Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer:
Night Market Philadelphia is the city’s premier street food festival, a roving event spotlighting Philly’s best ethnic and regional restaurants and food trucks. Inspired by Asia’s lively outdoor markets, our events celebrate up-and-coming neighborhoods and showcase Philadelphia's diverse culinary landscape and vibrant art and culture scene. These events have proven to have a significant economic impact on host communities as well as the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth.
Established by The Food Trust in 2010, Night Market Philadelphia is part of The Food Trust’s larger effort to build a local and healthy food economy in the region. Night Markets are festive community gatherings with delicious food and beverages, local arts and live music.
Answer:
The formula is simple: a neighborhood commercial corridor with some great local businesses + a willing community partner (community development corporation, business association, etc.) + city approval = Night Market!
We are always looking for new areas to highlight, so if you think your neighborhood is poised for a Night Market, let us know. The best time to reach out is in the fall, so we have ample time to explore opportunities before the season starts each May.
If you are interested in hosting a Night Market-style event, read up on our consulting services and give us a shout!
Answer:
Since 2010, we’ve been all over Philadelphia, hosting 32 Night Markets in 22 different neighborhoods:
2010: East Passyunk
2011: University City, Mount Airy, Chinatown
2012: Northern Liberties, Washington Avenue, Mount Airy, Chinatown
2013: Fairmount, South Street East, West Oak Lane, Chinatown
2014: Old City, West Oak Lane, Lancaster Ave., Chinatown
2015: South Street West, Callowhill, Lancaster Ave., Frankford & Girard
2016: Roxborough, Callowhill, Under 95, Navy Yard
2017: Burholme, Spruce Hill, Roxborough, Italian Market
2018: Burholme, Gayborhood, Kensington, Point Breeze
Check out photos from past Night Markets here!
Answer:
Night Market wouldn't be possible without our amazing mobile food vendors and huge crew of volunteers to make our events run smoothly! Click these links or scroll up to learn more.
Answer:
Night Market is a public event open to everyone. All members of your family (even the furry ones) are welcome at Night Market Philadelphia!
Answer:
While each event features a different combination of offerings, the average Night Market vendor lineup is as diverse as Philadelphia itself, representing cuisines from across the country and around the globe: Southeast Asian street food, Afro-Caribbean soul food, Latin, Italian, Halal and, of course a bevy of local brews and locally crafted desserts. We've got it all!
The real question is, what kind of food isn't at Night Market?
If you serve something you think we're missing, apply to be a vendor here.
Answer:
Yes! All you have to do is show up to enjoy live music, people watching and more. Food is pay-as-you-go to individual vendors and many have options for as little as $5. Join our email list to be the first to know about all things Night Market.
Answer:
Unless severe weather is predicted, Night Market is a rain-or-shine event, so if there is a little rain in the forecast, don’t let it dissuade you. Remember: Bad weather = shorter lines!
Working Toward Zero Waste
Night Market Philadelphia is an official Zero Waste Event Partner of the City of Philadelphia’s Zero Waste and Litter cabinet and is aligned with the citywide goal to reach “Zero Waste” by 2035. While recycling has always been an option at Night Market, starting in 2018, composting options were made available to divert food and material waste from going to landfills. In addition, The Food Trust will partner with Food Connect to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills by linking vendors that have excess food to hunger relief organizations.
About the Food Trust
The Food Trust, a nonprofit founded in 1992, strives to make healthy food available to all. Working with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers, The Food Trust has developed a comprehensive approach that combines nutrition education and greater availability of affordable, healthy food.
Food for Thought
"I always have a great time at Night Market. The people, music, fun and food are just amazing. This really allows us to see what a melting pot we have across this beautiful city."
– Night Market Gayborhood attendee
"The number of vendors was mind-blowing! This was so cool. And for the next one, I will make sure to bring friends along!"
– Night Market Kensington attendee
"This event is wonderful for the neighborhood. It’s bringing people out and bringing people together. People are celebrating together, eating together, and having fun."
#NightMkt #ComeHungry