Calgary’s night markets liven up the streets

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As any market-goer will tell you, markets are enlivening. They have a vibe and they serve a grand purpose as connectors: people with people, people with community and people with local goods and services. They also serve as incubators for small start-ups, give air time to local artisans and makers and hype a vast array of culinary enterprises.  

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But a market that takes place as the sun goes down — a night market — with music and entertainment and food, well, that just adds a whole new dimension.

“It then becomes a destination; it’s a date night place; it’s a get-together place; it’s a family night out; a night market is an evening and an experience,” says Jennifer Rempel, event producer for three of Calgary’s night markets — the 4th Street Market, the Inglewood Market and the Marda Loop Market.

With a variety of night markets dotted throughout the city and slated throughout the summer months, Calgary is sure to be humming with plenty of evening experiences. Expect food, fun, live music and a diverse array of local vendors artisans. And the best part? Entrance is free. Here are a few to check out.

The Night Market at University District (U/D)

A relative newcomer to Calgary’s night market line-up, the U/D Night Market has already set the wheels in motion for its 2024 summer festivities. The season’s first night market kicked off at the end of May with four more to come throughout the summer. Each will have its own twist, but guests can expect live music and plenty of shopping and eating experiences. More than 35 local vendors will be onsite, offering a variety of handmade goods from candles to jewelry, ceramics, distilled products, clothing and more. The event flies rain or shine. It’s dog-friendly and plenty of free parking is available.

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Dates: June 26, July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25; runs 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: U/D Central Commons Park

Information: myuniversitydistrict.ca

The Calgary Night Market

This Bridgeland-located tried-and-true gem takes place on the river’s edge with beautiful views of the city’s skyline, alongside the night market backdrop. The market’s founder, Jeannette Medrano, says its scenery is “picture-perfect.”  Nine food trucks selling street food, local singers and a DJ, along with buskers and a Jenga game area will keep everyone in the family entertained. Not to mention the wide selection of handmade and curated items offered by more than 70 local vendors. And, if you can’t make it down on one of the scheduled nights, you can get a taste of the wares at Shop Made (a storefront platform located in response to the COVID lockdowns) located in Chinook Centre and the Core Shopping Centre.

Dates: June 28, July 26 and Aug. 30; runs from 5 to 10 p.m.

Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Hall, 917 Centre Ave. N.E.

Information: calgarynightmkt.com

The Night Market at Heritage Park

Harken back to a simpler time when steam engines and paddleboats reigned, along with a slower place of life. The night market at Heritage Park lets you wander back in time. With more than 50 vendors on-site, along with food pop-ups and access to Heritage Park’s collection of vintage-style restaurants — the Railway Cafe and the Selkirk Restaurant, there’s plenty to see, eat and do. Free parking and free admission make this a must-see event for the whole family.

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Dates: Every Saturday from June 29 to Sept. 14; runs from 3 to 9 p.m.

Where: Located in the Plaza at Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. S.W.).

Information: heritagepark.ca

Inglewood Night Market

One of Calgary’s first night markets, the Inglewood Night Market flung open its doors in 2012. With more than 150 vendors onsite (all of them are 100 per cent local), two live music stages, a beer gardens (yes, it’s kid-friendly), a craft area for the young-at-heart, and a myriad of food trucks, this is the place to be on a hot summer’s night. Set just adjacent to the bustle of Inglewood’s main strip, the market lends itself to exploration of the local shops and craft breweries on 9th Avenue.

Dates: July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 6 and Sept. 13; runs from 5 to 10 p.m.

Where: 10th Avenue and 10th Street S.E.

Information: inglewoodnightmarket.ca

4^th Street Night Market

Launched in 2021 to celebrate the end of COVID lockdowns, the 4th Street Night Market offers a mix of standalone brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants with a curated selection of smaller makers, artists and local brands. Originally located along Elbow Drive and 4th Street, the market is moving (due to road construction) to Central Memorial Park, making it a more intimate affair. Organizer Jennifer Remple says having it in the park this year is exciting. “The market will really activate the park and create a really great night vibe.”

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Dates: July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 7; runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Central Memorial Park (1221 2nd St. S.W.)

Information: 4thstreetnightmarket.ca

Marda Loop Night Market

Back for its third summer, this relative newcomer to the Calgary night market sphere (it launched the summer of 2022) is sure to wow. Stop by to sample some delicious eats, purchase some local artisan and maker goods, as well as to check out the local businesses along 34th Avenue, most housed in quaint century-old homes. Make sure to bring your fur baby — dogs are both welcomed and encouraged.

Dates: June 21, July 19 and Aug. 31; runs from 5 to 10 p.m.

Location: 34th Avenue between 18th and 19th Street S.W.

Information: mardaloopnightmarket.ca

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