Long Beach’s Weekend Night Market is moving its weekend events to Thursday, having a family friendly night market each Thursday evening in the Downtown arts district of Long Beach will jumpstart the fun weekend activities around town.
For many Long Beach residents, night markets are seen as something that happens on the weekends exclusively.
The event had a welcoming environment for all ages by including live music with a DJ playing artists like Bad Bunny, Rosalia and Davido.
The food sold at the market included Filipino desserts, tacos and ice cream.
Products ranged from homemade candles and lotions, purses, crocheted plant hangers and clothing ranging from soccer jerseys to trendy boutique apparel.
Families and couples were sprawled throughout the market, engaging with vendors as well as dancing to music being played to start off the weekend.
People of all ages, including CSULB student Daniel Phan, attended the event to see which vendors were present that week.
“I really like the environment and being able to support small businesses,” Phan said. “It’s a chill place to be able to meet up with people on a weekday, this is my second time attending the night market and I definitely plan on coming back.”
As the night progressed and the temperature dropped, less customers were seen buying from vendors.
Ryan Walsh, the owner of Hippie Witch Heart, a small business selling handmade crocheted products for plants and other objects, talked about the experience of being a seller at the event.
“I do wish there was more advertising on this event, especially as the days get colder there are less attendees for this market,” Walsh said. “We already have a large following through social media so this market does not greatly affect us, it’s just a way of meeting new people.”
Other vendors like Nayeli Avina, prides herself on being a Long Beach resident selling at the market.
Avina, owner of El Pueblito Little Mexico, found importance in having representation for the large Hispanic population of Long Beach.
“The reason I participate in this event is because it is my hometown.” Avina said. “I want to sell things that represent my culture.”
Avina sold handmade mugs and pots with Mexican art painted on them, Mexican soccer jerseys and indigenous Mexican earrings and necklaces.
For more information on future Night Markets, you can visit https://downtownlongbeach.org/organizer/weekend-night-market/