Alberta Ave night markets are back
A summer series of food, music, and fun returns to bring the community together
Night markets are returning to Alberta Avenue this summer, with six events scheduled over the next four months. The first market will be hosted by Serengeti BBQ on June 6 from 6 to 10 pm.
The Alberta Avenue Business Association (AABA) has organized night markets for the past three years to showcase a variety of businesses, vendors, and community partners. The markets will feature locally-made goods, unique foods, live music, and entertainment, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
David Plamondon, the AABA board president, says attending the markets is a great way to support many unique, diverse businesses that have been working hard to build a meaningful community on the avenue.
“What we want to do is create a fun, vibrant event for folks to enjoy themselves and get the most out of their time here,” he says.
Plamondon explains that the initiative was born to help change the perception that Alberta Avenue is a dangerous area. He says the markets “really help push back on that stigma” and highlight local businesses in a way that makes people feel comfortable coming to the neighbourhood.
Plamondon says the first night market venue, Serengeti BBQ, was chosen because they have been so active in the community and have the space to make the night market a success.
Pastory Mandari, the owner of Serengeti BBQ, says the markets are a way to bring togetherness in the community and introduce people to different cultures. He attributes the night markets with making Alberta Avenue a more popular spot in Edmonton.
“I would like people to come and see how Alberta Avenue is improving and becoming more family-friendly,” Mandari says.
For Plamondon, it has been wonderful to see not only the upswell of support from businesses on the avenue, but also people showing up from all areas of the city to attend the market in past years.
“The night markets are going to continue to grow and expand, and being part of seeing what that evolution looks like is going to be really exciting,” Plamondon says.
Six night markets
6 pm to 10 pm
June 6 at Serengeti BBQ (8815 118 Ave. NW)
July 25 at Battista’s Calzone Co. (11745 84 St. NW)
August 22 at La French Taste (11401 95 St.)
September 5 at La Morenita (8501 118 Ave. NW)
September 19 at Canadian General Store (9035 118 Ave. NW)
September 26 at Freshco (8118 118 Ave. NW)
For more information and updates on the night markets, visit the AABA website or follow @albertaaveba on Instagram.
I absolutely love this idea. Night markets are great but having to commute a ways to get to them makes it inconvenient to attend. Having so many within walking distance is exciting
Great idea