California’s summer nights are getting a supersized upgrade — and it’ll only cost you a fancy coffee.
The legendary 626 Night Market is returning to Arcadia this month, bringing a massive after-dark food and culture takeover to Santa Anita Park with more than 250 vendors, live entertainment, shopping and plenty of over-the-top eats.
The three-day festival will run from Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night — and admission is just $8 online.
Inspired by Taiwan’s legendary night markets, founder Jonny Hwang launched 626 Night Market in the San Gabriel Valley in 2012 — turning a humble local event named after the region’s 626 area code into the largest Asian-themed night market in the US.
The festival’s recipe for success? A little bit of everything.
Visitors can feast their way through hundreds of food and drink options, from traditional Asian favorites to wild mashups designed for the Instagram era.
Expect everything from dumplings, noodles and Korean street food to creations like Hot Cheeto burritos, seafood fries, lobster rolls, peach cobblers, matcha lattes, deep fried pizzas, bulgogi rice bowls, and Dubai chocolate churro sundaes.
Basically: if it can be fried, stuffed, drizzled or turned into a dessert, it probably has a spot here.
But 626 Night Market isn’t just a food frenzy.
The sprawling event also features shopping booths packed with unique finds, including handmade African jewelry, anime merchandise, plushies, airbrushed T-shirts, custom tote bags, carved crystals, collectible gaming accessories — and even taxidermy insects for those looking to take home a truly unforgettable souvenir.
The gathering will also bring cultural performances, DJs, games and interactive experiences throughout the weekend at its Encore Stage.
Friday’s lineup will kick off with performances from indie pop singer Rin, pop artist HOHYUN, R&B crooner Justin Park and melodic EDM artist TIFFVNYJOY, while Saturday brings a special Dreamstate Takeover.
The festival’s final night will go out with a bang featuring folk singer Labit, a Kawaii Cosplay contest for costumed fans and a Kawaii Rave to close things out.
And it’s not just SoCal foodies taking notice — the festival earned a spot among USA TODAY’s 10 Best night markets, with readers and experts praising its dizzying lineup of eats, music and cultural tributes.
The event’s return to Santa Anita Park marks the final Southern California edition of 626 Night Market in 2026 before the festival returns next year.
The festival will transform the park’s iconic racetrack grounds at 285 W Huntington Drive, with free parking available for hungry night market hunters.
Organizers recommend arriving early, as thousands of visitors are expected to pack the grounds each night.
From midnight snacks to handmade treasures, 626 Night Market is bringing the energy of Asia’s iconic street markets straight to the San Gabriel Valley — no passport required.
And if you’re somehow still hungry after 626? L.A.’s night market scene keeps the lights on with Chinatown’s DS Thai Night Market, Hollywood’s 101 Night Market and Monchis Night Market south of downtown — all serving up late-night feasts, street eats and plenty of reasons to stay out past sunset.
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