A day just for Hamilton

Hamilton Day celebrates all the businesses that make this city great. So get out on Nov. 1-3 to support local.

Hamilton Day is no longer a day, it’s now a weekend of celebrating local businesses and promoting the importance of keeping shopping dollars in our city.

An initiative of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Hamilton Day, Nov. 1-3, is expected to draw participation from more than 1,000 retailers, restaurants and bar, artisan and farmers’ markets, cultural attractions, independent artists and musicians and personal service providers. 

“We really leave it to the business community to identify how they want to participate,” says Katie Stiel, senior manager of strategic initiatives with the chamber. “It's really their platform, and so it's open for them to participate in a way that best suits their needs.”

Hamilton Day has a growing range of programming partners, too, everything from House of Adam & Steve drag brunches to activations at local libraries to the Art Gallery of Hamilton offering free admission. The city’s 11 BIAs will also offer pop-up markets, live music performances, face painters, balloon artists and DJs.

“Our partnerships help to create opportunities for Hamiltonians to experience, explore and celebrate all corners of our city.”

The weekend will conclude on Sunday with activities via Hamilton Day partners, the Hamilton Road2Hope Marathon and Dance Masters of Canada.

"Hamilton Day is about more than just shopping local and supporting small businesses; it's about investing in the heart and soul of our city,” says Greg Dunnett, president & CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “Small business owners are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a unique sense of community that makes Hamilton thrive." 

Hamilton Day began in the midst of the Great Depression in 1931, when the chamber hosted a day to help boost spirits and the local economy. The event was revived 90 years later, in 2021, when the community needed another to celebrate and come together. 

“In the midst of the pandemic, we thought what a beautiful sentiment and what a great call to action Hamilton Day was to really help those businesses that are most heavily impacted, such as retail, hospitality and personal service. So we brought it back, and we thought it would be a one-off shop local event, but with the outpouring of love and support from the community and the momentum that it gained, we knew we’d be foolish not to make it annual.”

In its first year, Hamilton Day really took off on social media and that audience continues to grow exponentially. Hamilton Day is growing each year in terms of audience reach, but also economic impact as well, says Stiel. 

Early November is the perfect time for Hamilton Day, says Stiel, because it’s a great kickoff to promoting local businesses for the holiday shopping season. The idea is that local and regional visitors get to learn what is in their backyard and make connections with those businesses. 

“So when the time comes for them to fully jump into that Christmas or holiday swing, they have those local connections, and they'll be more inclined to spend their dollars here locally.”

Participation in Hamilton Day for businesses could be as simple as a social media post or as involved as coming up with a special promotion. Participation in Hamilton Day is free and does not require chamber membership.

“We want to raise as much awareness as possible to make sure everyone feels included and able to participate. We want to see our businesses thrive and flourish and really celebrate them, because we love having them here.”

The Bard and Bear Games Café on James Street North will participate in its third Hamilton Day since opening in December 2021, says co-owner Megan Edmonds.

“Hamilton Day's focus on supporting and celebrating local business is a perfect match with what we try to do throughout the year, and happens at a time when folks are thinking about preparing for the holidays and gathering with the people they love. It's a clear parallel with our core focus, and we love being part of the chance to celebrate Hamilton.”

She says being on the Hamilton Day maps and lists helps people discover the games café.

“For Hamilton Day this year, we plan to offer a similar promotion as we did last year, with discounts on select board games and accessories,” says Edmonds.

The Bard and Bear is also involved in the creation of a digital scavenger hunt that will go along with Hamilton Day.

The City of Hamilton is a partner in Hamilton Day and has provided enrichment funding to support the event. 

“They are definitely a valuable partner, because they clearly see the impact. And this year we're looking to do more programming with the City, specifically with activations at City Hall itself,” says Stiel.

“The City of Hamilton continues to be a proud partner of Hamilton Day, an initiative that continues to showcase the best our small business community has to offer. Looking forward to the 2024 event,” says Norm Schleehahn, director of economic development. 

Hamilton Day was recognized as a Top 100 event in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario this year. 

Get more information here.