Photo credit: ARMEN | Flickr

Greater Vancouver’s night market scene just got a little hotter.

A new Asian-style night market has been approved for this summer in Richmond, next to the River Rock Casino (see map below).  The Richmond Night Market opens May 18 and runs through Oct. 8, featuring 88 vendors serving authentic Asian cuisine, plus more than 200 vendors selling merchandise. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The new market joins the Lower Mainland’s two other existing night markets:  the Summer Night Market on nearby Vulcan Way in Richmond and the Chinatown Night Market on Keefer Street in downtown Vancouver.   The night market phenomenon, which caught on over the last decade, has grown into a summer staple for many Vancouverites: a unique chance to sample authentic Asian cuisine, browse “designer” goods from overseas and take in some live Asian pop or karaoke.

Details about the new Richmond Night Market are still emerging.  But it’s already got a few things going for it.  First of all, there’s the location.  The market is located just west of River Rock Casino and only 200 metres from the Bridgeport Station of the Canada Line (at the end of No. 3 Road, in a riverfront area known as Duck Island).  So now it’s possible to just hop on the SkyTrain and zip right to a night market.

View Richmond Night Market in a larger map

And if you do drive, the market has 1,600 free parking spots.  No more driving around and trying to hunt down a free space.

According to its website, the Richmond Night Market is also more spacious than previous locations.  It will feature carnival rides and a children’s amusement zone.  Plus, there will be a different specially priced food vendor each night.   I just hope the takoyaki is on sale when I go.

Looking forward to the night markets?  Who’s your favourite food vendor?  Let us know below. 

Want more updates on Vancouver and beyond?  Follow me on Twitter @RemyScalza.