summer nights, twinkle lights, and tasty bites!
Hey there, foodies! If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spend a weekend in Southern California, I’ve got just the thing for you. Last weekend, I visited the 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park and had an absolute blast. I’m still dreaming about all the amazing food I tried and the cute crafts I saw. Let me give you a rundown of my experience.
First things first, let’s talk about logistics. Admission is only $6, which is a steal considering how much entertainment and food you get. Plus, parking is free, which is always a bonus in LA. Once inside, the market is divided into different sections, each with its own vendors and attractions.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit:
- Go early in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Many vendors accept credit cards, but there are ATMs onsite if you need to pull out cash.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Stay hydrated, as it can be quite hot out.
- Bring a reusable bag to carry your purchases. And ziplock baggies if you want to take some food home for a late-night snack.
- There is a bag check at the entry so please check the event website for prohibited items. https://www.626nightmarket.com/event-info
All right! Onto the best part – FOOD! There were so many incredible options, from classic Chinese street food to trendy fusion dishes. I started off with some fried chicken, which was crispy and spicy, and absolutely delicious. Then I moved on to some tea with fresh boba, which was the perfect drink to cool me down after a fiery meal on a hot day. I also tried sweet cream puffs and a potato tornado on a stick, which is a spiral-cut potato on a stick. The vendor offered many flavor options but I stuck with my favorite garlic and butter. It was YUM! Honestly, there were so many great smells wafting through the air that it was tough to choose which food to devour. But trust me, whatever you pick, the portion sizes were all adequate, so you won’t go hungry.
After stuffing my face, I wandered over to the craft market, where tons of handmade items were for sale. There were jewelry, clothes, artwork, and even succulent plants. I ended up scoring a cute silver turquoise ring that I’ve been wearing nonstop since I got it. It’s always nice to support local artisans, and there were definitely some talented folks at the market.
Now, let me warn you, it was a scorching hot day when I attended, but once the sun set, it cooled off sufficiently and became much more pleasant. If you’re planning on going, I recommend arriving earlier in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. However, be prepared for the crowds to pick up after the sun sets. The food lines move relatively quickly, though I did wait about 20 minutes for my potato tornado.
One of the highlights of the 626 Night Market is the live performances on the stage. The various performances definitely added to the lively and festive atmosphere of the market! If you want to get a sense of what the market is like, I actually recorded a live walkthrough and uploaded it to my YouTube channel. You can see all the different vendors and dishes I tried, as well as get a feel for the energy of the crowd. I highly recommend checking it out before you go, so you can plan your day accordingly.
All in all, the 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park gets a stamp of approval from me and my stomach. It’s a great way to spend a day with friends or family, eating delicious food and browsing unique crafts. Just remember to wear sunscreen if you’re there early, bring plenty of water, and go hungry!
See you out there!