Do it Al Fresco in the Downtown District this summer!
Al Fresco, meaning ‘done or eaten in the open air’, is back for year two this June, July and August in the Downtown District.
The hugely successful summer event, piloted last summer, is designed so that visitors to the downtown core can enjoy the summer sunshine, support and encourage downtown businesses and connect with the community while staying safe as we navigate COVID-19.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday there will be activities happening in the Downtown District. Share your Al Fresco moments with #doitalfresco
♥️ Please remember to be safe and respect the physical distancing rules, wear a mask while indoors, continue to use sanitizer and clean up after yourself when using public spaces.
Sit and stay awhile! Last year’s parklets that were painted by local artists are back in front of Chilangos, Gourmet Diem and Capers. Many other restaurants along Front Street have their patios ready for you to soak up the sun while sinking into some good food.
Play us a tune! Stop by Century Village every day to test your talents at the keys with our painted piano until September 26. Not so musically inclined? Give the players an audience and make sure you clap REALLY loud to show them how much you appreciate the tunes in the District. This pianos has been beautifully painted by local artists. Click here for hours, rules and the meaning behind the design!
No, seriously. It is GIANT. And it is for you to take photos with your friends, family and more! Replace ‘cheese’ with ‘I love the Downtown District’ and see what funny faces (and great memories) you end up with. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram at @downtownbelleville when you post your snaps for us to share!
Designed by local artist, Katrien Reed, our 2021 Al Fresco Collectible T-Shirt screams summer and relaxation with the Heather Mint colour and intricate design. Strongly influenced by the mighty Moira River flowing behind downtown and our historic building fronts, this design is a classic. For only $20, you can own a piece of Downtown District summer history. Buy it on our Marketplace!
Throughout the summer artisan vendors will be set up on the extended sidewalk. Here’s the line up:
Find unique, handmade goods for your home, pets or people. What a great way to support local artisans!
There are tête-à-têtes along Front Street painted with beautiful designs by local artists and sponsored by local businesses. On Thursdays, head Downtown and snap a picture 📷 sitting in the chairs and post it online, tagging @downtownbelleville to be entered to win a new 2021 Al Fresco collectible t-shirt! For a double entry, make sure you have some local takeout with you in the photo. Winners will be announced on social media every Friday!
Do you hear that? It’s music in the air! On Fridays, enjoy the sounds of summer as Downtown businesses host live musicians to kick off the weekend. Check out Gourmet Diem, Sans Souci, Capers, Uptown Funk Styling, Smokin 116 Bistro and Export Grill online regularly for updates on who is playing and where.
Join the Saturday Breakfast Club! There are great Saturday breakfast spots downtown to choose from:
Quinte Corner Cafe opens at 8am
The Brake Room opens at 8am
Gourmet Diem opens at 9am
L’auberge de France opens at 9am
Sans Souci opens at 9am
The 116 Bistro opens at 9am
Kate’s Kitchen Shop opens at 10am
There are just under 1,000 parking spaces located within a three block radius of the downtown core.
We are challenging our visitors that are able-bodied to support the downtown by giving yourselves a bit of extra time to park in the municipal lots and walk into the downtown so that people with mobility challenges can take advantage of the on street parking. For more information about parking availability click here.
Ways you can enjoy Downtown Belleville during Al Fresco, our signature summer event!
Click to learn more!