Nationally recognized Asian Night Market returns to OKC this weekend

Oklahoma City’s Asian Night Market Festival returns this weekend, bringing two nights of food, performances and cultural experiences to the Asian District. 

The eighth annual festival will take place Oct. 2-3 from 5 to 11 p.m., filling Classen Boulevard from NW 23rd to NW 27th streets with more than 100 vendors and activities. 

This year’s festival arrives with some national recognition. The Asian Night Market Festival was recently named the No. 2 Best Night Market Festival in the country in USA TODAY’s 10Best awards. 

The recognition comes as the festival continues to grow from its beginnings in 2018, when about 15,000 people attended the inaugural event. Today, the festival attracts close to 80,000 attendees and has become one of Oklahoma City’s largest cultural festivals. 

Hosted by the Asian District Cultural Association, the festival celebrates the cultures represented throughout Oklahoma City’s Asian community while providing a platform for local businesses, cultural organizations and performers. 

Festivalgoers this year can expect food and shopping alongside cultural performances, a fashion show, K-Pop Dance Competition and lion dance. Free interactive experiences for all ages will also be available, including karaoke, face painting, a 360-degree video experience and the Mindbender ride. 

The celebration will continue after the festival closes with the Asian Night Market AfterParty, featuring events at locations throughout the district. “Bling Empire” star and DJ Kim Lee is among this year’s afterparty lineup, with a performance scheduled at Yours Truly. 

The Asian Night Market Festival is free to attend and runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in Oklahoma City’s Asian District.