Locals and visitors are gearing up for the return of one of Metro Vancouver’s favourite annual happenings. Celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary in 2025, this year’s edition of the Richmond Night Market will be running every weekend from April 25 to October 13––and once again there’s a full menu of sparkling fun to dive into.

If you’ve never checked out this unique event before or you’re planning a few return visits this season, read on for our exclusive 2025 insider’s guide. Then mark your calendar, gather your friends and family and head on over to this must-do Richmond night out.

The food stands are a huge attraction. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

Why should I visit the Richmond Night Market?

Inspired by Asia’s much-loved night market scene, Richmond’s version––which launched in 2000––is the largest of its kind in North America. Attracting more than one million visitors every year, it’s an exciting evening out filled with browse-worthy vendor stands, colourful live performances and famously adventurous food stalls serving hundreds of tempting (and often highly photogenic) dishes.

Collage of various foods from the Richmond Night Market.
Many food stalls serve up fresh and mouthwatering dishes. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

Where is the market and how do I get there?

Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC

The market is once again occupying a large outdoor site near the corner of No. 3 Road and River Road, right next door to the landmark River Rock Casino Resort. Although free parking is available at the market, the venue is also a super-easy one-block walk from Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station, which is a direct 17-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 2025 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 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

What kind of vendors are there?

There are more than 100 retail stands to explore on your visit. Give yourself plenty of time to browse and you’ll find everything from cosmetics to cellphone accessories and from press-on nails to artisan-crafted jewellery. 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 will be free entertainment on the market’s large stage every night. A restorative break from your evening of shopping and dining, the ever-changing performance roster can include everything from jugglers to K-pop dancers and from local bands to Metro Vancouver cultural groups. Check to see what’s on as soon as you arrive, and plan your evening accordingly.

What else will I see?

The market has two special themes this year: Summer of Love and Happiest Anniversary––with the latter celebrating the market’s 25th birthday. You’ll spot lots of colourful decorations, light displays and selfie-ready installations throughout the site.

There’s also a new Japanese garden feature to look out for in 2025. And make sure you save time for an adrenalin-rushing new activity that will be launching in May: a cool zipline that soars for 600 feet over the sights and sounds of the market!

Is this a family-friendly event?

Yes, there are lots of sights and sounds for kids here, including a huge bouncy castle attraction. There will also be carnival-style games and activities. 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 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 2025, there will be well over a hundred food vendors serving more than 500 different dishes. The vendors are organized into rows of steam-shrouded, hawker-style stands where the food is prepared right in front of you. Typically, this includes authentic Asian options, intriguing international foods and adventurous fusion creations.

Man grilling meat skewers at a Richmond Night Market stall.
Watch as vendors prepare food right in front of you. 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 2025, we’re especially looking forward to lamb buns, deep-fried spot prawns and Dubai chocolate strawberry desserts.

Fried potato sticks at the Richmond Night Market.
Potatoes on sticks at the Richmond Night Market. PHOTO CREDIT: John Lee.

Any other dining tips?

This year’s market will feature a delicious 25th anniversary deal: Summer Happy Hour. Each food and drink vendor will offer their own discounted Happy Hour special all evening long, with food options priced under $10 and drinks priced under $7. 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 10:00pm.

Poster of Happy Hour deals at Richmond Night Market.
Be sure to take advantage of the Happy Hour deals. 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 October. In our experience, Fridays and Saturdays are generally busier than Sundays, while holiday Mondays are often even 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 2025 Zoom Pass. To celebrate the market’s 25th anniversary, this year’s Zoom pass has been reduced to just $35. It provides five admissions throughout the season and it 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.

Aerial view of the Richmond Night Market crowd.
 Crowds gathering at the ever-popular Richmond Night Market. PHOTO CREDIT: Richmond Night Market.

How much is admission?

Alongside this year’s discounted Zoom Pass, the market is also celebrating its 25th birthday by reducing its general admission price for 2025 to just $7. As in previous years, 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 running for the first time this year. From 10:00pm 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 10:00pm as well.

Any other tips?

The Richmond Night Market is a great place to snap photos, but make sure your camera is adjusted for nighttime images. 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 25, 2025 by Tourism Richmond