Have you visited University District (U/D) in Calgary yet? U/D is so much more than a neighbourhood – it’s a national award-winning, mixed-use community located in the city’s thriving northwest.
The growing community, developed by University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), offers an expansive list of retail shopping, residential living, 40 acres of green space and 12 kilometres of integrated pathways. It’s also sustainable – in fact, it’s the first community in Alberta to achieve the LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design for Neighbourhood Development) Platinum status, which is the highest possible ranking. Beyond this, University District knows how to create the finest community experience through inviting and energetic events hosted throughout the year.
U/D Night Market
The U/D Night Market in partnership with Marketspot has been drawing attention since it first launched in 2022. After popular demand, the U/D Night Market will be returning on the last Wednesday of every month from May to September between 5 to 9 p.m. The event has expanded into Central Commons Park to include more local vendors and to capitalize on the three-acre green space mindfully designed with a people-first approach for gatherings and connections. The U/D Night Market is free to attend with offerings you don’t want to miss including live music, entertainment and a chance to shop and support over 30 local vendors.
One of the unique factors about this community event is its partnership with Marketspot – a Calgary-based organization dedicated to promoting local handmade goods and sustainable shopping with all of Canada. Marketspot began as a small shop in Calgary and has a storefront in Market Mall, just a short walk away from U/D. The optimal opportunity to build a partnership was a fitting decision to not only collaborate with a surrounding neighbour, but bring Marketspot’s bold vision of supporting local artists, artisans, and designers across Canada to U/D. Visit the market booths and feel good, knowing that you’re supporting locally made products and businesses.
The vibrancy and energy of the U/D Night Market alone is reason enough to add this as a must-do for your summer calendar. Meet up with friends and family or connect with a new neighbour as you browse the market vendors and visit Retail Main Street, which is now home to more than 30 businesses and professional services.
Cap off your evening with an ice cream, a visit to an outdoor patio at one of the local restaurants or choose from one of the many quick-serve dining options along University Avenue. Get all the Night Market details at udnightmarket.ca
Central Commons Park is one of Calgary’s Newest Outdoor Jewels
Central Commons Park is a three-acre green space located in the heart of the community, that has quickly become a significant hub for events, family gatherings, markets, celebrations and activities all year-round.
The park is lined by U/D’s Retail Main Street to the north, and its perimeter features several sprawling and multi-level outdoor patios from neighbouring restaurants like The Canadian Brewhouse, The Banquet and Borough Bar + Grill.
Enjoy relaxing sunny days in this oasis with the seasonal splash pad, barbeque and picnic stations, and fire features offering plenty of opportunities to connect, play, relax and gather together. Bring your dog for a stroll or jog around the community! Central Commons Park is a leashed dog-friendly park.
Central Commons Park officially opened in December 2022, and it has already been named an industry award finalist thanks to its innovative design and community-centric elements.
The park is open for all Calgarians and visitors to enjoy and is in operation from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Visiting U/D is Easy
Visiting University District is easy, thanks to its feet-first design and access to several pathways and established transit lines. University District also offers a variety of convenient parking options including:
• Underground Parking: Complimentary three-hours with registration
• Surface Lot: Complimentary two-hours with registration
• Short-term street parking throughout the community
To learn more about University District, please visit myuniversitydistrict.ca
