Asian-style summer night markets are a summer tradition in Vancouver and across the Lower Continent. Normally open on weekends and holidays from mid-May to mid-September, these summer night markets are massive affairs, attracting thousands of visitors a day and featuring hundreds of food vendors and discount retailers as well as entertainment. live.
The two largest summer night markets in Greater Vancouver are in Richmond, BC, about 20 minutes (by car) south of downtown Vancouver. These are the Panda Night Market (renamed in 2016; previously International Summer Night Market) and the Richmond Night Market (reopened in 2012 after a four-year hiatus).
What to Expect at Richmond Night Market and Panda Night Market
There are two main draws to Richmond’s Summer Night Market: the food (!) And the cheap, discounted produce. Food stalls line the three night markets, serving a variety of Chinese / Japanese / Korean / Asian favorites such as freshly roasted squid, pork sui mai, and Osaka balls, as well as fairground dishes like sno-cones, twisty potatoes and sweet waffles. For most visitors, it’s the food, as well as the nightly bazaar atmosphere, that makes these markets a must-see.
Richmond Night Market
Where: 8351 River Rd, Richmond BC
When: May 15 – October 12, 2016
Hours of operation: Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 12am; Sundays and holidays from 6pm to 11pm
$ 2.75; free for children under 10 and seniors
Richmond Night Market first opened in 2000, eventually moving to the night market location on Vulcan Way. But in 2007, the Richmond Night Market lost its lease and went on hiatus for four years (the Summer Night Market took over its location as a replacement in 2008). Returning in 2012 to a new location near the River Rock Casino (making it easy to get to via the Canada Line; it’s a short walk from Bridgeport Station), the reopened Richmond Night Market boasts over 80 food vendors, more than 250 stores, live entertainment, and carnival rides.
Panda Night Market (formerly International Summer Night Market)
Where: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC
When: April 29 – September 11, 2016
Hours of operation: Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 12am; Sundays and holidays 7pm – 11pm
FREE
The Panda Night Market has been the ideal destination for the big night markets (as in large crowds, more than 300 vendors) in the Lower Continent since 2008. At the Panda Night Market, the vendors are divided into two ‘sides’: a “side” food vendor and a “side” discount retailer. Visitors generally start on the food side, where food stands are lined up in rows; After dinner, crowds roam the retail stalls on the other ‘side’ of the market, which include discount goods such as cheap sunglasses, fashion, jewelry, electronics, and Chinese DVDs.
Special nights of multicultural events are scheduled throughout the season.
Make the most of your visit
Bring cash! Most vendors will accept cash only (true for on-site parking too), and while there are ATMs on-site, you can avoid excessive bank fees by bringing your own cash. Dinner for two will be about $ 40 (adding small, regular-size plates isn’t cheap). Families with children should be aware that crowds are large and tight; make sure the kids know how to hold hands / stay with their parents and suggest a central location to meet up if someone gets lost (or make sure everyone has cell phones).
