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: Little Mekong Night Market
Located just north of downtown within the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, accessible via the METRO Green Line light rail system, lies a five block area named Little Mekong. This unique commercial district is the product of an asset-based creative placemaking and local economic development strategy created in 2012 by the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA). Little Mekong was named after the Mekong River, which flows from China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Approximately 40,000 residents of Saint Paul trace their roots from countries along the Mekong River, and Little Mekong serves as a business and cultural district where over 100 small and locally owned businesses offer authentic food, gifts, clothing and services from the many cultures of Southeast Asia.
Working with local artists, business owners and neighborhood residents, the AEDA drastically revitalized Little Mekong through a combination of façade improvements, public art installations, public realm enhancements and business recruitment/cultivation/incubation initiatives. One of the most well-known of these initiatives, is an annual two day event celebrating the unique food, artisans and performance artists of local Southeast Asian-descent called the Little Mekong Night Market.
Image Credit: Little Mekong Night Market
Nearly 10,000 people attend the Little Mekong Night Market over the course of two days each year. While visitors nosh down on everything from kimchee fries to custard buns, the market features some fantastic visual stimulation. Festival goers enjoy watching everything from breakdancing competitions to flamenco theater performances while illuminated stilt walkers pass by children creating origami swans.
Little Mekong Night Market is perhaps the most culturally authentic, Asian-influenced night market in the U.S. outside of the 626 Night Market in Southern California. We just wish it happened more than once a year.
Image Credit: Little Mekong Night Market