This summer there are two night markets operating in Richmond and many people want to know the different between them. I’ve attended both of them, blogged about the food I had at each one and I’ve come up with a comparison of my overall experience at each one.
Summer Night Market – 12631 Vulcan Way (behind Ikea)
This is the original location and a lot of people like the nostalgia of coming here because it is where they have always come. It is free to enter but the overall size of the market is smaller. There are fewer food options (there are more Hurricane potato stands) and there are fewer vendor stands as well.
- Click here for my review of the food at this location
- Hours – Fri and Sat 7-12, Sun and Holidays 7-11
- Runs until September 16, 2012
- Free entrance
- Pay parking but you can sometimes find free parking up the street
Richmond Night Market – 8351 River Road (behind the River Rock Casino)
This is the new location and it is conveniently located near the skytrain station. They offer free parking but since there is only one way in and one way out, the line ups to exit/enter the lot can be quite long. This location charges an admission fee of $1.50 to get into the market. The admission a couple of weeks ago was only $1 so people are speculating that they might keep raising the admission as the summer progresses. This location has almost a whole extra row of food vendors and they have more variety in the type of food they sell. They also seem to have more vendors than the other location. This location has a group of picnic tables where you can sit down and eat and some cute light trees, which gives it a more festive atmosphere.
- Click here for my review of the food at this location.
- Hours – Fri and Sat 7-12, Sun 6-11 (open on long weekends but time not specified)
- Runs until October 8, 2012
- $1.50 entrance fee
- Free event parking
Overall I enjoyed the Richmond Night Market more because they had more food to choose from, but I know people who still say the other one is their favourite. I think both locations are worth checking out during the summer because they have a few unique things at each one and it’s an inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening.
I prefer the one in Chinatown for overall vibe!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Night_Market
12631 Vulcan Way is not the original location.
Was a little pissed that I went last night and they charged the fee even though less than 20% of the vendors were open. I mean I get that it wasn’t the best weather last night, but it wasn’t raining at all. They should have either A) warned us that nothing inside was open or 2) let us in for free. I was NOT happy.
Ouch that’s not very good they should definitely let people know. I’d feel ripped off too. Good to know.
My goodness, this article has been exceptionally helpful in enabling me to become adequately knowledgeable about this subject matter. As a result, I was happily able to make the correct decision about which market was in my best interest to visit. I deeply appreciate the work you have done in crafting this brilliant guide. Thank you so much, Food Queen.