Richmond Night Market

The Richmond Night Market is an annual night market held through the summer months in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It runs on weekends and is held near Bridgeport Station and River Rock Casino. Until 2007, it was held at the Vulcan Way location behind Home Depot, but in 2008, the competing Summer Night Market was able to secure the lease to the Vulcan Way location. Richmond's large immigrant population has provided a strong Asian influence to the night markets.

The night market in Richmond has attracted people from all over the world. The Richmond Night Market has been appreciated by locals and tourists alike for getting people together, offering good ethnic food, and providing entertainment. The night market has become a "must see" tourist attraction in Richmond. Events such as fundraisers by the Richmond Fire Department are often held at the night market.

The Richmond Night Market was first held in 2000 at the Continental Centre. By 2003, it was moved to Lansdowne Centre to accommodate its growth. As attendance continued to increase, it moved again to the present site of the River Rock Casino Resort and finally to River Rd. Over 30,000 people visit the night market each night.

At its peak, the Richmond Night Market had over 400 booths selling mostly Asian cuisine, merchandise, and entertainment. Entrance to the market was free, though parking on site near the entrance can cost as high as $5.50 for the evening. Currently, year 2012, there is free parking and only a small admission fee. The merchandise sold at the night market is of a lower price point than traditional retail stores and primarily imported from Asia. A Canadian lawyer has charged, in 2004, that the night markets in Vancouver and Richmond are a major conduit for organized crime gangs involved in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit goods.

In October 2007, the Richmond Night Market's lease on Vulcan Way expired. The landlord and Target Event Production Ltd. were unable to negotiate a new lease, primarily due to a rent increase. Target Event Production Ltd. attempted to find an alternative location, within Richmond, to host the night market for 2008. However, they were not able to find a venue in time, in Richmond or anywhere else within Metro Vancouver. It was then announced through a press release that the Richmond Night Market was canceled.

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