Here comes the Summer Again!
7 Fun FREE things to do in Hamilton this Summer
1. Waterfalls
Do go chasing waterfalls! It has been said (on the waterfall website) that if the Escarpment is the crown of Hamilton, then its waterfalls are the sparkling jewels in crown. More than 100 waterfalls have been identified within the City of Hamilton. It is no surprise that we have earned the title “The City of Waterfalls.”
Get out there this summer and see why – make it your summer goal find as many waterfalls as you can, with the help of the website to guide you: waterfalls.hamilton.ca
2. Roller-skating at the Pier
Do you remember roller-skating craze that accompanied the disco boom of the late 1970’s? Yes, it is true…. roller-skating is back and we have it right here in Hamilton. And it is outdoors! Summertime roller-skating is available for free at Pier 8 Outdoor Recreational Skating Rink (47 Discovery Drive). There are even DJ’s spinning tunes. For those of you who do not have skates, you can rent them, as well as helmets. For hours of operation of the skate rental concession, go to: hamiltonwaterfront.com
3. Gore Park Summer Promenade
Gore Park is one of our City’s gems, with its central location in the heart of the City and the gorgeous fountain and green space. The Gore Park Summer Promenade runs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. During the Promenade, Gore Park comes alive with food trucks, vendors, life size games and live entertainment. There will be many vendors, artists and artisans in the park during the Promenade. The event is free, so bring your lunch from home, or grab something from a local restaurant or from a food truck in the park, and enjoy the live entertainment, and the historic and beautiful outdoor space.
4. Music on the Waterfront
Free concerts! And not just one – but many! Yes, you read that right. From July 3, 2015 to August 28, 2015 there will be a free concert every Thursday evening on the Waterfront Stage at Pier 8, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm (weather permitting). Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair. You will enjoy the music while taking in the sights and sounds of the waterfront on a summer evening – what could be better?
For a list of free Thursday night concerts, please go to: hamiltonwaterfront.com
5. Farmers’ Markets
The farmers’ markets in Hamilton are booming! Find one and see why. Hamilton is home to top-quality freshly grown products. There are a number of farmers’ markets around the City to choose from where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other seasonal delights. I am sure that there is one near you: Downtown Hamilton, Ancaster Town Centre, McMaster University, Dundas, West Mountain, Binbrook, Waterdown, Hamilton Mountain, Locke Street, and Ottawa Street.
To find out which days and times that the various markets are open, please go to: tourismhamilton.com
6. FrancoFest
J’ai besoin de pratiquer mon français! You may be asking what that means. It is French for “I need to practice my French!” If you want to practice yours, I have the perfect opportunity for you. On July 04, 2015 to July 05, 2015, you can discover Hamilton’s francophone cultural vibe where artists and community unite. This event takes place at the beautiful Gage Park, and there is free admission.
For more information, please go to: centrefrancais.ca
7. Supercrawl
The very popular Supercrawl will take place from September 11, 2015 to September 13, 2015 in the James Street North Arts District. This annual festival is getting bigger every year. In fact, over 100,000 people descended on James Street North last year for this awesome event. If you haven’t already made it out to one, you must check it out this year. Supercrawl is a street festival in the heart of the arts district of Hamilton.
For more information and to see a line-up of the bands playing, go to: supercrawl.ca
It is time to “roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.” And there is no better place to do this than in our own fabulous city. Make sure to mark these events down on your summer calendar so that you can take advantage of some of the many free things to do here in the Hammer this summer.
There’s something for everyone. Happy Summer!