(Updated 5/20/2025) Description and review of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Night Market (AAPI Night Market), an event held in May to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. NEW: See Update below.
The Sacramento AAPI Night Market came into being in 2022, when the local Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce decided to transform their annual gala into a celebration of AAPI cultures in which the entire community could participate. What a great idea!
The AAPI Night Market offers live AAPI cultural performances and unique AAPI local artisans and food vendors. Together, they jointly transform the evening event into a bustling night market/open air bazaar.
AAPI Night Market
A friend and I arrived at Capitol Mall around 5:30 p.m. on a warm Friday evening for the 2024 AAPI Night Market. I had read about the 2023 event, and was very interested in checking it out. My friend was game.
Parking
I had pre-paid parking at the Capitol Garage ($7.50) as I did not want to take a chance on street parking, given that the Concerts in the Park series at nearby Cesar Chavez Plaza was taking place that same evening.
The Venue
We made our way to the venue entrance on Capitol Mall and went through the required screening. I had checked for restrictions in advance, and had let my friend know not to bring a large bag or purse. The event is located on Capitol Mall between 3rd and 5th Streets.
Food & Drink
We slowly made our way around the venue, checking out the various vendors. Our first stop was at a bar area for a glass of wine. We both chose a glass of the Midtown Rose ($9) from the local Achenson Wine Company. Beer from King Cong Brewing Company, another local favorite, was available ($9 – 16 oz.) there as well.
The smells coming from the food stands were making us a bit hungry, so we decided to order some lumpia from the My Lumpia Lady stand. Picnic tables had been arranged in the green median, so we shared a table with several other people while we ate our “appetizer.” The lumpia and accompanying dipping sauce were delish.
We were impressed by the number of food vendors, and the various Asian cuisines represented. It was not easy to decide which food stand or food truck to patronize. We decided to share the Teriyaki Chicken (teriyaki chicken on top of Samoan fries, topped with pineapple salsa, teriyaki glaze, crispy onions, and sesame seeds) ($13) from Fresh Off the Boat. It was a good choice. The portion was huge and the dish very tasty. The thin and crispy taro fries were a first for both of us. I would order the dish again.
VIP Treatment
A large open-sided VIP tent, also set up in the median, offered seating and protection from the sun for those who opted to purchase the $150 VIP admission. VIP admission perks include all you can eat and drink from the multitude of vendors.
Entertainment
The stage set up made it easy to see the performers as it had large screens on each side of the stage. Performances included dancers performing traditional cultural dances, drum bands, etc. We did not stay to see the two headliners that were playing later that evening.
The Lion Dance, held at an intersection where there was sufficient room, was a crowd favorite. The three “lions” focused on the children in the crowd, of which there were quite a few.
It became cooler as the sun set, and there was a marked increase in the number of patrons joining the crowd. In fact, as we were leaving the venue there was a line of people at the gate waiting to get screened! Next time, I may well both arrive and leave later.
To Sum Up
To sum up, the AAPI Night Market was a fun way to spend several hours taking in sights and enjoying the food. I look forward to going again to a future event.
Updates
(5/20/2025) The 2025 event is set for Friday, May 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. See link above for ticket and event information.
Comments on the AAPI Night Market?
What has been your experience at this event?
2024 AAPI Night Market Snapshot:
- May 31, 2024
- 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Between 3rd & 5th Streets, Capitol Mall
- Purchase Tickets In Advance/No In & Out
- $25 General Admission; $20 Student/Senior; $0 kids under six; $150 VIP
- Parking: Nearby parking garages & street parking
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Wow, this is just the kind of evening we would love! Eat some great food for us.