Dance floors head outdoors before the snow roars

The final patio parties of the summer are coming up, with options north and south of the river on Sept. 6. Red Star at 10534 Jasper Avenue NW will be serving chef Lili Millan's tacos, and Blair Junior and Mr. Kou will be spinning tunes, for the last installation of the Soul Garden party series. Or head to Whyte Avenue for The Black Dog Freehouse's Queer Dance Party — the bar typically hosts the event on the night before most statutory holidays, and Labour Day is no exception.

Odd Company Brewing will host its final Odd Night Out of the season at its Ritchie location on Sept. 12, promising 12 DJs in the lineup and fresh pours all night. If you want some beer but aren't so keen on four-on-the-floor, head a few blocks north that day to Blind Enthusiasm for Barrel Fest, the fourth annual event celebrating barrel-aged and barrel-fermented beer.

And there are still three chances to catch a Friday Grand Night Market, which offers food trucks and ready-to-eat options alongside live entertainment. Sept. 11's rendition will take place on 76 Avenue; Sept. 18's will take place at Frank's Community Pub; and Sept. 25's will be on Happy Beer Street at the Seventy Gr8 Ave entertainment district. The final installment of the weekly Summer Block Party series in the Rice Howard Way entertainment district takes place on Sept. 19, with a focus on country and folk music. Entertainment districts are closed to vehicles and allow patrons to consume food and beverages from adjacent restaurants in the street.