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, 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.

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 twiceas part of the City of Hamilton's Open Streets Project.

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."