One of Metro Vancouver’s favourite annual happenings is kicking off for the 2026 season! This year’s edition of the hotly anticipated Richmond Night Market runs from April 24 to September 20––and once again there’s a deliciously tasty menu of sparkling alfresco fun to check out.

Whether you’re planning a return visit or dropping by for the first time, you’ll find all the information you need right here in our exclusive 2026 insider’s guide. Read on and mark some dates on your calendar…then gather all your friends and family for a great Richmond night out.

Look for iconic landmarks from around the world at this year’s event. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT?

Inspired by Asia’s legendary night market scene, Richmond’s version is the largest of its kind in North America. Attracting more than one million visitors every year, it’s an exciting evening excursion filled with vendor stands, colourful live performances, photogenic displays and activities––and famously adventurous food stalls serving hundreds of tempting dishes.

WHERE IS THE MARKET AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

The Richmond Night Market is located at 8351 River Road, Richmond, B.C. on a large outdoor site near the corner of No. 3 Road and River Road––right next to the landmark River Rock Casino Resort. Although free parking is available at the market, it is also an easy one-block walk from Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station, which is just a 15-minute ride from downtown Vancouver.

Canada Line skytrain arriving onto a platform in Richmond, BC.
The market is easily accessible via the Canada Line SkyTrain. PHOTO CREDIT: Tourism Richmond.

WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS?

The 2026 market runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings––as well as Mondays that fall on holiday long weekends. It opens at 7:00 pm and closes at midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and stat holiday Sundays. The hours for regular Sundays and also for holiday Mondays are 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

WHAT KIND OF VENDORS ARE THERE?

There are dozens of browse-worthy retail stands to explore on your visit. Give yourself plenty of time to walk around these and you’ll likely find everything from socks to sunhats and from action figures to artisan jewellery and much more. This is also a great place to pick up souvenir Canada-themed T-shirts at bargain prices. Keep in mind that many vendors only accept cash.

WHAT ABOUT THE LIVE PERFORMANCES?

There’s free entertainment on the market’s large stage every night. A captivating break from your evening of shopping and dining, the ever-changing performance roster here might include everything from jugglers to K-pop dancers or from local bands to cultural groups. Check to see what’s on as soon as you arrive, and plan your evening accordingly.

WHAT ELSE WILL I SEE?

With a certain global soccer tournament coming to the region this summer, there’s a special focus on international cultures at this year’s Richmond Night Market––including Little Wonder World, with its LED theme wall and giant representations of iconic global landmarks. And don’t miss the huge soccer-themed display that’s perfect for sports-loving selfie snappers.

This year’s market features a huge soccer-themed celebration. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

You’ll also spot lots of decorations, light displays and selfie-ready installations across the site. And there’s one super-cool feature from last year that’s returning for the 2026 season: the adrenalin-hugging Skyrush Zipline (adults $25; children $15) that soars for 600 feet over the sights and sounds of the market.

New this year, there’s also a much-anticipated Night Market Trading Card Zone where TCG fans can buy, trade and showcase their cards and collectibles among like-minded locals and visitors.

IS THIS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT?

Yes, there are lots of sights and sounds for kids here, including dedicated activities and carnival-style games. If you’re bringing youngsters, we recommend visiting earlier in the evening before the crowds arrive. And make sure you apply sunscreen to your children; even with the sun setting throughout the evening, it’s easy for sensitive skin to be affected.

Kid Friendly Games at the Richmond Night Market
Kid-friendly fun and games at the market. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

WHAT CAN I EAT?

Food is the market’s star attraction––just check out the viral social media posts depicting the huge array of options here every year. In 2026, there will be well over a hundred food vendors serving more than 500 different dishes. The vendors are organized into rows of hawker-style stands where the food is prepared right in front of you. Typically, this includes authentic Asian options, intriguing international foods and highly adventurous fusion creations.

The food stands always attract lots of hungry market visitors. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO EAT?

Everyone has their favourites and many diners come back for the same amazing dishes every season. But each year, some unique culinary experiences pop-up that simply have to be sampled. In previous seasons, these must-tries have included Japanese poutine, kimchi bacon rolls, ice-cream bao buns and of course, those near-legendary fried potato spirals on sticks. In 2026, we’re especially looking forward to diving into delicious beignets, salmon noodles, Japanese crispy crepes and refreshing shaved ice treats.

Food is a star attraction at the market every year. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

ANY OTHER DINING TIPS?

This year’s market will feature a delicious happy hour deal with vendors offering food options priced under $10 and drink options priced under $7 throughout the evening. You can scan a special Happy Hour QR code at the market to check out all the deals. Some vendors will also be offering additional deals after 10:00 pm.

There are always lots of delicious drinks to try. PHOTO CREDIT:  Richmond Night Market.

Extra tips: don’t eat too much before you arrive, so you’ll have plenty of room for a full-on culinary adventure. Head to the food area as soon as you get here so you can walk around and browse all the culinary options. Try a dish or two early in the evening, then come back later for another round.

ARE THERE ANY WAYS TO BEAT THE CROWDS?

The market can be very busy, especially during the peak weeks of summer. Consider arriving earlier in the season and also making a return visit towards the end of the run in September. In our experience, Fridays and Saturdays are generally busier than Sundays, while holiday Mondays are often less crowded. And if you don’t mind rainy days, those can be the best evenings to visit––the market operates rain or shine.

Arrive early to avoid an extra-long line-up at the gate or consider buying a 2026 Zoom Pass. Priced at $40, it provides six admissions throughout the season and includes an express entry gate that bypasses the regular entrance line-up. Passes can only be purchased in-person at the market entrance and since they are transferable, you can share yours with your friends and family.

It’s the biggest event of its kind in North America. PHOTO CREDIT:  Richmond Night Market.

HOW MUCH IS ADMISSION?

Unchanged from last year, general admission to the 2026 market is $7. Children under seven years of age as well as seniors aged 60 and above enjoy free admission at all times. There is also a late-night entry deal for the 2026 season. From 10:00 pm every evening, the market’s After Party Discount admission price is just $5. And, as mentioned, some food and drink vendors will also be offering extra discounts from 10:00 pm as well.

The Richmond Night Market is a great night out for everyone. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

ANY OTHER TIPS?

The Richmond Night Market is a great place to snap photos, but make sure your camera is adjusted for nighttime images. Wear layers––even on warm evenings, it can be chilly once the sun goes down. Don’t forget that many vendors only accept cash––there are ATMs onsite but you can avoid queuing for these by bringing cash with you. And be sure to arrive by transit; it’s the best way to get here and it couldn’t be easier to step off the Canada Line train at Bridgeport Station and follow the crowds to the market site.

Last Updated on April 24, 2026 by Tourism Richmond