Richmond Night Market to Leave Longtime Location After 26 Years
Sarah Desjardins
8/6/20262 min read
The Richmond Night Market is preparing to conclude operations at its longtime location after 26 years in the Metro Vancouver city.
Organizers announced Wednesday that the market’s lease has come to an end, bringing its decades-long run at the current site to a close following this season.
“The decision comes as the market’s lease has come to an end, bringing this chapter of the Richmond Night Market to a close,” organizers said in a statement.
Market Has Attracted Millions of Visitors
Founded by Raymond Cheung, the summertime market first opened in 2000 on the east bank of the Fraser River near the Bridgeport Canada Line station.
It typically hosts as many as 250 vendors and attracts more than one million visitors each year, according to the City of Richmond.
Organizers said the market has helped thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs connect with new customers over more than two decades.
It has become known for its wide selection of food, merchandise and entertainment, with vendors offering items such as flying cup noodles, fried shrimp, sushi tacos and other fusion-style dishes.
Closure Expected to Affect Local Economy
Tourism Richmond CEO Nancy Small said the announcement did not come as a surprise, given the challenges currently facing entrepreneurs.
“I know how challenging it is for entrepreneurs right now to actually make a go of it,” she said.
Small said the loss of the market at its current location could have a significant effect on Richmond’s economy and tourism sector.
“Previous vendors have gone on to open restaurants in Richmond,” she said.
“Hundreds of thousands of people will not be coming to our destination starting next year. It will be a hit for sure.”
Richmond is expected to open several new hotels over the next two years, and Small said attractions such as the night market have helped establish the city as a visitor destination.
The city said it does not currently have a specific estimate of the financial impact the market’s departure could create.
City Hopes Market Will Continue
In an email to Peazzi, a City of Richmond spokesperson said the night market has made a significant contribution to the city’s identity.
The municipality said it hopes the attraction will continue to thrive in Richmond, whether at its existing site or at a new location.
City staff are available to help the market operator navigate regulatory requirements should organizers choose to explore other locations within Richmond.
Organizers are encouraging residents and visitors to attend the market before the current chapter comes to an end.
The statement urged people to experience the attraction one final time at its longtime location before it “closes this chapter forever.”
News
Stay updated with the latest BC news stories, subscribe to our newsletter today.
SUBSCRIBE
© 2026 Innovatory Labs Inc. All rights reserved.
LINKS