Every September, Supercrawl shuts down James Street North for three days of live music, art installations, theatre, dance, fashion, food, and fun. With Hamilton as the backdrop, there is plenty to see, do, and eat throughout the weekend.
Whether you're planning to come for the day or stay all weekend, check out this list of 10 tips.
1. Indulge in a diverse food scene
With food trucks lining the streets and great restaurants in the city, there's no shortage of good eats to be found during Supercrawl.
Fuel up for the day at Synonym with gourmet coffee and brunch. For lunch hit Cowabunga+ for an award-winning slice that you can eat on the go. Craving something authentic? Look no further than Nabil's Grill, serving some of the best shawarma in the city. Grandad's is a local institution and the perfect place for a sweet treat with their vintage inspired donuts.
2. Sip on Craft Cocktails
Cheers to a great Supercrawl weekend at some of the best spots in the city.
Walk down the colourful alley next to Architect Hair Design for a hidden gem, Acapulco Alley, complete with drinks, live music, and hot dogs. If it's handcrafted cocktails you're after, Bar Sazerac is a must-visit. Go where the locals are at The Brain. Check out some of the best views in the city along with great cocktails at Plank's rooftop patio.
3. Wander through art galleries
Supercrawl is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the arts and wander through some of the city's galleries.
In addition to the art installations on the street you can explore incredible works of art at Hamilton Artists Inc., Centre3, and You, Me, Gallery. You can also make your way to Art Gallery of Hamilton, showcasing some of the best local and national art with more than 10,000 pieces. While you wander Supercrawl, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful and vibrant street art (almost) on every corner.
4. Explore unique local shops
On top of the many unique festival street vendors, make sure to visit downtown's many local shops for a true taste of the city.
If you're searching for cool vintage, Vintage Soul Geek is a must-stop shop on James North. Head over to The Pale Blue Dot for earth-friendly products and a downstairs antique shop. Check out The Local Skate Shop has everything you need for skateboarding and snowboarding, with the bonus of epic skateboard competitions during art crawls and Supercrawl.
5. Enjoy some Craft Brews
A trip to Hamilton (even during Supercrawl) wouldn't be complete without stopping at one of our local breweries.
Right in the heart of the action, Merit Brewing has been a James Street North staple for years and once you take a sip of their crafter brews, you'll know why. Famous for bringing together beer and art, Collective Arts is a must-stop for craft beer lovers. Make sure to check out their cool beer garden.
6. Have a family adventure
With music, art, performances, and a Family Zone there is plenty of exciting and kid-friendly action for the entire family to explore at Supercrawl.
If you need a place to take a seat, Electric Diner is the perfect spot to bring the kids complete with neon signs, a jukebox, and kid-approved menu items. Grab a scoop of ice cream, candy, or a sweet chocolate treat at Chocolat on James. After a day of super-crawling, let the kids burn some energy at the playground at Copps Pier Park.
7. Sit back on a patio.
With all that super-crawlin', your feet might need a rest and what better place than a patio.
The patio at Mulberry Coffeehouse is always a favourite among locals and grows even bigger during Supercawl weekend. A piece of street art itself, the patio at Born & Raised painted by artists Dope Chief and Baumbchell is worth a visit. If you're looking for a hidden gem, the huge and colourful back patio at Martello Restaurant won't disappoint.
8. See the Sites
While you're in the city, you can easily add to your Supercrawl adventures by checking out some of the city's best attractions.
Head down James Street North to spend some time at Hamilton's West Harbour with plenty of greenspace, trails, and views to take in. Royal Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle with beautiful trails and gardens in full bloom. Step back in time with a visit to Dundurn Castle and enjoy the historic home, garden, and views of the bay.
9. Getting here and getting around
You can leave the car at home because getting here is easy with GO trains running every half hour between Toronto’s Union Station and Hamilton’s West Harbour Station, a short walk or bus ride to the downtown core. With big crowds expected, you can cruise through the city on a SoBi Bike or E-Scooter.
10. Make a weekend out of it
Why not make it a Supercrawl weekend and stay in the city for the festivities.
If you're thinking of staying overnight, there are plenty of options from bed and breakfasts to hotels. Check out our Accommodations Guide for all your overnight needs and Downtown Guide packed with things to see, do and eat before and after the festival.
Header photo credit: @highfieldimages