Hot August Night 2026 - Merchant Registration

Dear Downtown Hammond Business Owner,

The Hammond Downtown Development District is excited to host Hot August Night on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. We invite you to be part of this longtime downtown tradition as it returns to its roots, celebrating our local businesses, art, music and culture.

How Your Business Can Participate: The Downtown Tasting Tour is the signature experience of Hot August Night and is open to all businesses and organizations within the Downtown Development District.

Bars & Restaurants
Offer a beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverage and a small bite.
Cost: No participation fee.
Alcohol: Businesses serving alcohol must obtain their own ATC sampling permit.

Retail & Service Businesses
Wine & Cheese Option: Estimated $300-$350, which includes wine, cheese and coverage under the DDD's ATC Special Event Permit.
Nonalcoholic Option: Offer your own beverage and bite at no cost. No ATC permit required.

Sampling Guidelines: Tasting stations must be located inside your business or within your storefront bump-out. Tables and sampling stations are not permitted on public sidewalks.

Tasting Tour Ticket Sales: This year, Hot August Night presale tickets will be unlocked exclusively through participating downtown businesses as a way to encourage visitors to shop, dine and explore Downtown Hammond before the event.

Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 4, guests can visit any participating business to receive the current password, which unlocks the online ticket purchase page. Presale tickets are $30 (plus tax and fees).

Between now and Monday, Aug. 3, Downtown Development District staff will deliver a small sign to display at your business with the current password and instructions for purchasing tickets. Participating businesses will also be announced on Aug. 4 through Downtown Hammond's website and social media channels.

A limited number of $50 tickets will be available at Railroad Park on the day of the event while supplies last.

Event Schedule (in Railroad Park)
4 p.m. – Tasting Tour Ticket Check-In
5 p.m. – LionPawLooza
6:30 p.m. – Will Vance & the Kinfolk
8 p.m. - Event ends

Additional Ways to Participate
Offer sales or specials, extend your business hours, host live music, an artist or a pop-up, or create another unique experience for visitors.

This registration is for all brick-and-mortar businesses within the DDD planning to participate in Hot August Night. Please share everything you have planned so we can include your business in event promotions. Businesses located outside the main event footprint may request a booth set-up in Railroad Park.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
Participation Confirmation: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

For complete event information, visit www.downtownhammondla.com/hotaugust.

Questions? Contact the Hammond Downtown Development District at 985-277-5682 or downtownhammond@gmail.com.

Event Safety & Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all businesses participating in Hot August Night, including tasting tour stops, special promotions, entertainment and outdoor activities.

The success of Hot August Night depends on the partnership between participating businesses, the Hammond Police Department, the City of Hammond and the Downtown Development District. Thank you for helping us create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone visiting Downtown Hammond.

Parking & Street Closures
The following closures will be in effect on Saturday, Aug. 22:
-5 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23 at 5 a.m.: Parking closed on Thomas Street from Magnolia Street to Cherry Street.
-[Insert Time]: Street closures on the 100- and 200-blocks of N. Cate Street, the 100-block of S. Cypress Street, and parking closure on the 100-block of E. Morris Avenue.

Business Requirements
Hot August Night will operate from 4 to 8 p.m. We ask all participating businesses to conclude Hot August Night activities by 8 p.m. Due to anticipated attendance, the DDD does not recommend hosting additional event-related activities after the official event hours.

Businesses may remain open after 8 p.m.; however, all Hot August Night activities should conclude at the official end of the event, and businesses are responsible for providing their own security thereafter.
Hot August Night is a designated open container event from 4 to 8 p.m. within the approved event area. At 8 p.m., the designated open container area ends and all applicable state and local open container laws will be enforced.

Street & Parking Closures: Businesses requesting additional street or parking closures must obtain all required permits from the City of Hammond.

Alcohol Service: All businesses serving alcohol must operate utilizing an active ATC permit.

Event Promotion: Please ensure any advertised event activities align with the official Hot August Night schedule and conclude by 8 p.m.

Setup: Tasting stations must remain inside your business or within the designated storefront bump-out. Tables, displays and sampling stations are not permitted on public sidewalks.

Cleanup: Please remove all event-related equipment, decorations and waste from the public right-of-way following the conclusion of the event.

Entertainment: We recommend musicians, artists and performers set up inside your business whenever possible. Acoustic sidewalk performances using a single PA system are permitted. Live DJs and amplified entertainment on sidewalks are not permitted.

Public Safety
-The Hammond Police Department has been actively involved in planning Hot August Night to help ensure a safe event.
-Keep entrances, exits, ADA routes and emergency access points clear at all times.
-Secure cords, speakers and displays to prevent trip hazards.
-If you have specific public safety concerns or requests, please contact the DDD as early as possible so they can be coordinated with HPD.
-In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency event concerns, notify DDD event staff.

Inclement Weather Clause:
1. Hot August Night is expected to operate rain or shine.
2. Hot August Night may be canceled or postponed in the event of: (1) A state-issued state of emergency; (2) A severe weather warning, and/or (3) City of Hammond closure.
3. In the event of a cancellation, no refunds will be issued.