Think!Chinatown and its partners are back with the Chinatown Night Markets this summer. The festivities are a continuation and evolution of Chinatown Nights, an event which began back in 2021 as a place for the community to come together and celebrate in a safe space. In the wake of the pandemic and ongoing economic challenges facing New York’s AAPI community, the Chinatown Night Markets is part of an ongoing initiative to foster neighborhood resiliency and economic development. Citizens, the sole corporate sponsor, is supporting local small businesses by offsetting registration fees.
The Chinatown Night Market is an open-air market held at Forsyth Plaza, the iconic gateway of the Manhattan bridge, located at the intersection of Forsyth and Canal Streets. This open-air cultural festival features Chinatown-focused programming alongside local art and food vendors.
The market highlights the community’s incredible diversity of food, art, and music. Watch intermittent live dance and musical performances throughout the night. Peruse artisan stalls selling traditional folk arts and crafts, such as braided straw figures, paper cut portraits, and sugar painting, to name just a few.
This year, Gamelan Dharma Swara will open Chinatown Night Market series with its full ensemble of Balinese percussion musicians and dancers. Think!Chinatown’s DJ in residence, YiuYiu will spin from her “Chinatown Records” collection bringing some of her favorite Canto and Mandopop records and CDs inherited from her family and neighbors.
Chinatown Night Market vendors include many spots featured in our insider’s guide to Chinatown, such as:
Kuih Cafe
Grand Tea & Imports
Xiang Mini Cake
Kopitiam
YaYa Tea
Kam Hing Coffee Shop
Little One
Pink Lady
Sugar Cane Daddy
Yu & Me Books (one of our favorite specialty bookstores in NYC!)
The event will also feature newcomers including:
Soofley NYC
Menya Jiro Ramen
This is the first event of the 2023 season, and will continue —weather permitting—on a Friday once each month during the summer. Follow Think!Chinatown for future dates.