June 1, 2024
Downtown is about to get livelier on Saturdays this summer, thanks to the city’s first-ever Entertainment District in the heart of our city. The City has partnered with the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) to create a block-long street patio on Rice Howard Way that will be filled with events, live music and extended patios, where visitors can stroll with a beer or cocktail in hand.
“As summer patio season heats up, I’m excited to see this great new space where people can gather and enjoy some of our local businesses,” said Anne Stevenson, Councillor Ward O-day'min. “Creating opportunities for greater community connection and art activation makes our entire downtown feel more lively. I’m grateful to everyone who has made this initiative possible.”
The Entertainment District is open on Saturdays throughout the summer months from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. During that time, Rice Howard Way will close to vehicle traffic between 100 Street and 100A Street, allowing pedestrians to walk freely along the block. Food and alcohol from participating businesses – Rosewood Foods, Sherlock Holmes Pub, Bianco, Craft, Dalla Tavola Zenari and Often Restaurant and Bar – can be purchased and consumed within the District’s boundaries.
Kicking off with this year’s
Downtown Spark Block Party, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association will provide a range of local programming and entertainment every week, including performances, art installations and other activations.
“We are so excited to partner with the City and our Rice Howard Way businesses to bring this new Entertainment District to life,” said Puneeta McBryan, CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. “We’ve seen initiatives like this take off with great success in other cities, and we can’t wait to see how Edmontonians and visitors to our city enjoy the space, discover new favourite small businesses, and celebrate and enjoy live music and the other great cultural programming that we have in store.”