Summer night markets around Vancouver set to open for the season
Most of the night markets open this month
Night markets are popping up all over the Lower Mainland and where you can go to eat, drink and shop under a summer evening sky is expanding.
On the Coast food columnist Anya Levykh provides a rundown of where to go and what you must try while you are there.
The Richmond Night Market May 15 - October 12
The market has live music and dance, carnival games and all sorts of merchandise for sale. Take a stroll through the market while eating dim sum and sipping on a delicious bubble tea. If you don't have a car, don't worry because the market is located near the Bridgeport Skytrain station.
Admission is $2.75. Kids 10 and under, and seniors are free.
The market welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors every weekend and has been rated one of the top four night markets in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. Levykh recommends skipping lunch so that your appetite can take advantage of the huge selection of food trucks and vendors.
Admission and parking is free.
Shipyard Nights Market Now - September 25
This is a fantastic family-friendly event that happens every Friday night over the summer at Shipbuilder's Square in Lonsdale. There are at least 20 food trucks on site as well as live music and a beer garden that dispenses local craft beer and organic vodka iced tea. The market focuses on local, artisan vendors so expect a lot of specially made products that aren't available elsewhere.
Admission is free.
Back for its second year at the Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds, the market features over 50 food vendors offering almost every type of ethnic cuisine imaginable. Every night local bands, singers and dancers will entertain the crowds on its performance stage, while kids can keep themselves occupied with arcade games and carnival rides.
Admission is $2. Kids under 48", seniors over 75 and families of Canadian Armed Forces are free.
Plaza of Nations Saturday Market June 20
This will be the first year for the new market and it is being organized by the same people in charge of the Shipyard Friday night market. Aside from merchandise and food vendors, there will be live music and an outdoor beer garden serving craft beer, wine and ciders.
Admission is free.
To hear the full interview with food columnist Anya Levykh, listen to the audio labelled Summer night markets