Hamilton Day Turns Five. It’s Bolder and More Local Than Ever

When Hamilton Day returns on November 1st and 2nd, it will mark more than a weekend of deals and events; it’s a celebration with roots as deep as the city itself.

“It actually started back in 1931, in the middle of the Great Depression,” explains Katie Stiel, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “People were struggling and looking for ways to regain economic stability. The city declared a Hamilton Day and encouraged everyone to go out, spend a dollar, and support their neighbour because all the money spent locally stays locally.”

That one-day experiment worked. It brought people together, gave small businesses a boost, and left a mark.

Ninety years later, during another period of economic uncertainty, the pandemic, the Chamber came across the original Hamilton Spectator article and decided to bring it back.

“We thought it would be a one-time, shop-local initiative,” says Katie. “But the community response was so overwhelmingly positive that it became an annual celebration.”

From One Day to a Citywide Celebration

Now in its fifth year since revival, Hamilton Day has grown from a grassroots “shop local” experiment into a full multi-day festival that spans the city, from Waterdown to Stoney Creek, including all 12 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) participating.

“It’s a combination of shop, experience, and explore,” Katie explains. “You can shop hundreds of promotions from over a thousand businesses, experience concerts and markets, and explore tours, art book fairs, and more. There are so many ways to support local, from retail and hospitality to the arts.”

The turning point came in year three, when tourism investment allowed organizers to expand beyond a single day. “That’s when we saw the shift,” Katie recalls. “Suddenly, it wasn’t just Hamiltonians; people were coming from outside the city. We introduced the kickoff concert, pop-up performances, and empowered local talent. It became a citywide celebration.”

The Hamilton Day Hub

A new addition this year is the Hamilton Day Hub at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market, chosen for its central location and community energy.

“Last year, the market saw attendance jump over 200% during Hamilton Day weekend, its biggest turnout since before the pandemic,” says Katie. “So this year, we’re making it the first stop.”

The hub will run Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature vendor booths, kids’ crafts, mascot visits, and a BIPOC market in collaboration with Black-Owned Hamilton. “It’s a hub of activation,” Katie says. “A perfect starting point before heading into other neighbourhoods.”

Something for Everyone

This year brings a range of new events, including a women-led pop-up market at Ferguson Station in partnership with YWCA Hamilton and the International Village BIA, and the Journey to the Junos: Battle of the Bands, presented with Sonic Unyon.

Beyond the marquee events, Hamilton Day’s magic lies in its flexibility. Businesses participate however they choose, no fixed rules, no mandatory discounts. Some offer special menu items like Hamilton Day cupcakes or sandwiches, others host pop-ups or giveaways, and some simply open their doors and say, ‘Come see what we’re about.’

“That’s the most special thing,” explains Katie. “We’ve left it open so businesses can engage in a way that fits their capacity. The creativity across the board never ceases to amaze us.”

For First-Time Visitors

If this is your first Hamilton Day, Katie suggests starting at the Farmers’ Market Hub, grabbing a coffee or bite to eat, and then exploring other neighbourhoods. “You can hop on the HSR or walk to nearby areas like Hess Village or the International Village,” she says. “Ottawa Street has performers and a petting zoo, Concession Street is doing Friday Halloween activities, there’s something happening in every pocket of the city.”

Her advice: try something new. “Visit that shop or café you’ve been curious about. Dive into a new neighbourhood. Show some love to the people in our community.”

Challenges and Lessons

With success comes growing pains. “The challenge is not to expand too much,” admits Katie. “Last year, we had so many activations and experiences that it became overwhelming even for us! We’re learning to balance variety with focus.”

Still, the team’s adaptability pays off. When a concert venue was cancelled due to renovations, organizers pivoted to the Battle of the Bands concept. “It turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Katie laughs. “It opened a new way to spotlight Hamilton’s talent while connecting to the Junos.”

The Spirit of Local Pride

Looking ahead, Katie and the Chamber see Hamilton Day continuing to grow, but staying true to its local and community-first roots. “We’re making a conscious effort to highlight local favourites, asking people to share where they grab coffee, where they shop, where they eat,” she says. “It’s about showcasing local businesses, talent and our BIAs and helping people fall in love with Hamilton again and again.”

“The goal is to keep igniting that local pride.”

Her final word is one that Hamiltonians will appreciate: “FOMO - Fear of Missing Out! People are going to be out and about, don’t miss it. Some experiences only happen this weekend, and you’ll want to be part of it.”

Hamilton Day 2024

November 1st and 2nd
Across Hamilton and its 12 BIAs
More info: hamiltonday.ca *

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