Asian Night Market planned for Austin on May 25

AUSTIN, Texas — The first locally produced night market will take place in Austin later this month.

Night markets are exactly what they sound like: typically open-air markets that take place at night and encourage strolling, shopping and eating. The markets are popular in East Asian, Southeast Asian and Chinatown neighborhoods across the world.

The Austin Night Market will be hosted by the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Lunar Foundation at Distribution Hall on Saturday, May 25, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

While this end time may seem late, it’s actually typical for these types of events, according to Austin food blogger Jane Ko of A Taste of Koko.

“I know it’s pretty late, but that’s traditional for night markets,” Ko told KVUE’s Jenni Lee. “I actually grew up in Taiwan and night markets are very common there. There are actually over 700 night markets in Taiwan and they are so much fun.

The Austin event will feature dozens of vendors, including local food and tastemakers offering Asian-influenced dishes and arts and crafts vendors showcasing their wares. There will also be live painting by Yellow Yellow and Everyday Research, as well as live music and dance performances by a range of artists.

The market, which initially lasted three days and was later consolidated to just one night, benefits the Austin Asian Community Health Initiative.

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“It’s a great way for the community to come out and experience, you know, our Asian culture and experience through food, music, performances and workshops,” said Ko. “It’s just a such a special event”

Tickets are available online for $30 plus fees. Children 12 and under get in free and Ko said dogs are also welcome.

Don’t know where to park? Ko said there was a simple solution.

“Asian Night Market partnered with CapMetro to unveil the Plaza Saltillo station. So if you get on the CapMetro line, it takes you right to the steps of the Asian Night Market,” Ko said. so you don’t even have to worry about parking.”

CapMetro is also offering night market attendees free digital rail passes. There are 350 free passes available on a first come, first served basis. Registrations close on Wednesday May 22.

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