What Is the 626 Night Market?
The 626 Night Market is the largest night market in the United States. Founded in 2012 by Jonny Hwang, the event takes its name from the 626 area code that covers the San Gabriel Valley. What started as a single street event at Pasadena City Hall has grown into a multi-city operation that draws up to 100,000 attendees per weekend across more than 250 food, merchandise, and craft vendors.
Inspired by the famous night markets of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, the 626 Night Market brings that same vibrant energy to Southern California. You will find everything from traditional stinky tofu and grilled meat skewers to fusion creations like ramen burgers and pho tacos. Live music, carnival games, art installations, and shopping round out the experience.
After overcrowding at its Pasadena debut, the market moved to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia in 2013. That location has been home base ever since. The event expanded to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa in 2014, and the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton in 2018, making it a truly statewide experience.
The 626 Night Market is one of the biggest cultural events in the San Gabriel Valley each year. It puts Arcadia on the map for tens of thousands of visitors who may be experiencing the SGV for the first time. Many attendees fall in love with the area and start looking at homes here shortly after.
2026 Dates, Hours, and Location
The 626 Night Market runs four events across three California cities in 2026. Here is the complete schedule.
| Event | Dates | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Mesa | May 29-31 | OC Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa | 4 PM - 11 PM |
| Arcadia (June) | June 19-21 | Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia | 3 PM - 11 PM |
| Arcadia (August) | August 14-16 | Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia | 3 PM - 11 PM |
| Pleasanton | October 9-11 | Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Ave, Pleasanton | 3 PM - 11 PM |
Each event runs Friday through Sunday. Doors close at 10:40 PM, and last food orders vary by vendor. The Arcadia events at Santa Anita Park are the flagship dates and tend to draw the largest crowds and broadest vendor selection.
If you want shorter lines and more elbow room, go on Friday afternoon or Sunday. Saturday after 7 PM is peak crowd time. Plan accordingly.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets are available online only through the official 626 Night Market website at 626nightmarket.com. Here is what to expect for pricing.
- Online General Admission (Arcadia): approximately $6
- At-the-Door Admission: approximately $9
- Early Bird Pricing: approximately $5 when purchased 7+ days before the event
- Children 3 and Under: Free
- Costa Mesa Presale: approximately $5.90 (varies with platform fees)
- Pleasanton: $8 early bird, $12 standard admission
Prices may vary slightly with processing fees depending on the ticketing platform. Always buy in advance to save money and skip the line at the gate.
Best Food Vendors at the 626 Night Market
The vendor lineup changes from event to event, so always check the official vendor lineup page before you go. That said, several vendors have become fan favorites and return regularly. Here are some of the most talked-about stalls.
Their signature giant squid on a stick is one of the most photographed items at the market. Freshly fried with a crispy, crunchy batter and seasoned with pepper and salt. They also serve popcorn chicken that reviewers describe as perfectly seasoned.
Cafe 949 is known for their butter charcoal lobster with garlic noodles. They use a blow torch to cook their lobster on an open grill, and the noodles are made fresh. The lobster melts in your mouth according to reviewers. One of the premium vendor experiences at the market.
The owners honor their Romani roots through family recipes developed over a thousand years. Their Brisket Birria Taco features slow-cooked brisket folded into a toasted corn tortilla with melted jack cheese and an earthy-sweet chile mole sauce. The crunchy exterior breaks into the saucy filling perfectly.
A social media sensation, Ridges Churro Bar serves churro sundaes in flavors like Fruity Pebbles. Reviewers say it tastes like eating a bowl of the cereal in churro form. One of the most popular dessert stalls at the market.
KACE Tea modernizes nostalgic Asian flavors by experimenting with the memory of taste. Their "Juicebox" canned drink mixes authentic Taiwanese jasmine tea with sweet apple juice and a hint of honey. A refreshing option for cooling down between bites.
Other Notable Vendors to Watch For
- Bonanza Bakery and Cafe - Mousse cakes known for their fluffy texture, with items around $10 (one of the more affordable options)
- All Dat Dumpling - Vietnamese-style dumplings
- The Ugly Bao - Bao buns with creative fillings
The specific vendors at each event can differ. Check 626nightmarket.com before your visit for the confirmed lineup. The vendor directory is also available on your phone during the event, which helps you navigate the crowded rows.
Love the 626? See What's For Sale Nearby
If the San Gabriel Valley feels like home, take a look at what is available right now.
Parking and Getting There
Arcadia (Santa Anita Park)
Good news: parking is free at Santa Anita Park for the 626 Night Market. The venue has a massive parking lot that can handle the crowds. Additional free parking is available at the adjacent Westfield Santa Anita mall, which you are allowed to use during market hours.
The address is 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. The park is accessible from the 210 Freeway (exit Baldwin Ave or Santa Anita Ave) and the 605 Freeway (exit Huntington Drive).
Parking at Other Locations
- Costa Mesa (OC Fairgrounds): $12 per vehicle
- Pleasanton (Alameda County Fairgrounds): $15 per vehicle plus tax
If you plan to use Uber or Lyft, set your drop-off point to the main Santa Anita Park entrance on Huntington Drive. Pickup can get chaotic after 10 PM, so consider walking to the Westfield mall pickup area to avoid the surge.
Insider Tips for First-Timers
After years of living and selling homes in the SGV, here are the tips that will make your 626 Night Market experience significantly better.
1. Arrive Early
Gates open at 3 PM (Arcadia events). Arriving between 3 PM and 5 PM gives you shorter lines, easier parking, and a chance to scope out the full vendor layout before it gets packed. The worst crowds hit after 7 PM on Saturdays.
2. Bring Cash
Most vendors accept cards, but some smaller stalls are still cash-only. Bring at least $40-$60 in cash as backup. On-site ATMs exist but charge fees and have long lines during peak hours.
3. Go with a Group
The best strategy is to go with 4-6 friends and split dishes. Most portions are shareable, and this lets you sample from more vendors without hitting a wall. A group of four can easily try 8-10 different items.
4. Check the Vendor Lineup Online First
Visit the 626 Night Market website before your trip and bookmark the vendors you want to hit. The market is huge, and wandering without a plan means longer lines and decision fatigue. The online directory also works on your phone at the event.
5. Dress for the Weather
If you arrive before sunset, bring sunscreen and a hat. Arcadia summers are hot, regularly hitting 90+ degrees in June and August. Once the sun drops, it cools off quickly, so a light jacket or sweater is smart. You can get your hand stamped for re-entry if you need to drop things off at your car.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be on your feet for 3-5 hours on concrete. Skip the sandals and wear sneakers.
7. Skip the Light Bulb Drinks (Unless You Want the Photo)
The light-bulb-shaped drinks are iconic for photos but are essentially overpriced sugar water. If you want a drink that actually tastes good and comes with a refill, look for vendors offering genuine boba tea or fresh juice options.
How to Budget Your Night
The 626 Night Market is not cheap. Food items typically range from $10 to $25, and it is hard to find anything under $10. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect.
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | All-Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission | $5-$6 | $6 | $9 (at door) |
| Food (3-4 items) | $25-$35 | $40-$50 | $60-$80 |
| Drinks | $8-$10 | $15-$20 | $25+ |
| Games / Shopping | $0 | $10-$20 | $30+ |
| Parking (Arcadia) | Free | Free | Free |
| Total | $38-$51 | $71-$96 | $124+ |
Bonanza Bakery and Cafe is known for having items around $10, which is significantly lower than most vendors. If you are watching your budget, start there and share premium items like the Cafe 949 lobster plate with your group.
Things to Do Nearby in Arcadia
The 626 Night Market runs until 11 PM, but Arcadia has plenty to offer before or after the event, or on a separate visit altogether. Here are the top nearby attractions.
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Just minutes from Santa Anita Park, the 127-acre Arboretum features plants from around the globe, historic buildings, and roaming peacocks. Open daily and a great way to spend the afternoon before heading to the night market.
Santa Anita Park
The venue itself is a landmark. Opened in 1934 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Santa Anita Park hosts thoroughbred racing and seasonal events throughout the year.
The Shops at Santa Anita (Westfield)
The mall adjacent to Santa Anita Park offers major retailers, a movie theater, Dave and Buster's, restaurants, and a bowling alley. It is a good backup plan if the night market sells out of what you want.
Angeles National Forest and Chantry Flats
Arcadia sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Chantry Flats is one of the most popular trailheads in the Angeles National Forest, with access to Sturtevant Falls and other waterfall hikes. Perfect for a morning hike before the night market.
Nearby Restaurants (If Vendors Sell Out)
If lines are too long or your favorite vendor closes early, Arcadia has a deep dining scene. Some options near Santa Anita Park include Dave and Buster's (400 S Baldwin Ave), Rocco's Tavern, and dozens of Asian restaurants along Huntington Drive and Baldwin Avenue. The SGV is one of the best Asian food destinations in the entire country, and many of those restaurants are open late.
What's Your SGV Home Worth?
Get a free, instant home valuation for your Arcadia, Pasadena, Monrovia, or Temple City property.
Get Your Free Home ValueFrequently Asked Questions
When is the 626 Night Market in 2026?
The 626 Night Market has four events in 2026: Costa Mesa on May 29-31, Arcadia (Santa Anita Park) on June 19-21 and August 14-16, and Pleasanton on October 9-11. All events run Friday through Sunday.
How much does it cost to get into the 626 Night Market?
General admission is approximately $6 online and $9 at the door for the Arcadia events. Early bird pricing is available if purchased at least 7 days before the event. Children 3 and under get in free. Prices vary slightly by location.
Is parking free at the 626 Night Market in Arcadia?
Yes, parking is free at Santa Anita Park for the Arcadia 626 Night Market events. Additional free parking is available at the adjacent Westfield Santa Anita mall. Arrive early to secure a closer spot.
What are the hours for the 626 Night Market?
The 626 Night Market runs from 3 PM to 11 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Arcadia events. Doors close at 10:40 PM and last food orders vary by vendor. Arrive by 4 PM for the shortest lines.
How much should I budget for food at the 626 Night Market?
Plan on $40-$60 per person for food and drinks. Individual items typically range from $10-$25, with popular dishes like giant squid on a stick around $20 and lobster plates reaching $25+. Going with a group and sharing dishes is the best strategy to try more items.
What food is the 626 Night Market known for?
The 626 Night Market is known for Asian street food including grilled squid on a stick, takoyaki, birria tacos, lobster with garlic noodles, boba drinks, shaved ice, and churro sundaes. Fan favorites include vendors like Bombing Giant Squid, Cafe 949, HolyChileMole, and Ridges Churro Bar.
Can I use credit cards at the 626 Night Market?
Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, but some smaller stalls are still cash-only. Bringing $40-$60 in cash is recommended as a backup. There are usually ATMs on-site, but they charge fees and have long lines.
Is the 626 Night Market worth it?
Yes, the 626 Night Market is worth visiting at least once. It is the largest night market in the United States with 250+ vendors offering food, shopping, games, and live entertainment. The atmosphere is electric, especially after sunset. Go with friends, arrive early, and bring cash to get the best experience.
Real answers from a real local agent. No chatbots.
Explore More SGV Guides
Thinking About Moving to the 626?
- Neighborhood-matched recommendations based on your budget
- Off-market and pre-listing access before homes hit the MLS
- 13 years of SGV deal-making with 106% list-to-sale ratio
