Night markets have become somewhat of a thing across Ontario thanks to their tasty street eats and after-dark shopping. And this weekend, one of Southern Ontario’s largest night markets is taking over the province’s prettiest little town, which is dotted with historic buildings, scenic walking trails and the most gorgeous riverside patios. Bonus: it’s only about a 90-minute drive from Toronto!
The 10th Annual Paris Night Market returns to Paris, Ont., at the Paris Fairgrounds this Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, transforming the grounds into a glowing tropical pirate island filled with food, live entertainment and some unusually large props, including a giant glowing moon and a giant airplane display, so expect tons of photo ops!
More than 150 Canadian artisans and makers will set up shop under illuminated vendor tents, so visitors can browse handmade goods before stopping at the night food market and beer patio.
The entertainment lineup includes roaming performers, fire performances, fortune tellers, pirate-themed games and dancing in the dark beginning at 8 pm. Adults aged 19 and older can even join a hidden treasure hunt across the grounds for the chance to uncover a buried chest filled with alcohol to take home!
Saturday brings two of the weekend’s biggest attractions. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for an outdoor screening of Pirates of the Caribbean. The film begins at 9 pm, and the evening closes with everyone holding sparklers around the illuminated Night Market sign.
The dress code is more Jack Sparrow than black tie: Guests are encouraged, but not required, to arrive gussied up in pirate or tropical-island attire.
The Paris Night Market runs from 5 to 11 pm on Friday, July 17 and from 4 to 11 pm on Saturday, July 18 at the Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St, in Paris, Ont. Parking is free, but admission is $10 for guests 10+, $5 for children three to nine and free for children two and younger. Advance tickets are available online, but admission at the gate is cash only.
If you have time, make your trip to Paris a mini getaway. It’s a rare small town where you can park once, then spend the day on foot. For a classic Paris moment, book the rooftop at Stillwaters Plate & Pour (about a five-minute walk from Wincey Mills). There’s an open-air bar, and the menu focuses on market-fresh quality ingredients, so you can enjoy delicious dishes with a panoramic view of the Grand River as the backdrop. Before you leave, explore Barker’s Bush. This network of scenic, shaded trails and footbridges can be found along the Nith, and is accessible from Lion’s Park and other trailheads.
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