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 which costs $8.50 for adults). 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 & 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 2024 season begins on April 26th and runs until October 14th.

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 Richmond Night Market featured a large 60-foot bouncy castle, perfect for children looking to burn off energy. The 2024 Summer Sweet Dragon Richmond Night Market also features huge bouncy castles.

At the market there are over 110 food booths catering to every palate. Extra large prop chairs were a welcome relief last year to rest tired legs and enjoy a nibble and a drink. Hopefully there’s a big seating area in 2024 as well.

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 from 7:00 pm until 12:00 am. Sunday hours are between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm most weekends. In 2024, Saturday hours are from 7:00 pm until midnight. However, the market opens one hour earlier on Saturdays from June 1st until September 1st. Saturday hours then return to normal for the rest of the season.

Admission costs about $8.50 for people ages 7 to 59. Children under age 7 and adults ages 60+ enter for free.

This year, visitors can also purchase a Zoom Pass. This VIP ticket allows users to skip the line and enter through an express entry when they arrive at the market. The pass costs $40. It’s also transferable so it can be shared with friends and family.

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