These Night Markets Are Lighting Up Cities

As farmers markets and food truck rallies now seemingly pop up everywhere, a new nocturnal trend has recharged the street food scene and illuminated the rich potential hidden in long-forgotten neighborhoods across the US. Inspired by the late-night street markets found in many Asian cities, more and more night markets have taken root stateside to expose a rich, cultural melting pot that has largely simmered unnoticed to US audiences. Here, we take a look at the most popular night markets shedding light on local culture from coast-to-coast.

Image Credit: Sauced Market

Sauced Night Market is a roving nighttime bazaar In Chicago, IL that brings together emerging culinary talent and independent artisan makers selling artsy wares under one roof - one of the few night markets held indoors.

Image Credit: Sauced Market

The market’s organizer, Sarah Freeman, describes Sauced as an evening of food, art and debauchery set to the tune of Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Hypnotize’. Frankly, that’s a pretty apt description. Attendees flock to Sauced to find a chef that hosts underground supper clubs but wants to open their own brick and mortar serving food next to a lesser-known guest bartender within Chicago’s burgeoning mixologist scene creating unique cocktails, while a maker of denim jeans rubs elbows with rapping violinists. Sometimes you have to venture out at night to no longer be in the dark. Half market/half experience, attending Sauced gives one the instant credibility that they are now ‘in-the-know’.

Image Credit: Sauced Market

While not as robust in terms of vendor count and population compared to other night markets featured here, Sauced Night Market’s fierce independence (it is operated by one person, after all), dedication to featuring undiscovered talent (the majority of vendors are chefs, brewers, jewelers, clothing makers, etc that are looking to launch a new creative endeavor) and uniquely cool underground venues (like barcades) make this nocturnal pop up particularly noteworthy.

Image Credit: Sauced Market