I was always under the impression that the definition of a farmer’s market was that they were held early mornings on the weekends and were produce and baked goods, from a farm. Well, I have learned otherwise and have started a list of farmers’ markets by the day. Learning about the Parkdale Night Market in Ottawa was a wonderful surprise. And it’s not just the Parkdale market that has a night version there is also a night market for the Byward Market in downtown Ottawa.
Night Market
This market was not like the traditional farmers market that you see on weekends or even like the Parkdale Market during the day. It was more of a place to spend time, as there were more vendors offering food, even a food truck, The Thirst Responder, with a full menu and seating. There was a great variety of vendors, including some produce, crafts, dog biscuits, craft brewery, ice cream, fast food, a sitting area for diners, and more. The Parkdale Night Market is in the same location as the regular, urban, daytime Parkdale Market, at the corner of Wellington Street West and Parkdale Avenue and beside Parkdale Park. While I didn’t buy any produce I did try a Korean corn dog from the Snack O’Shack and the market. It was good! The texture of the batter was a bit chewier but the corn dog was very filling and satisfying. I also tried this fermented ginger drink from Gingerbug. We even found another corgi to play with.
The night markets extend into the fall with special event markets throughout the fall including a Flower Market in September, a Barket in October for your dog, and a holiday market in December.
The night markets are a great idea and a great way to spend an evening after work in the night weather during the summer. Hope they extend into the winter with say barbeques, hot cider, and even maple syrup in the spring. One can dream!
Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON 
Korean Corn Dog from Shack O’Shack at the Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON 
Corgis Playing at the Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON 
Food Truck at the Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON 
Vendors at Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON 
Spicy Ginger Beer from Gingerbug, Parkdale Night Market, Ottawa, ON
Parkdale Night Market
Location: 366 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Dates: June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6, 2023
Hours: Wednesdays 5-9 pm
Website: https://ottawamarkets.ca/
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