Supercrawl launched its return to Hamilton this weekend for three days highlighting the local music, art, creative business, food, and ultimately the sense of community that the city has become loved for.
The event spans from Friday to Sunday across James Street North and features a total of 40 Canadian bands to keep music filling the streets throughout each day.
Friday night’s headliner Broken Social Scene was anticipated as the largest draw for music fans. The Toronto-based band called Friday’s Supercrawl show “like playing a hometown show” and shared in the excitement surrounding the performance.
Saturday afternoon’s music lineup played tribute to the 50 years of hip-hop with sets from artists Smoothie Lou and the Hi-Cats among the slate of artists set to celebrate.
Foodies flocked to the 30 trucks that brought a diverse line-up of dishes to try. With poutine and loaded fries, dumplings, tacos, cheesecake, gelato, and plenty more, the food scene is vibrant and ready for those eager to explore new flavours.
For those looking to catch a meal or two before the trucks head out Sunday, they can be found at either end of the festival by the TD stage and the Stingray stage.
Local was a central theme for this year’s event, much like the years prior. Within the fashion scene, all brands highlighted in daily fashion showcases call Hamilton home.
Familiar favourites such as The Hamiltonian, sariKNOTsari, and the Sapphire Drag Extravaganza were among those who took the stage to feature their work.
Art could be seen all throughout James Street North, with new installations painted right on the street, on a car painted right at the festival to be bashed as a show of its own, and with boom lifts suspending plants to appear like palm trees hanging over attendees.
One of the artistic highlights from the weekend came in the form of what appeared to be a clear bubble that would become the subject of a show each night. CORPUS’ la bulle brought the bubble-tent and its confined inhabitant to a theatrical setting. The showrunner detailed the spectacle as a “private space in full transparency.”
With plenty of vendors, keen shoppers had the opportunity to buy from go-to favourites and explore some new-found local businesses. Art in all forms from traditional canvas work to pottery, jewelry, clothing, and more is available to purchase.
Those businesses who weren’t able to snag a tent were still able to grab a spot at the free “Supermarket” at Vine and James Street where vendors could set up in any open spot.
Throughout the weekend, a notable uniting aspect is the sense of community that brought together participants and attendees alike to support and uplift the creative community within Hamilton.
Organizers say they expect nearly a quarter of a million people to stop by before Supercrawl wraps Sunday night.
