Need a break? Check out these markets to escape the fall blues
Sarah Palmer, Contributor |
As temperatures cool towards the end of August, feelings of dread often boil inside of students as they oil-up their rusty academic gears in preparation for a new semester in September. While September demands heightened productivity, Canadian weather patterns often send people into psychological hibernation during the fall months.
A 2010 study on seasonal and nonseasonal depression found that depressive episodes are most common during the fall months because people tend to sleep more — causing them to spend less time engaging in activities, according to a study in Springer Link.
This September, skip the slumber and dive into Calgary’s vibrant assortment of night markets. From artisan vendors to freshly baked goods and musical performances, these lively events offer refreshing ways to stay active and explore local treasures to help you ditch the fall blues.
1. NIGHT MODERN MARKET
When?: September 14, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where?: First Alliance Church Deerfoot Campus | 12345 40th St. S.E., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free entry upon making a donation.
Featuring local Calgarian and nationally-regarded Canadian small businesses, the Little Modern Market is celebrating its 8th year by offering attendees of all ages retail selections from over 80 vendors on Sept. 14.
A donation — at a price of your choosing — towards a local charity is mandatory to be permitted entrance into the market. Don’t carry cash? No stress! You may also donate what you can using credit or debit.
From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., attendees can shop a variety of artisan-inspired storefronts selling everything from pre-made cake mix to permanent jewelry and custom-fit hats. Alongside shopping opportunities, you can save your seat at one of the market’s three-day-long workshops.
The wheelchair and stroller accessible venue of Deerfoot Campus’s First Alliance Church (FAC) permits parents to bring their little ones along.
Looking to book a babysitter and enjoy the market kid-free? Don’t bother! Parents of potty-trained toddlers three-years-old or children at or below the age of fourth-grade status can “Drop + Shop” for $5 per child and be comforted in knowing that they’re enjoying an hour and a half’s worth of supervised play time at FAC’s two-story treehouse.
Melissa Gaylard founded the Little Modern Market in 2016 with the motivation of having “a space to share and create community, but more importantly, a space where everyone is welcome and belongs,” writes Gaylard on the market’s website.
Vendors connect with attendees during the Little Modern Market at First Alliance Church in Calgary. Photo courtesy of Little Modern Market.
2. Inglewood Night Market
When?: September 6 and 13, 2024 | 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where?: Intersection of 10 St. and 10 Ave. S.E., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free.
Neighbouring some of Calgary’s iconic eateries and pint pit-stops like The Nash, Cold Garden Brewery and Lina’s Italian Market, the dog and kid friendly Inglewood Night Market will offer everything from “handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectables, artisan eats and more” on Sept. 6 and 13 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Providing entertainment for your shopping spree, musicians will be playing at the Main Stage — an all-ages beer garden — and the Music Mile stage, which can be found in the park.
The outdoor venue at the intersection of 10 St. and 10 Ave. S.E. allows you to stroll the market freely, possibly even further to explore Inglewood’s artsy community.
Market organizers recommend attendees use city transit, Uber or Taxi transportation services for seamless arrival. Biking is also encouraged as there are expansive pathways surrounding the venue. If you wish to drive, parking will be available at municipally identified parking lots 43 and 44.
Inglewood Night Market attracts attendees in mass amounts. Photo courtesy of Inglewood Night Market.
3. Dalhousie Summer Farmers Market
When?: Every Thursday Until September 19, 2024 | 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where?: Dalhousie Community Association | 5432 Dalhart Rd. N.W., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free.
Summer’s almost over, but that doesn’t mean your taste buds don’t deserve a vacation. Until Sept. 19, the Dalhousie Farmers Market will continue supporting local “farmers, makers, bakers, growers and crafters” to offer you unbeatable local flavours.
Located behind the Dalhousie Community Association building, every Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, attendees will be met with a diverse selection of homemade grub including everything from Southern Indian cuisine ingredients to baked treats and produce.
Expecting that browsing will make you hungry? Food trucks will be available on-site at 5 p.m. to rescue your rumbling stomach, accompanied by an arrangement of musical talent — because who doesn’t love dinner and a show!
Find peace of mind in knowing that the goodies you bring home are seriously farm-fresh because the market is an officially recognized Alberta Approved Farmers Market — meaning 80 per cent of vendors are “Albertans selling products which they, a family member or staff member have made, baked or grown,” according to the Alberta Government.
Sun beams down on shoppers at the Dalhousie Summer Farmers Market in Calgary, Alta. Photo courtesy of Dalhousie Community Association’s website.
4. Night Market at Uni District
When?: September 25, 2024 | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where?: Central Commons Park at University District | 4019 University Ave. N.W., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free.
Tucked in-between the Borough Bar and Grill and The Banquet, the University District Night Market — hosted by Marketspot — is closing their summer season on Sept. 25.
Encouraging visitors to support local businesses, the night market’s “Retail Main Street” will offer attendees the opportunity to browse over 35 vendor stations from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Once you shop ‘til you drop, don’t leave just yet, as the live entertainers will have you rocking ‘til you drop.
Canadian Idol’s fourth place title-holder from the 2014 season, Earl Stevenson will be performing his personally written and recorded assortment of Western-inspired rock and roll blues.
Not your taste? No need to worry, as The Rondel Roberts Band will be following with their 1970s adjacent collection of “pulsating drums topped with sultry vocals” that place them in the category of being feel-good soul R&B performers, according to Alberta Music.
Professional entertainer, fire dance instructor and creator of Canada’s first Fire Dance Festival, Safire will be putting a fiery twist on circus flair during her hula hooping show later in the evening.
Visitors take-in the ambience of the University District Night Market at Central Common Park in Calgary. Photo from University District Calgary’s website.
5. Bloom Culture’s Fall Fest & Fundraising Drive
When?: September 8 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where?: Bloom Culture Inc. | 3131 68th St. N.W., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free.
Hosting their third annual Fall Fest and Fundraiser, the “personalized garden, plant, and floral” boutique, Bloom Culture Inc. is looking forward to welcoming attendees and their pets to shop local artisans in support of Parachutes for Pets (P4P) on Sept. 8.
The outdoor fundraising drive will seek to assist P4P in their mission of “assisting low income individuals work toward better health and welfare for their pets.” From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bloom Culture Inc. asks attendees to consider donating items, like pet food and gently used accessories, or funds toward P4P’s cause.
The festival’s full donation and vendor list can be found on their website.
Bloom Culture Inc.’s owner, Kari Baker at her floral studio in the northwest of Calgary. Photo from Bloom Culture’s website.
Sarah Palmer is a Contributor for The Reflector. Palmer can be found on social media @sarahpalmerwrites.
