Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
Sponsored Content

8 reasons Richmond Night Market needs to be on your list when you visit Vancouver

This eye-opening icon is celebrating its 25th year.

Three sushi tacos in a container. Right: A guest wearing white sunglasses holding a mille pressé pastry.

Richmond Night Market is a fun-filled way to wrap up your evening.

Sponsored Content Contributing Writer, Studio

The Richmond Night Market is the place to be on a Vancouver summer night. This year, it's bigger, brighter and tastier than ever, as a full-blown sensory experience packed with next-level eats, live performances, carnival vibes and now even a zipline soaring above the crowd (yes, seriously).

The bright lights and bustle of the markets kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, giving you a fun place to enjoy the Vancouver sunset on a balmy summer evening. If that's your idea of a great evening, the last thing you need is to be fumbling with your sunglasses.

That's why Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses are the ultimate night market accessory. They automatically darken outdoors and fade back to clear under lower light, so you can focus on feasting and exploring without the eyewear shuffle.

Bonus: they block 100% UVA and UVB rays. That means your eyes stay comfy and protected, both indoors and outdoors.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the market has stepped up its offerings with new attractions while still delivering the iconic food and fun that locals keep coming back for. Here's why it deserves a top spot on your summer bucket list — and why your Transitions Lenses will keep up every step (and snack) of the way.

Fill your belly with food that's on a whole other level

Let's be real, the food is the main event, with over 500 mouthwatering options served hawker-style. From mango sticky rice cakes, fried chicken steak and shrimp karaage to waffles, Mille Pressé and more, it's totally normal to eat six mini meals in one night.

With your Transitions Lenses, you'll get the total visual feast with none of the squinting, especially when you're moving between bright vendor stalls and mood-lit seating areas.

Get sky-high views on the new zipline

A bustling crowd eating different food outside a row of food stalls during sunset at Richmond Night Market. As of 2025, you can race your friends on a zipline that crosses over Richmond Night Market. Darryl Brooks | Dreamstime

This summer, the market introduced a 600-foot zipline, allowing you to fly over the energetic maze of stalls below.

It's an epic way to see the scene from above and inject some adrenaline into your night. You can even ride with your friends, with four ziplines side by side.

Catch live music and cultural performances

From K-pop dance crews to traditional dancers, the stage lineup is stacked every weekend with local talent bringing major energy. Richmond Night Market is also a spot where cosplayers step out to play, wearing amazingly crafted costumes and taking photos.

Whether you're vibing in the crowd or chilling with street food in hand, the market's entertainment is top-tier.

Be wowed by the nighttime neon wonderland

A person wearing Yankees baseball cap, light sweatshirt and sunglasses in front of a neon sign that reads "Richmond Night Market." The neon decorations become even more vivid as the night goes on. @victoriaespiritu | Instagram

Once the sun goes down, the market glows. Think neon signs, string lights and colourful backdrops that make everything feel electric and alive.

Transitions Lenses smoothly adapt to changing brightness, allowing you to take in the hues without eye strain, while looking just as cool as the surroundings with lens colours to match your vibe.

Shop local vendors and artists

Under a neon sign reading "Richmond Night Market," customers browse market stalls selling crafts and flowers. Come prepared to find treasures of all kinds. @life_with_luch | Instagram

Beyond the snacks, there are over 100 vendors selling a wide range of items, including handmade jewelry, beauty products, fashion accessories, and phone cases.

Shopping under the stars means shifting light conditions, but with your adaptable lenses, you'll have comfortable vision as you scan all the cute finds (and avoid impulse buys... or not).

Have fun with classic carnival games and pinball

A man in a red button-down shirt holds a plushie penguin in front of a strength tester sideshow attraction. Play fun games, win fun prizes. @buhradaradaford | Instagram

In between food runs, test your skills at the carnival-style game booths scattered throughout the market. The big draw this summer is Mega Pinball Duck Race, where you can win reward cards and try your luck at winning the weekly grand prize.

Whether you're reliving arcade glory days or trying them out for the first time, the games are pure fun and, who knows, will maybe even win you a prize.

Skip the lines like a boss

This year, the market offers a transferable Zoom Pass for priority access, letting you breeze by the regular queue and jump straight into the heart of the action — no delays, especially during peak times.

Pair the pass with your Transitions Lenses, and you're covered from every angle. Whether you're dashing between food booths or catching a show on stage, your lenses adapt as fast as your night does.

Save on happy-hour deals that go all night long

Forget rushing to beat the clock — the market's Happy Hour runs the entire evening each night. Every food booth has at least one item under $10, with drinks starting at $7. It's the perfect excuse to try more snacks (or go back for round two, or three).

And if you're rolling in fashionably late, the After Party Discount lets you snag discounted entry ($5 after 10 p.m.) and more food deals while still catching all the action.

Packed with delicious eats, exciting entertainment, and so much to check out, you can't miss the Richmond Night Market this summer. Whether you're ziplining, snacking or winning prizes under the stars, you'll want to see (and be seen) clearly.

With Transitions Lenses on your side, you'll be ready from first bite to last call — no swapping glasses or squinting at menus under dim lighting.

Available in a wide range of colours in both prescription and non-prescription, the lenses will keep your vision crisp and your style on point as they adapt to any light. You can usually get Transitions lenses wherever you normally purchase your glasses, or visit Transitions.com to find an eyecare provider near you.

To try Transitions Lenses for yourself, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages. Discover more ways to explore your city, seamlessly, here.

Sponsored Content

This 12-hour guide to Vancouver will help you spend a perfect day in this West Coast gem

This day-to-night itinerary is packed with must-see moments.

Ontario is home to Canada's 'prettiest' town and houses are so cheap it's a 'miracle'

This dreamy beach town is one of the best spots to live in the province.

21 products at Costco that are actually cheaper than items at Dollarama

Buying the bulk-sized products gets you more bang for your buck! 👀