North America’s largest night market kicks off ‘once-in-a-lifetime season’ in Metro Vancouver this week

Calling the Richmond Night Market a quintessential summer event in Metro Vancouver is like calling water wet. As the largest of its kind in North America, the annual celebration is about so much more than just the food, though this year’s night market has over 500 international street food vendors to sample…

It’s also a place to discover one-of-a-kind local retail finds, enjoy live music from across the globe, and learn more about the plethora of cultures and nationalities that comprise the Metro Vancouver community. It’s a place where high-energy music and dancing meet global cuisines, with plenty of happy hour food and drink deals to go around.

This year’s event marks a “once-in-a-lifetime season” for the Richmond Night Market, which has been delighting foodies since 1999.

Founder Raymond Cheung was inspired by the lively night markets of Hong Kong, which attracted families, couples, and friends alike after a long day’s work for a bite to eat and late-night entertainment. No such event or tradition existed in the Lower Mainland at the time, so Cheung set about changing that. He chose Richmond specifically for his Asian-inspired night market to make it more accessible to residents across the region.

Today, the iconic night market draws more than one million people every year — so clearly, he did something right!

This year’s night market promises to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” installment of the annual celebration you already know and love. This means all-new attractions, live entertainment, and foodie adventures, according to a recent Instagram post.

How much is admission to the Richmond Night Market?

GA tickets are available for $7 a pop, with the option to upgrade to a Zoom Pass, priced at $40, which lets you skip the entry line.

Given the mass amounts of people that flock to the night market, pets are not permitted.

Happy hour food and drink deals

As mentioned, the night market is bringing back its popular happy hour food and drink deals, with select drinks available for under $7 and select food items available for under $10. What’s more, every participating food booth will have happy hour options to choose from every night of the night market this season. So you don’t have to splurge on expensive meals to get a taste of what the Richmond Night Market is all about.

The world’s first night market zipline

Also making its grand return this season is the Skyrush Zipline, the first of its kind in the world.

To celebrate opening day (Friday, April 24, 2026), admission to the zipline will be priced at $25 per ride for those aged 13 and above, and $15 per ride for those aged six to 12 years old.

It’s going to be an unforgettable season of the Richmond Night Market, folks. Mark your calendars!

When: Opens Friday, April 24, 2026, operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA

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