Things to Do
Celebrate Hamilton Watch and their return to Lancaster at HamiltonFEST
The international watch company, which was first founded in Lancaster more than 130 years ago, is celebrating the opening of a new flagship store here.
Founded in 1892, Hamilton Watch Company began humbly, crafting pocket watches right here in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Rooted in a commitment for quality and accuracy, Hamilton quickly gained notoriety, servicing key industries like railroads and aviation throughout the years and even outfitting actors on the silver screen with custom prop designs for major motion films.
Now, more than a century later, the internationally renowned watchmaker is making its return to where it all started with a flagship store on North Duke Street right in the heart of Lancaster City.
The Lancaster location is just one of four flagship stores across the world and the only one in the United States. Housed in the former Bowman Watchmaking School on the corner of Duke & Chestnut streets, the boutique shop is decorated with relics of their rich history amongst a collection of watches from their archives for viewing as well as pieces from their current collection for purchase.
“Our first-ever U.S. brick-and-mortar store in the former Bowman Watchmaking School is the ideal setting to celebrate Hamilton’s return to Lancaster. We eagerly anticipate forging meaningful connections with every member of this wonderful community through this momentous event.”
– Vivian Stauffer, CEO of Hamilton Watch
HamiltonFEST: A Community Celebration
To celebrate this milestone homecoming for both Hamilton and Lancaster, Hamilton is collaborating with local experts to put on a community-wide initiative and ignite passion for the brand’s rich legacy. Hamilton is committed to preserving its heritage and sharing it with the world, which is why its established donation program in-store recognizes and honors individuals who have played a key role in maintaining the city’s rich history.
The culmination is a free, family-friendly event coming to transform Ewell Plaza and Binns Park on October 12, 2024. HamiltonFEST will be held from 12-5PM with an exciting lineup of activities designed to be a true community gathering.
A Guide to HamiltonFEST
Family Fun
Free activities from 12–5PM for the whole family:
- Six-hole miniature golf course & hole-in-one-challenge
- Corn hole & games
- Decorate your own pumpkin
- Tell time craft activity
- Photo booth
- Balloon twister
- Face painting
Ride a Trolley
Attendees can embark on a horological adventure on a complimentary trolley ride to the Hamilton store on Duke Street, where they can see an exclusive display of timepieces used in various movie productions and enter to win a Hamilton Watch*! Then, you’ll return to HamiltonFEST and continue to celebrate!
*Drawing will be held October 12, 2024 at 4:45PM on Binns Park Stage. You don’t need to be present to win.
Food & Drink
Grab a bite from these local vendors:
The first 500 attendees will receive a free ice cream cone or Italian ice from Softie Whirl!
Hamilton Lounge
View and try on Hamilton Watches during the festival.
You can also enter the special watch giveaway in the Lounge.
Hamilton Garden
Enjoy a unique beer, wine and cocktail garden experience curated by Decades and Lancaster Distilleries.
Music & Entertainment
12–1:30PM | Live performance by Children’s Entertainer Steven Courtney & Suitcase Musicians
1:30–5PM | Beats by DJ Wil Monestime & Downtown Sounds
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