The Chinatown Night Market is gearing up for a third season of Asian food, entertainment and Asian-market style vendors.
Following last year’s popular festival themes, each market will emphasize a different aspect of Asian culture, offering a varied lineup of entertainment and activities each evening. Markets are held the second Wednesday of June, July, August and September.
Each evening will feature an evening of music, dance and other cultural performances such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Favourite market vendors are returning along with many new ones for a vibrant Asian-style market.
“We are back for another season and we are expanding the most popular aspects including the food and the entertainment,” says Tony Joe, Chinatown Night Market Chair. “We have changed some of the themes to create opportunities to showcase an even greater range of Asian cuisine and cultures. We have a lot planned for the four evenings.”
All markets will feature an expanded roster of street vendors, a greater range of food vendors; traditional and contemporary music and dance and family craft activities. Chinatown shops and restaurants will be open late during the markets, offering the full Chinatown experience.
The Chinatown Night Market opens this Wednesday with Chinatown Celebrates Youth Performances and the Arts. Some of the region’s top youth performers, including many competing at the national level, will perform solo on piano and violin. Other performances include a Taiwanese fan dance, traditional Chinese instruments and drum performances and a Lion Dance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club.
The July 10 night market features Night of the Karaoke Stars, Aug. 14 is All About Food and the final market in September is The Sun Sets in Chinatown, with the 500 block of Fisgard Street lit with lanterns to celebrate the harvest festival.
The Chinatown Night Marke is organized by the Victoria Chinese Commerce Association and businesses and individuals in the community. Details and updates are posted at www.chinatownnightmarket.ca and the Victoria Chinatown Night Market FaceBook Page.
