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!

The Lower Mainland’s other major night market is the Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver. The event on the North Shore takes place on Fridays between May and September. It too is exceptional, and admission is free (unlike the market in Richmond). The Shipyards Night Market also features nightly concerts and a beer garden.

This article contains the following information about the Richmond Night Market:

What’s New at the Market | Admission and Location | Tips | Other Information

Richmond’s 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).

The still existing Richmond Night Market is open most years from the end of April until the Thanksgiving Weekend. The 2023 season began on April 28th and ran until October 9th. The 2024 season is scheduled to begin in April, although exact dates are to be confirmed.

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 of 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.

Crowds by Night Market Food Stands

What’s New at the Market

Last year’s Summer Wonderland Richmond Night Market featured two new additions. The first was a large 60-foot bouncy castle, perfect for children looking to burn off energy. The second appealed to foodies. Adding to the eclectic Asian menu were foods from Indonesia, Turkey and Mexico making the market a fusion of spicy and tasty.

In all, at the market there are normally over 110 food booths catering to every palate, including those who like churros and butterbeer. Extra large prop chairs are a welcome relief to rest tired legs from walking the market and wanting to just sit and relax as you enjoy a nibble and a drink.

Admission and Location

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

The market’s Friday hours are typically from 7:00 pm until 12:00 am. Sunday hours are between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, but these can be extended on long weekends. During last year’s season, Saturday hours were from 7:00 pm until midnight. The market opened one hour earlier on Saturdays from May 20th until around the end of August. Saturday hours returned to normal for September and October. These hours may be the same this year, although exact details are to be confirmed.

Admission cost is about $8 for people ages 7 to 59, which is quite reasonable. Children under age 7 and adults ages 60+ enter for free.

Last year, visitors could also purchase a 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 and was valid for five visits. It was also transferable so it could be shared with friends and family. We hope the Zoom Pass is available this year too.

Admission passes and prices in 2024 are likely to be similar, although exact details 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.

Night Market Tips & Advice

Below is some advice to help you make the most 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 as it 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. When available, the book is either at 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