The gatherings, which once drew tens of thousands, ended in 2020 after national security laws were introduced alongside COVID-related restrictions.
On Wednesday, police officers patrolled Victoria Park, where a small fair sold food and other goods, without reference to the events of June 4, 36 years ago.
In recent years, monuments and books related to the crackdown have been removed from public spaces by Hong Kong authorities.
When asked if people are allowed to commemorate the anniversary, Chief Executive John Lee said that all activities must comply with the law.