Book swaps to open mics: New vibe at North Park Farmers Market

From book swaps to open mic nights, North Park Main Street will debut new Thursday Farmers Market fun on Aug. 21 in partnership with Walkabout, a community-focused tech platform.

The goal: to transform the market into a fully connected, real-time community experience.

Walkabout curates low-key, high-vibe ways to explore the neighborhood, meet fellow residents, and engage with local businesses — all through its digital North Park Navigator, designed to help locals make the most of their Thursday nights.

Here’s what to expect on 8/21:

Thirsty Thursday – A rotating happy hour that highlights a different North Park bar or brewery each week, making it easy for locals to connect over drinks while supporting small businesses.

Book Swap – A free, casual meet-up hosted at local coffee shops, where neighbors can exchange books and spark conversations in familiar, relaxed spaces.

Checklist Challenge – Walkabout Insiders unlock exclusive perks and mini-experiences from nearby shops, encouraging locals to explore the neighborhood and discover something new.

Open Mic Night @ CinKuni – A free weekly comedy night in a welcoming space, where Walkabouters can skip the line and hop on stage, turning spectators into performers and adding creative energy to Thursday nights.

Used by more than 9,000 locals and 100+ neighborhood businesses, Walkabout is a community-powered app that fosters real-world connections through curated perks, social discovery, and simple ways to feel part of where you live.

“Thursdays in North Park already have a great vibe,” said Jessica Young, president of Walkabout. “We’re building on that — helping people meet each other, support small businesses, and experience the neighborhood in a deeper way.”