All in, Al Fresco – Week 1
By Melody Pereira
Welcome to All in, Al Fresco! My name is Melody (she/her) and I am the Downtown District’s Marketing Assistant Summer Student for 2021. Follow along with me each week for updates as we dive into the details of all the exciting things that will be happening at our hugely successful summer event – Al Fresco.
Al Fresco is back for its second year this summer until August and we are so excited for all the fun to be had. Al Fresco means “done or eaten in the open air” and this signature event is designed so that visitors can enjoy the summer rays while supporting the downtown business and promoting community!
So, get ready to come do it Al Fresco in the District with me!
Instagram-Worthy Light Installations
Our signature summer event, Al Fresco, is underway and we have added even more to the downtown core with show-stopping LED light installations. We are so excited that they are now ready for you to enjoy! With our new stages of reopening, what better way to get outside and enjoy than to visit one of our five extraordinary setups! Come out and be WOWed by the massive PLAY sign at the corner of Front & Pinnacle, our Al Fresco archway at Bridge & Front, and the glowing walk-through tunnel placed at Victoria and Front. As you make your way through the downtown area you will also discover the vibrant couches to unwind as well as the new avant-garde circular swings to relax and snap a picture at! To continue to promote community safety, you can also find hand sanitizer stations at each installation.
Don’t forget to share your memories and excitement with us on social media using #doitalfresco and tagging @downtownbelleville.
Discover Belleville Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Style
For the third week of Discover Belleville’s #BellevilleScavengerHunt, the theme is “Downtown District”. Come wine, dine, shop, and soak up the summer sun this week at Al Fresco and join into the scavenger hunt fun for your chance to win – and more importantly, rediscover the charm of our downtown. Our eye-catching parklets, charming patios, and new installations serve as superb photo ops and are perfect for falling in love with local! Pop into some artisan shops and boutiques around the district to further enhance your experience and pick up some little treasures. The steps are simple – come be entertained by the district and take pleasure in each of your stops, while simultaneously capturing photos of it! Post these photos to Instagram or Facebook tagging @discoverbelleville with the #BellevilleScavengerHunt. With participation in the scavenger hunt, you are automatically entered into the monthly draw! Prizes include Belleville swag and a $50 gift card to a local business of your choice! Hope to see you in the Downtown District this week!
Inaugural Tête-à-Tête Thursday
Tomorrow is our first Tête-à-tête Thursday! Our eight tête-à-têtes are located along Front Street for downtown use. They have been carefully curated and beautifully designed by our local artists and sponsored by incredible businesses. Be sure to make your way to the Downtown District this Thursday and snap a photo in the one-of-a-kind new seating spots. Post your fabulous tête-à-tête pictures online and tag us at @downtownbelleville to be entered into a draw to win one of our brand-new Al Fresco t-shirts that you can rep around town! Want an even better chance to win?! Channel your inner “foodie” and pick up some takeout from a local restaurant to be included in your photo for a double entry into the t-shirt draw. A winner will be drawn every Friday, so look out for our special prizes weekly.
PLAY GAMES IN THE STREETS!
With the help of the amazing Scalliwag Toys, we are now introducing our brand new outdoor games event. Every Thursday and Friday from 3 til 5 pm we will be set up in the street closure nearest Scalliwag Toys – and this week, we will be playing Ladder Ball. Masks should be worn within the play area to promote community safety. Bring your competitive edge and come join us for some friendly fun and games!
Smokin’ 116 Bistro
Local patios are back and comin’ in hot! Smokin’ 116 Bistro is located at the corner of Pinnacle and Dundas and is ready to serve you from their trendy and colourful food truck! Check out their extensive menu with a great variety of gluten-free options to spice up your meals this week. Their authentic BBQ food is cooked to perfection and served in massive portion sizes from homemade burgers with all the stops to Thai tofu bites! The friendly service and the atmosphere are unmatched. You don’t want to miss this smokin’ barbeque food truck experience!
The Happy Buddha Health, Wellness & Gifts
Take the opportunity this season to slow down and check in with your mind, body, and soul at Happy Buddha Health. A large variety of local health and wellness products are available in store including crystals, health supplements, and natural soaps and sanitizers. With an additional focus on experiences such as Psychic Readings and Reiki Treatments, the Happy Buddha is a truly unique experience available right here in the downtown core! Happy Buddha is open every weekday at 10am and Saturdays from 10am til 5pm. Drop in and be prepared to level up your health and wellness holistically this summer!
