This weekend, more than 15,000 people are expected to converge on the Summer Night Market.
Saturday marks the official opening of the night market and according to founder Paul Cheung there is much more to see, eat and do this year.
We had a soft opening in May and on the Saturday night we had 18,000 visitors pass through the gates, Cheung said. There are more food vendors this year and a lot more varied entertainment.
New attractions include a Space Shuttle Simulator, PlayZone bouncy castles, balloon craft display and a number of car displays.
We want this market to be one for all cultures to enjoy, said Cheung. Thats why, although the international food vendors and the shopping are always hits, we are also offering entertainment, games and rides for the kids, as well as celebrations such as Filipino Cultural Day (June 28), and Korean Heritage Day (August 4).
We want to make it a family-style event.
Visitors will enjoy a wide range of entertainment, including street performances, eating contests, dog shows and multicultural displays.
We arent trying to be the largest night market, rather we want to be a quality one, added Cheung.
We will even have artists demonstrating their skills and a mixed martial arts and dance show, as well as lots of buskers at various venues throughout the market.
We also have bike nights and we invite motorcycle groups to showcase their bikes.
For foodies, the global cuisine includes fare from Thailand, India, Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and West coast dishes.
The fifth annual Summer Night Market opens officially Saturday, June 16 at its usual site behind the Home Depot.
We will have a number of dignitaries on hand for the grand opening ceremonies on Saturday night, he added.
The market, located at 12631 Vulcan Way, is open from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
On holiday Mondays, the market is open from 7 to 11 p.m. (The market runs until Sept. 16.)
There is unlimited free street parking and free shuttle from Bridgeport Skytrain Station.
