626 night market gets a 10/10
Aili Forster, Staff Writer
Starting Feb. 26 through April 24, the 626 Night Market (mini) will be held on Arizona Ave. and 5th st. in downtown Santa Monica. The night market, which is usually held near Orange County and northern California, is now in Santa Monica for five weekends and is open from 1-10 p.m. It offers food and drinks from around 24 vendors (a smaller number of vendors than usual, which was done to create a more intimate and casual atmosphere for attendees). While entry is free, tickets must be reserved ahead of time through the 626 Night Market website due to capacity limitations.
One of the few complications was that there was a very long queue of people going from the entrance to the corner of the block. Once able to get in however, there was a large array of food and drinks available along with a DJ and dance floor. The market primarily offers foods from different Asian cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Taiwanese as well as Hawaiian foods. Angela Liu (’25) was able to go to the market with friends and was very happy with the event.
“There were a lot of people and there were shops and not only food stands. I got to try food I had never had before and it was so fun having a DJ and a dance floor,” said Liu.
Vendors were not only limited to food, as there were some stands selling different anime themed products and handmade knitted toys and stuffed animals. The 626 Night Market brought some of their longtime favorite vendors such as “Shake Ramen”, “Tao’s Bao”, “Chick N’ Skin”, “Ghostix” and “Rockin’ Gyoza” and were also some of the busiest stands at the market. Tammy Ikumi (’25) reflected on her experience at the market.
“It was definitely worth going to and it gave me some inspiration on foods I could try making,” said Ikumi.
The event, inspired by the night markets of Asia, is a celebration of all Asian cultures and cuisines and gives independent vendors an opportunity to present their foods and products. The market has significantly impacted the Asian community, previously offering food at the 2019 “Head in the clouds'' festival, where many Asian artists performed. The annual festival is organized by the Asian music label “88rising”, and features artists such as Joji, NIKI, RICH BRIAN, beabadoobee, keshi, saweetie, DPR Live and more. Sienna Bevan (’25), acknowledges how the market has impacted the Asian community.
“It gives people an opportunity to experience Asian culture and Cuisine, as well as giving them a chance to support Asian American owned businesses,” Bevan said.
Even though this is the first time the market has come to Santa Monica, the turnout was successful, with long queues and a packed lot late into the evenings. Future dates for the event are the weekend of Apr. 9-10 and Apr. 23-24.
Samo students enjoying unique drinks from Sunday Cafe at the 626 night Market.