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: Night Market Cleveland
To uninformed outsiders, the term ‘celebrating Cleveland’ doesn’t conjure up vibrant images. But when the lights go down during the summer, Night Market Cleveland redefines one’s opinion of the surging cultural and creative talent residing within the Sixth City.
Image Credit: Night Market Cleveland
Image Credit: Night Market Cleveland
A collaboration between St Clair Superior Development Corporation and Campus District, Night Market Cleveland draws between 12,000-15,000 people and 100 vendors on the final Friday of the month throughout the summer, awakening a sleepy stretch of Rockwell Avenue in the Old Chinatown neighborhood (within the broader St Clair Superior section of town). Historically a hub for immigrants from the late 1800’s throughout Cleveland’s manufacturing heyday until the mid 1900’s, Rockwell Avenue was mainly a deserted area after the turn of the century. To support one of the lone desert roses in Old Chinatown, the elegant Emperor’s Palace restaurant residing in a beautifully restored Chinese Art Deco building, Night Market Cleveland began in June 2015 to bring light to the potential of this once thriving neighborhood (business owners residing in the neighborhood are not charged to vend at the market).
Image Credit: Night Market Cleveland
Image Credit: Night Market Cleveland
The result is a culturally-diverse community event providing a fusion of ethnic eats, wares and entertainment while funneling foot traffic to local art venues found in the St Clair Superior neighborhood. Funding for the market originated from a diverse mix of foundational partners including George Gund Foundation, Cleveland Foundation and Eaton Corporation.