Exploring the Glow of the Weekend Night Market

The fourth Thursday of every month, the Weekend Night Market sets up camp at The Promenade North, between Third and Fourth Street. In the middle of a bustling city next to many forms of public transportation, the night market fills the walkway from 5 to 9 p.m. with food vendors, drinks, jewelry and clothing vendors while providing games and music to their customers.

In the middle of the city, the night market is surrounded by many businesses that provides people with a place to visit after running their errands or looking to do a bit of shopping after their evening dinner.

“Going to the Planet Fitness around the corner almost every day there was never a reason for me to stay, but I always make sure to stop by when this market stops by here,” said Liam Diaz. “I never had a reason to stay in this area for too long after a workout but coming by and getting an agua fresca before heading home and just walking around never hurt anyone.”

From agua fresca to hamburgers, residents can find many types of items to eat. The most notable vendor being Baby’s Badass Burgers with its bright pink food truck serving hamburgers, fires and chili cheese fires.

Right across from them residents can try The Tamales Fiesta, a place that prides themselves with their award-winning tamales. People were also able to order Indonesian fusion food from StopBye. The last food vendor was Miche Fresca King, serving aqua fresca and chocolate strawberries to customers.

“It easy to spend money in these types of places,” said Mariana Rosa. “Kinda wanted to just eat one thing but ended up just going down the line and trying everything.”

With food being served, the night market also offered more than just foods. People were able to shop for clothes and jewelry with an abundance of vendors selling them. Paintings, trinkets, cameras, homemade body oils and soaps and tarot card readings, the night market showed love to many small businesses in the area.

“It just fun taking a walk down here,” said Diaz. “It may not be the biggest night market, but it has its charm that a large one cannot copy.”

With vendors filling the walkway, the night market provides entertainment. A DJ in the background playing hit songs from different decades and games such as chess, Connect 4 and cornhole for the small children, it fills the air with an atmosphere that Diaz describes as “a vibe.”

“It feels like I’m in a small community having their monthly get together,” said Diaz. “We are experiencing hard times right now and something as small as this can really hold people together and I love that.”