Richmond Night Market

The Asian-themed Richmond Night Market is Metro Vancouver’s biggest and most amazing night market, and the largest of its kind in North America.

With hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors each weekend, it’s a sight to be seen!

Richmond’s Giant Asian Night Market

The Richmond Night Market used to be one of two night markets in Richmond, with the other being the slightly smaller Illumination Summer Night Market located just a short drive away (but no longer running as of 2018).

The still existing Richmond Night Market is open most years from around May until the Thanksgiving Weekend in October. In 2020 it planned to run from mid-May until October. However, the market was eventually cancelled due to COVID-19. After well over a year on the shelf, the market returned on July 23rd in 2021. It ran until September later that year. In 2022 the market ran from April 29th until October 10th.

The 2023 Richmond Night Market season begins on April 28th.

The Richmond Night Market is definitely one of Metro Vancouver’s best places in general, but especially for shopping, East Asian culture and Oriental festival-style foods. It’s the closest thing to an authentic Asian night market outside Asia, and highly recommended (unless you don’t like crowds or Asian food).

There is sometimes live entertainment on the market’s Main Stage. The performances can range from dance to martial arts to music and more. Check the Richmond Night Market website for the most up to date information.

Crowds by Night Market Food Stands

Admission and Location

The Richmond Night Market is normally open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from around May to Thanksgiving. It features dozens of ethnic food stalls, millions of Chinese-made trinkets and gadgets, Asian clothing and tons of energy.

On Fridays in 2022 the market ran from 7 pm until midnight. Saturday hours were from 6 pm until midnight and Sunday hours were from 7 pm until 11 pm.

Admission in 2022 cost $6 for people ages 7 to 59, which was quite reasonable. Children under age 7 and adults ages 60+ got in for free.

There was also the Express Pass (formerly known as the Zoom Pass). This VIP ticket allowed users to skip the line and enter through an express entry when they arrived at the market. The pass cost $35 in 2022 and was valid for six visits, which meant you saved a dollar or so if you went that many times. It was also transferable so it could be shared with friends or family.

Market hours and admission prices for the 2023 season are to be confirmed.

The Richmond Night Market’s address is 8351 River Road. It’s close to the Bridgeport SkyTrain station and River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.

THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO RICHMOND!

The Royal Canadian International Circus is at Lansdowne Mall in Richmond on the Victoria Day Long Weekend of May 18th to 22nd in 2023. Before that, it’s also in Surrey from May 4th until May 7th and in Vancouver from May 11th to 14th.

It’s a very good and affordable circus. Also, if you use the promo code VANSBESTPLACES you’ll get 2-for-1 pricing on general admission!

Dinosaurs at the Market

Dinosaur at Night For the last few years the Richmond Night Market has been home to the Magical Dino Park and its 18 or so moving, roaring and life-like dinosaurs.

At the market there’s a brachiosaurus, stegosaurus, T Rex, velociraptor, triceratops and other giant prehistoric lizard-like creatures to see.

The dinosaurs are a great addition to the market that children especially enjoy.

TIP: If you like prehistoric creatures, then 2023 is a great year to be in the Lower Mainland. A number of dinosaur exhibitions are touring the area including Jurassic Quest which sets up in both Vancouver and Abbotsford in May. For details click Vancouver Dinosaur Exhibits and Events.

Night Market Tips

Below is some advice to help you make the most out of your visit to the Richmond Night Market.

TIP #1: Try to arrive early to get parking right at the site and before the lineup at the ticket counters gets too ridiculous.

TIP #2: If you plan to visit the Richmond Night Market several times over the course of the summer, in addition to the Zoom Pass, consider getting a Sweet Deals Coupon Book at either the entrance or inside at the information booth. Inside the book are dozens of coupons for discounts at the market’s various retail and food vendor merchants.

Vendors at Richmond Night Market