From artisan products and vintage goods to street eats and live performances, these nine summer night markets in Calgary and Airdrie offer up plenty of after-hours fun.
The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and night market season has arrived! There’s something pretty great about shopping in the evening air, with live music and the buzz of community all around. Here are nine family-friendly, free-to-attend night markets worth checking out this season.
Calgary Night Market
Billing itself as “Asian-inspired,” the Calgary Night Market in the heart of Bridgeland features a diverse array of food vendors and handmade goods. Shoppers can browse the many stalls while being entertained by talented local performers. Plus, the view of the city skyline from the market venue is spectacular!
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association, 917 Centre Avenue NE
When: June 28, July 19 and August 19, from 5 pm to 10 pm
Chinatown “Dragon City” Night Market
Running for one night only (June 21), the Dragon City Night Market in Calgary’s Chinatown will have more than 70 vendors selling artwork and jewelry, cute trinkets and toys, and lots of edible treats. Shoppers can also expect a variety of performances, including live music and a baby dragon dance.
Where: Dragon City Mall, 328 Centre Street SE
When: June 21, from 2 pm to 9 pm
4th Street Night Market
Now in its fifth year, this lively inner-city night market takes place at Central Memorial Park in the Beltline. Shoppers can expect live entertainment, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and dozens of enthusiastic vendors selling jewelry, home decor, artisanal food products and more.
Where: Central Memorial Park, on the corner of 4th Street and 12th Avenue SW
When: June 21, July 19, August 23 and September 20, from 5 pm to 10 pm
Inglewood Night Market
One of Calgary’s longest-running summer markets, the Inglewood Night Market features live music, food trucks, beer gardens and more than 140 local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and homemade treats to vintage goods, houseware, garden accessories and more.
Where: 10th Avenue and 10th Street SE
When: June 13, July 11, August 8, September 5 & 12, from 5 pm to 10 pm
Kensington Night Market
Hosted by The Downtown Markets, Kensington Night Market takes place every second Thursday throughout the summer. Visitors can expect plenty of locally made goods and dynamic entertainment in the heart of one of Calgary’s best-loved districts.
Where: 1209 Kensington Road NW
When: June 26, July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21, and September 4 & 18, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Market Nights at Heritage Park
Held every Saturday throughout the summer, Market Nights takes place in Heritage Park’s front plaza and features local makers selling a wide range of products, from candles and candy to jewelry, glasswork and more. Visitors can also browse the shops and restaurants within the plaza, free of charge.
Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive SW
When: June 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Sept 6 &13, from 2 pm to 8 pm
Music & Makers Night Market (Airdrie)
Taking place outside Airdrie City Hall and featuring 40+ vendors, the Music & Makers Night Market is held for one night only (July 19) and will include performances from Airdrie-based musicians, as well as face-painting for kids of all ages.
Where: Airdrie City Hall, 400 Main Street SE, Airdrie
When: July 19, from 3 pm to 9 pm
Omatsuri – Calgary Japanese Festival
“Omatsuri” is the Japanese term for a traditional festival, and this particular event, held every year at the Max Bell Centre, has a night market component that includes authentic Japanese food vendors, merchandise and craft booths, and traditional music and dance performances.
Where: Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail SE
When: Friday, July 18, from 5 pm to 9 pm
University District (U/D) Night Market
Taking place on the last Wednesday of the month from May to September, the U/D Night Market features different vendors and performers at each event. The market is held in Central Commons Park (right next to Village Ice Cream) and delivers plenty of live entertainment for shoppers as they browse the locally made goods on offer.
Where: Central Commons Park, University District
When: June 25, July 30, August 27 and September 24, from 5 pm to 9 pm
