Asian Night Market Festival returns to Oklahoma City for two nights of food, culture and entertainment

One of Oklahoma City’s largest cultural celebrations returns this weekend, bringing two nights of food, performances, shopping and entertainment to the Asian District.

The 8th Annual Asian Night Market Festival is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, from 5 to 11 p.m. both nights.

Hosted by the Asian District Cultural Association, the festival will stretch along Classen Boulevard from NW 23rd to NW 27th streets and feature more than 100 vendors and experiences.

What to expect at the Asian Night Market Festival

Food is a major part of the festival, with vendors offering dishes representing Asian cultures and other cuisines.

Visitors can also shop from local vendors while watching a lineup of live entertainment that includes cultural performances, a fashion show, a K-Pop Dance Competition and traditional lion dances, festival organizers said.

Organizers are also offering several free interactive experiences for all ages, including karaoke, face painting and 360-degree video experiences.

The Mindbender ride will also be among the festival attractions, organizers said.

The festival was recently recognized as the No. 2 night market in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

When and where is the festival?

The Asian Night Market Festival runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Oklahoma City’s Asian District.

Activities and vendors will stretch along Classen Boulevard between Northwest 23rd and Northwest 27th streets.

The main festival is free to attend.

Visitors can learn more about the neighborhood through Visit OKC’s Asian District guide.

After-parties continue after the festival

The celebration won’t necessarily end when the festival closes at 11 p.m.

Organizers have planned separate Asian Night Market after-parties, including an appearance by DJ Kim Lee, known from Netflix’s Bling Empire, at Yours Truly.

The after-parties are separate ticketed events. After-party tickets and details are available online.

People interested in helping with the event can also sign up to volunteer.