Two summers ago Chinatown-based non-profit Think!Chinatown started their own summer series, Chinatown Night Market (橋頭夜市), a market that showcases the best of Chinatown–and they’re continuing it this summer!
Formerly called Chinatown Nights, Chinatown Night Market is an open-air cultural festival that features Chinatown-focused art and programming along with local street food vendors at Forsyth Plaza.
And their next event is taking place this Friday, August 11th, from 8p.m. – 11p.m.
And this week’s market will be their biggest one yet!
Over 30 vendors will take to the plaza, offering everything from tasty eats to traditional folk art crafts like paper cutting art, sugar painting, and braided straw figures.
Vendor highlights, which are Chinatown favorites, include but are not limited to:
- YaYa Tea
- Yan Wo Dou Bun (Tofu Auntie)
- Kam Hing Coffee Shop
- Xiang Mini Cake
- Pinklady Cheese Tart
- Sister Ping’s Peking Duck and Noodle Stall
- Yu & Me Books
Plus there will be even more performances and gathering spaces than ever before! Performances include:
- Annie YuRong Yu 俞毓蓉 – a professional singer from China currently based in NYC
- Victor Lin – a jazz pianist and violinist
- YiuYiu 瑤瑤 – spinning from her “Chinatown Records” collection bringing some of her favorite Canto- and Mandopop records and CDs
Performances are intermittent throughout the night, taking place at approximately 8:30, 9:15, and 10 p.m.
Chinatown Night Market came about as a way to drive more people to Chinatown to support the local businesses, bring more foot traffic into Chinatown in the evenings, and provide a safe space for people to gather at the under-used public plazas.
This open-air cultural festival is free to the public, though those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to help the T!C team plan for the event.
“Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Chinatown Night Market, the Think!Chinatown team has worked hard to expand the market area this season. We’re here to make more joyous spaces for our community to come together and strengthen our neighborhood,” said Yin Kong, 邝海音 Director of Think!Chinatown 心目华埠.
P.S. for more fun things to do in Manhattan’s Chinatown check out our full guide to the neighborhood!