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Art Crawl on James Street in Hamilton will be car free again this year, starting this month

Downtown Hamilton’s James Street North will be closed to traffic for four Art Crawl nights this year, the first on May 10, allowing pedestrians to take over the roadway between York Boulevard and Murray Street.

The city is also shutting down almost four kilometres of King Street for two days in May and June

Saira Peesker · CBC News ·
The sidewalk outside a large brick building is packed with people walking and selling art
Art Crawl will fully open the streets to pedestrians four times this year, blocking car traffic from James Street North for events over the warmer months. (David Hills)

Downtown Hamilton's James Street North will be closed to traffic for four Art Crawl nights this year, allowing pedestrians to take over the roadway between York Boulevard and Murray Street.

The street will fully close between 6 and 11 p.m. on May 10, June 14, July 12, and August 9, Ward 2 councillor Cameron Kroestch said this week in a post on social media platform, X.

"Hope to see you out there #HamOnt!" he wrote.

People on a street for Art Crawl in Hamilton.
Shoppers stop by stalls at Art Crawl in Hamilton Aug. 13. Many of the festivals and art events residents typically enjoy have been cancelled over the past year. (Eva Salinas/CBC)

This year's four car-free days are an increase from last year, when the city shut down car traffic on the busy artery on three Art Crawl evenings.

Art Crawl – a celebration of art, music, and food," according to Tourism Hamilton – takes place on the second Friday of every month on James North. 

"Studios, galleries, shops, and restaurants keep their doors open late to welcome visitors who fill the sidewalks," says that organization's website.

James North isn't the only Hamilton roadway closing down to traffic this summer. King Street East from John Street to Gage Avenue will be closed twice as part of the City of Hamilton's Open Streets Project. 

People looking at vendor's art
Art Crawl takes place every second Friday of the month (Bobby Hristova/CBC)

Billed as a "temporary linear urban park," the "3.6 km of car-free space" will be made available to pedestrians on May 26 and June 23, both Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Join us as we reimagine our streets as vibrant spaces for everyone to explore, connect, and celebrate!" states the city's website.

"Open Streets brings our city together to enjoy car-free streets filled with activities, fun, and community spirit."

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