All in, Al Fresco – Week 4
By Melody Pereira
Welcome back 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!
Another Market Weekend!
Like what you saw last weekend?! Good news, the Side Hustle market is coming BACK to the Downtown District this Saturday, July 17th with amazing new vendors. From 9am – 1pm make your way to the street closure on Front Street for amazing finds from local artisans. Browse through the large variety of handmade goods for your home, your pets, and your people. Handmade soaps, candles, hair accessories, knitwear, sensory kits, resin art, herbal products, and MUCH more! This is your perfect hub for supporting local and getting unique quality goods to take home!
While you’re out enjoying the market, be sure to also indulge in a sweet or savoury breakfast and join in on Breakfast Club Saturdays! Our local downtown breakfast joints will be open nice n’ early to serve you what you’re craving!
T-Shirt Time
Step up your summer fashion game and #doitalfresco in style this summer! Get your hands on this soft and comfortable Heather Mint Al Fresco shirt to show some Belleville pride. The beautiful design was curated by local artist Katrien Reed and perfectly depicts the downtown’s historic building fronts and the mighty Moira River flowing in the foreground.
Grab it on The Marketplace now! Be sure to share in the spirit of Al Fresco and tag us on our socials with pictures of you in this wonderful t-shirt with @downtownbelleville.
Phase Three, Almost Free!
Phase 3 is among us, and with that comes a new set of exciting new changes for the Downtown District businesses. Starting on Friday, July 16th the province of Ontario will be lifting some more restrictions. Downtown restaurants will no longer be required to limit the number of patrons per table and indoor dining accommodations will now be available! We are so excited that indoor fitness and recreation facilities will also now be allowed to open their doors again after a long break. Within this phase theatres will also be opening with capacity limits. We cant wait to be able to get back to doing all of our favourite things in the District and stay safe!
Game on!
FREE GAMES ON FRONT! We’re back for another great week of fun and games. Meet me in the Front Street closure every Thursday and Friday from 3-5 pm for Al Fresco and get ready for some Ladder Ball and Giant Jenga. Bring the kids out to play and start off the weekend right thanks to Scalliwag Toys. Game faces on, see ya there!
Light Up Your Life!
Add a little light to your life down here in the District with our fantastic and BRIGHT light-up installations. With 5 special installations set up throughout our Downtown District for Al Fresco, this is the perfect time to come and explore. Don’t delay on grabbing your Instagram-worthy photo ops “hanging” in the light-up swings, walking through the archways and tunnel, or chilling out on the couches and near the PLAY sign. Vibrant and beautiful – tag @downtownbelleville in your pictures and show us how you #doitalfresco.
Tyrannosaurus Pets
292 Front Street
This family-run pet store is ready to serve you for all your funky and fun animal needs! Tyrannosaurus Pets offers quality pet products for great prices no matter what type of pet you are looking for. Looking for a new pet to take home? Reptiles, fish, and small animals galore are available right here for you in downtown Belleville! Turtles ponds, bird rooms, tarantulas, and more. Drop by to check out all of the cool creatures, supplies, and accessories. They also prioritize education for aspiring pet owners and offer nail trims for your dogs, cats, and reptiles. Exotic, exciting, and fun at all ages!
Mr. Zeds
322 Front Street
This delicious eatery offers burgers, subs, and Greek favourites with a side of true Downtown Belleville history. Mr. Zed’s has been a downtown staple for 70 years now! Along with delicious foods, this spot is a sports bar and billiard-playing hub. Some say that Mr. Zed’s Authentic Greek Souvlaki and Burgers serves the finest souvlaki and burgers in Belleville. Open from 11:30 am – 8 pm each day, excluding Sundays, make your way down to Front Street to try it for yourself!
