Houston’s Asian and Asian American communities take over Asia Society Texas on this November. The annual Night Market, inspired by street markets in East and Southeast Asia, brings food, art, shopping and live performances to an all-ages festival. The outdoor market is free, and it runs rain or shine.
The festival builds on a tradition that began in 2013. Asia Society Texas launched the website Spotlight Asiatown in 2021 to connect visitors with the community.
What’s free outdoors
The outdoor market features a curated selection of food, home goods, art and apparel from local Asian and Asian American vendors and artisans. Three food trucks will park on site: Foreign Policy Food Truck, It’s a Wrap! and Seoulside Wings.
Food and drink vendors include Boba House, Dumpling Haus, Kim’s Kimchi, Kopi Cowboy Coffee, Warung Indo, Wiwas Tempeh, Sando Satori, Soft + Salted and Trung Nguyên E-Coffee, among many others. Shoppers can browse crochet, jewelry, skincare, ceramics and more from vendors such as Studio Kokoro, Madame Butterfly Nagasaki and Wobbles Studio.
The festival also features an all-access beer garden, Japanese carnival games and a karaoke booth. Dance and music acts include South Seas Productions, UH Modern and Kaminari Taiko on the Parking Lot Stage at 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Indoor activities and sumo demonstrations
Indoor access costs $5 and tickets are limited (free for Asia Society Texas members). It covers after-hours entry to the exhibition Yoshitaka Amano: Big Bang, Artists’ Alley, a Manga Café run by Houston Public Library, mahjong and a games zone.
Shōgeki Sumo will give demonstrations in the Theater at 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. These need an additional $5 ticket, also in limited supply.
Advance tickets are strongly encouraged and sales close at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 6. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the info tent. You can buy tickets online.
Getting there
Asia Society Texas stays closed to the public until the festival opens at 6 p.m. on November 6. From noon, Southmore Boulevard in front of the building will be closed to vehicles. The festival map will be updated until the event.
Community partners include the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, Houston Hanfu Association, Houston Kendama Dojo, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Niigata City Delegation. Wells Fargo sponsors the free outdoor market, with American First National Bank as presenting sponsor.
