A community celebration in the heart of the city

Ain’t no party like a Downtown Block Party! On September 4, NorQuest College, MacEwan University, Women Building Futures, and the Edmonton Downtown Business Association came together to host another exciting edition of the annual Downtown Campus Block Party. With mild, sunny weather, the event welcomed students, faculty, staff, and the downtown community to connect, celebrate, and kick off the fall term in style. 

This event brings together diverse groups, from students and faculty to local business partners and residents. It’s a chance to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and strengthen ties between the campuses and the downtown community. With thousands of students visiting downtown daily due to increased enrollment, the event highlights the growing potential for local businesses. The Block Party is more than just a celebration; it’s a reflection of the thriving, vibrant life in Edmonton's core. 

From mouth-watering food and drinks to entertaining performances, there was no shortage of fun. Attendees enjoyed a diverse line up of dynamic performances from MacEwan’s Hip Hop Dance Club, tunes from DJ Paige, Bhangra dancers, and a drag performance, among others. Brianna and Sister Metis provided a Fiddle and Jig performance, with a special performance by CCMA artist Flaysher that rounded off the festivities.  

NorQuest and MacEwan alumni organizations were also present, offering students insights and support beyond their academic journey. Vendors like the Edmonton Police Service, Ledcor, Samsung and CHARM showcased their offerings, while booths for continuing education and mental health resources from the Centre for Growth and Harmony and its newest offering Violence Prevention and Support Services attracted a crowd. 

The Downtown Campus Block Party is more than just an event—it’s a testament to the power of community in Edmonton. David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton-City Centre, made a notable appearance, emphasizing the strong community support for this event. NorQuest president and CEO Carolyn Campbell and the entire executive team were in the mix too. The day also featured live coverage from local radio stations and news outlets, adding to the buzz. 

Whether enjoying free burgers or trying their hand at the climbing wall from Rock Jungle, attendees had plenty to smile about. 

“There’s lots of fun opportunities around this campus. I didn’t know my student ID could get me so many discounts, which is great because as a student I don’t have too much to spend, so that’s cool,” said Nathan, a new student looking forward to completing his qualification in Therapeutic Recreation. 

NorQuesters from all levels pitched in to help, from crossing guards to monitoring inflatable games for safety. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help with set up and support on the day, as well as the incredible vendor partners who showed up with offers to enhance the experience of our learners on their journey at NorQuest College.