Vancouver's Chinatown Night Market Revamped

If you've been to Vancouver during the summer, then you've probably checked out its Chinatown; and if there on a weekend evening, the Chinatown Night Market. Although it was once larger in size and took place on more streets, over the past few years the Night Market has become just a small strip of vendors on one block; well that's all about to change. This year the VCMA Night Market Committee has welcomed a new group of passionate individuals with a fresh outlook to help revamp and revitalize the Chinatown Night Market. Led by Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie owner, Tannis Ling, and program director, Ken Tsui, the committee's aim is to breathe new life into the event for summer 2013. Market visitors will be treated to exciting new vendors, inventive cuisine and an updated and expanded program of performances, workshops, cooking demos, games, outdoor movies, and more.

Taking a modern approach to an old idea—similar to what Ling did with her restaurant—the new Chinatown Night Market is about mixing time-honoured tradition and new school flavour. It’s for neighbours, out-of-towners, friends and families; it’s about shopping, eating, playing and getting together in a uniquely historic place in a period of progress and change.

Some of the new additions will include more traditional interests such as mah-jong, storytelling and kite-making workshops; cult favourites like ping pong and outdoor screenings of classic films; and fresh culinary offerings from local food trucks and neighbourhood joints (application is still open to vendors interested in participating).

The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 6-11PM, May 17th through September 8th, rain or moonshine, on Keefer Street between Main & Columbia.

For the Love of Chinatown from Anthem Jackson.