Hamilton 
Hamilton’s biggest arts festival is back.
Supercrawl
From September 12 to 14, James Street North will be turned into a pedestrian-only celebration of music, art, fashion, theatre, and family fun. Presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment initiative, this free annual festival has won multiple Ontario Tourism Awards and is one of the city’s largest cultural events.
Big Names on Stage
This year’s headliners include indie favourites Born Ruffians, singer-songwriter Basia Bulat, post-rock collective Godspeed You! Black Emperor, blues guitarist Steve Strongman, rapper TOBi, and folk artist Donovan Woods.
They’ll be joined by more than 70 other acts across the weekend, from Neon Dreams and Foxwarren to the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Hamilton Children’s Choir. Saturday night also features an afterparty with The Wild High at Bridgeworks.
Supercrawl
Art, Fashion, and Performance
Supercrawl isn’t just about music. Visual art installations will line the streets, with contributions from artists like Douglas Tewksbury and Tom Wilson Tehohàhake, as well as collectives such as Clear Eyes Collective.
Fashion lovers can expect runway-style showcases from designers including True Hamiltonian, Cosmic Couture, and Mooncraft Market. Dance groups, theatre performers, and even pro wrestlers are also on the schedule, alongside spoken word and author talks with writers like Gary Barwin, Amanda Leduc, and John Terpstra.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Family Zone is back with activities run by the Hamilton Public Library, Bruce Trail Conservancy, and Hamilton Fire Department. Kids and parents can also look forward to the return of the chess exhibitions that drew crowds last year.
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Kids can meet animals from Reptilia, try out parkour with Play Project, or join arts and reading programs hosted by groups like the Hamilton Public Library and Telling Tales Festival. Sports fans can connect with the Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club and Toronto Rock Lacrosse, while the Hamilton Fire Department and Navy League of Canada will be on hand with interactive displays.
Special Side Event
In addition to the main festival, Supercrawl is teaming up with the Polaris Music Prize for a special concert on September 12 at Mills Hardware. The show features Sister Ray (Ella Coyes) and Eliza Niemi, both Polaris nominees, with tickets priced at $20 plus fees. A one-night-only Polaris poster exhibition will also be on display.
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Food and Craft Vendors
Beyond the stage, the festival will host dozens of food trucks serving a wide mix of cuisines. These vendors will offer everything from global street food to local Hamilton staples. Alongside them, scores of craft vendors will display handmade goods, fashion, jewelry, and artwork, turning James Street into an outdoor marketplace.
This is the perfect event to head to if you’re looking for a fun time with your friends, or if you’re looking for a fun date idea that you and your significant other will never forget. Best of all, admission is free.
Trip Planning – Supercrawl 2025
When: September 12 to 14, 2025
Friday | 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: James Street North, Hamilton
Road Closures
To make room for the festival, James Street North will close to traffic starting early Thursday, September 11. Closures will stretch from King Street up to Strachan, with several side streets also affected. Roads are set to reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, September 15.
Attending Supercrawl, Hamilton’s free music and arts festival, was a blast! The vibrant atmosphere, live performances, and captivating art installations created an unforgettable experience. It’s a must-visit event for music and art lovers looking to immerse themselves in the creative energy of Hamilton.