San Gabriel Valley’s 626 Night Market moving to Santa Anita Park
San Gabriel Valley’s 626 Night Market, an event reminiscent of the popular night markets in Asia, will return in October for two days at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
“Santa Anita Park is a beautiful and spacious venue with ample built-in parking in the center of the 626 area [code],” said Jonny Hwang, who founded the 626 Night Market in April with his wife and a friend.
October’s event will be the third night market hosted by Hwang and his team. The most recent event, held in July in front of Pasadena City Hall, drew an estimated 40,000 people. For one evening, visitors were transported to the steaming food alleys of Asia and introduced to local businesses as well as first-time entrepreneurs and retail vendors.
Organizers saw Pasadena as a “gateway city” to the San Gabriel Valley. Its debut event in April underestimated its popularity and drew more than 15,000 visitors to one block in Old Town Pasadena — stalling traffic for hours. After a smoother second event, the new location at Santa Anita Park was selected to take the growing event off the streets and accommodate more vendors and visitors.
The fall 626 Night Market is set for Saturday, Oct. 20, from 3 p.m. to midnight and Sunday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 10 p.m. Admission is free and parking will be on site.
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