Night markets in San Francisco have found great success, often drawing thousands. In November 2023, a Chinatown night market had 25 local businesses participate, drawing huge crowds packing the streets for the 2-day event. Following that success, the Chinatown Night Market has become a reoccurring event for 2024. The recurring night markets will occur on the 2nd Friday of every month on Grant Ave, beginning at 5:30 pm. The next Chinatown night market for this month is on Friday, November 8, 2024. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend, you can sample some great food and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The night market is hitting it’s one year anniversary since a successful debut in November 2023 that drew thousands of people to the neighborhood. It’s now become a monthly tradition, serving up your favorite food from Chinatown restaurants. Plus, while your in the neighborhood you can check out some of the iconic bars in the area and explore the scenic neighborhood.
The 2023 Chinatown Night Market
The Chinatown Night Market was expected to be a hit, and it occurred right before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The market followed the success of similar events, particularly a wildly successful one in the Sunset earlier this year.
The market itself was bustling, filled with music and thick crowds that spread several blocks. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, something many people felt was lacking in San Francisco, particularly in the downtown area. I went on Saturday, only an hour into the market, and many vendors were already selling out of food; I was still able to have my pick of many great bites and quickly found my arms full of to-go boxes. A beautiful Lion Dance swept through the market in the early evening, drawing a large crowd. Booths served a variety of food, from tea and tasty pastries to sushi and egg rolls. Many of the stores along Grant Ave stayed open late to welcome in the crowds.
All the vendors were small businesses in Chinatown lining the streets for the open-air market. Payments for the market were made via a food voucher you could purchase on each block of the market. Cashless payments were preferred for the vouchers, including credit cards and Apple Pay.
Be Chinatown organized the night market. A coalition of leaders, merchants, and residents in Chinatown, Be Chinatown is very involved in Chinatown’s community. The organization aims to strengthen the community and create economic opportunities for the neighborhood.
Vendor list for November 2023 Night Market
- AA Bakery
- CCHP
- Charming Sun Market
- Cool Tea Bar
- Dragon Papa
- Enter the Cafe
- Far East Cafe
- Golden Gate Fortune Cookies
- Golden King
- Grant Place
- House of Dim Sum
- Imperial Palace
- Lady Luck Cafe
- Lucky Creation
- Metro Hong Kong Dessert and Milk Tea
- Mon Sing Noodle
- New Golden Daisy
- Rock Sushi
- Sam Wo
- Ti Bear
- Tien Ren Tea
- Wing Sing Dim Sum
- Wong Lee Bakery
- Yummy Bakery
- Zhu’s Tea