Noteworthy vendors, night market history, and the best tips for enjoying your visit.
The Nox markets ofTaiwanare unlike any other in the earth . The aroma of fermented tofu — fondly referred to as stinky tofu — lingers in the aviation , oyster omelet house of cards and sizzle , and zippy Taiwanese sausage balloon are lined up in a row ready to be enveloped in sticky rice .
These Formosan dark markets are what inspired626 Night Market’sfounder , Jonny Hwang , when he first dream up the idea of opening a California - based night mart during the 2008 recession .
“ I was thinking of idea to aid minor businesses that were skin at the clip , ” he explains . “ Since we were living in the San Gabriel Valley , one of the largest Asian enclave outside of Asia , I thought of the night markets in Asia and how they leave a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ability and develop their product . ”
Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Night grocery are penny-pinching to Hwang ’s heart , having grown up visitingTaiwanin the summers and eventually live on there mail - college . He ’s specifically nostalgic for stinky tofu , “ seven geographical mile of fragrance ” or fried chicken butts , Gallus gallus gristle , and steamy peanutmochi . retroflex the Nox market of Taiwan , however , posed some challenges .
“ The health code are much different so we could n’t exactly mirror those dark markets due to wellness , ardor , and safety codes , ” Hwang says .
But the spirit of Taiwanese night market — a seat of residential area , gathering , and indulging in delicious foods , is present . “ We encompass our differences and sought to create a contemporary California - mode night securities industry , with not only food , shopping , and plot but also crafts , art , live amusement , and special activities derived from our local communities . ”
Photo by Alicia Cho for Thrillist
Where and when does the 626 Night Market take place?
Since its origination in 2008 , the 626 Night Market has expanded to include locating in Santa Monica , Orange County Fair and Event Center , the Alameda Fairgrounds , and the original location at the Santa Anita Racetrack . They even thrive to Downtown Santa Monica for the first time this year — featuring a “ Mini Night Market ” with two - dozen trafficker and issue hold on the weekends in February , March , and April .
Each positioning has different dates held throughout the year , and no two ever overlap — sort of like a traveling carnival . These are the date for the coming 2022 time of year :
Who are some of the noteworthy vendors?
The vender at 626 Night Market are always rotate — specially among the unlike locations that pop up throughout the twelvemonth — so we encourage you to watch out their marketer listherebefore guess out .
That being pronounce , some vendor stay ordered and carry items that are meaning for Asian - inspired night markets , like playfulness foods on sticks !
Bombing Giant Squidis a stall well jazz for their Instagram - worthy , deep - fry skewer of squid . Each squid is propped up by two chopsticks insert through its centre of attention and features a dry - dredge outside that gives way to a tender , but bouncy , squid interior .
Yakitori Yadospecializes in juicy wimp and mochi skewers griddled over a oxford grey flaming , giving it a smoky aroma . Once the crybaby is finish up wangle , the skewer are dunked in a gratifying and piquant cheat sauce for a glitter finish .
Big & Long Potato Swirlis exactly what it sounds like : a potato is cut thin into a tornado shape before it is deep fry and doused in an raiment of seasoning powder that range from sour cream and onion plant to barbecue to cheddar . It ’s a perfect portable snack and the lemonade at this booth is refreshing , too .
For dessert , the perfect option isHawaiian Honeycombs . This vendor , which has pop - ups and locations span six states , specializes in J - regulate maize cane cones that are fill up with vanilla extract soft - serve icing emollient .
What else can you do at the 626 Night Market?
Although one of the largest draw of the 626 Night Market are the rows and rows of vendors and food , the 626 Night Market also feature habiliment , prowess , and gift vendors , so shopping is a must .
Additionally , each 626 Night Market location has a stagecoach and schedule of performances , so in between bites of nutrient , be sure to enjoy the live entertainment provided .
How much does the 626 Night Market cost?
The Santa Monica version of 626 Night Market is free with registration . Every other location has a $ 5 presale admission fee fee , which creeps up to $ 6 when bribe tickets on the day of .
Parking is also something to consider . At Santa Anita Park , parking is loose . OC Fair & Event center provides parking for $ 10 while parking at the Alameda Fairgrounds is $ 15 .
Tips for enjoying the 626 Night Market
Due to how expansive and various each 626 Night Market is , ensure you come hungry and queer . To domiciliate all the vender and execution , the night market is unremarkably spacious , so wear comfy shoes so it will be well-to-do to shoot from vendor to marketer throughout the entire event .
Although many vendors now accept Square , Venmo , or Apple Pay , it ’s best to bring cash just in case .
Most importantly , have play and love this slice of night market culture that has come to life-time in Southern California .
