, a downtown series we’re proud to host, followed by our participation in Open Streets Hamilton. And with more on the way throughout July and August, there’s plenty to stick around for.
But first, here’s how we kicked things off…
Park Crawl: Colouring, Music, and a Movie Night to Remember
Our first Park Crawl of the season (and ever!) took over John Rebecca and Gore Park on a Friday evening that felt like a little celebration of the beginning of summer.
At John Rebecca Park, we had face painting and balloon twisting from Alan Q Magic, where even the adults couldn’t help but join the line. A Mickey Mouse balloon shaped with that kind of precision? Pretty unforgettable. Story Pop also joined us, bringing their collaborative colouring storybook, inspired by the poem The Wind Whispers, described as “a tale of ephemeral beauty, collective care, and the quiet park of noticing.” It was a chance to slow down and contribute to something thoughtful and shared. Big thanks to the volunteers from ArcelorMittal Dofasco who helped make it all run smoothly.
Over in Gore Park, live sets from Further the Lion and Jack Sith kept the music going as people danced, relaxed, and filled the space with good energy, through to the evening’s finale: an outdoor screening of School of Rock under the night sky.
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the first Park Crawl a night to remember. We’ll be back at both parks on July 11 with another evening of fun. In Gore Park, we’ll have exciting events, including a screening of Jumanji. Life-sized games are returning, and at John Rebecca Park, Story Pop will be back with their giant collaborative colouring book. We’re also adding something new for the kids- an instrument petting zoo where they can explore and try out different instruments. Then we’ll be back once more on August 8 with more surprises to keep you moving.
Bring a friend, bring your curiosity, and come see what’s happening in the park.
Open Streets: A Car-Free Day Full of Connection
Just one week after Park Crawl, we kept the momentum going by taking part in Open Streets Hamilton, where King Street East was closed to cars and opened up to people.
From John to Gage, the street filled with movement and music. Families strolled, kids zoomed by on bikes and scooters, and curious passersby stopped to check out what was happening along the way.
The BIA hosted Lawn Games Lane at the John Street Hub, with oversized Connect 4, Jenga, checkers, and ladder toss drawing in a mix of competitive energy and laid-back fun.
Just steps away, Mills Hardware kept the crowd in good spirits with a lineup of live music throughout the afternoon. Sets from Ben Schillaci, Bernadette Connors, and Fern Sully brought a steady rhythm to the day and gave people a reason to pause or dance in the street.
And for the dog lovers, The Dapper Dog Den had things covered with free nail trims, plenty of treats, and some very content pups lounging in the shade.
Open Streets is all about reimagining how we use our public space, giving it back to the community, even just for a day. We’re grateful to have been part of it and loved seeing so many familiar faces out exploring the area. If you missed it, don’t worry, the next one is already on the calendar: September 28, 2025.
Mark it down. You’ll want to be there.
What’s Coming Up: Summer Events in the Core
If the last few weeks are any indication, downtown’s summer calendar is only heating up from here. From pop-up performances to community art projects and dance battles under the stars, there’s plenty on deck to keep you coming back. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Fringe on the Streets – July 16 to 27
As part of the Hamilton Fringe Festival, this free outdoor performance series turns downtown into a roaming theatre. Expect a one-hour guided experience that starts on King William and travels to nearby public spaces.
The lineup is still to be announced, but if past years are any indication, it’ll be worth showing up for.
More info: https://hamiltonfringe.ca
Common Threads by Open Heart Arts – July 19, August 15 & September 6
Hosted by Open Heart Arts Theatre, Common Threads invites you into an open afternoon of creativity and connection in John Rebecca Park from 1 to 5 pm; July 19, August 15 & September 6.
Think large-scale cross-stitching projects, pop-up performances, and laid-back artmaking where everyone’s welcome, no experience needed. It’s all free and all ages. Musical guests will be announced soon, but this is the kind of event you can drop into and stay as long as you like.
More info here: Open Heart Arts Theatre Instagram
73 ‘Til Infinity – August 20 and 22
Back for its third year, this event is part dance showcase, part community block party. Curated by Defining Movement Dance, 73 ‘Til Infinity brings together a mix of choreographed and freestyle street dance, hip-hop emcees, DJs, and live music.
You’ll find it at King William Street on Aug 20 and 22. Each event runs from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, followed by a DJ-led dance hour open to all. Expect cyphers, live performance, and vendors curated with BLK Owned HAMONT.
See a glimpse from last year: Instagram
King William Programming – All Summer Long
The City of Hamilton is keeping the momentum going with a few more open-air projects:
Acoustic Music Series – Tuesdays at noon July 22 to Sept 9, and Thursdays at 6 pm, running from late July 31 to Sept 4.
Musicians can apply here until July 4th
Saturday Pop-Up Markets – Local artists and makers will host one-day markets every Saturday from August 2 through September 6
Interested in hosting a market? Apply here until July 4th
HPO Downtown Summer Concert Series
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing live classical music to King William Street this summer as part of the city’s seasonal programming. Small ensembles will perform outdoors in select spots along the street, offering a mix of familiar pieces and unexpected moments.
Performances are free and open to the public. As you walk, shop or grab a drink on a patio, you may find yourself surrounded by the sound of strings or brass, right in the heart of downtown.
Details on dates and times will be posted at hpo.org once confirmed.
Public Space Surveys – Coming Soon
The City will also be running surveys at King William (and other spots around the city) to learn more about how these public spaces are being used. This work will help inform future placemaking projects, and results will be shared with the community.
Downtown Hamilton is full of energy this summer. These events are a chance to connect, try something different, or just enjoy being out in the city. Drop by for a bit or stay for the whole thing. There’s always something happening, and everyone’s welcome. For updates and event highlights, follow us on Instagram.
If you’re a Downtown Hamilton BIA member business and would like to be featured in a blog post, please email Melanie at melanie@downtownhamilton.org.