Richmond Summer Night Market

A summer tradition in these parts, the Richmond Summer Night Market is back, near No. 5 Rd. and Bridgeport (12631 Vulcan Way)

If you’re looking for fried chicken intestines, you’ll find them here and they probably taste better than they sound. There’s also cheap iPod and iPhone cases, poorly-done Louis Vuitton knock-offs (Gukki anyone?) and discount underwear. There’s always at least one table selling discount briefs and panties — why anyone would buy underwear at a night market is beyond me…

There’s lots of good food though, and some great deals… plus, it’s the closest you’ll get to a real Asian outdoor market without leaving the Lower Mainland.

The Richmond Night Market is open Friday to Sunday (including holidays) until September 26. It’s free to get in, but parking is $5. Alternatively, take the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station (River Rock) and hop on a bus.

If you’re looking for something closer to downtown, don’t forget about the Chinatown Night Market. It’s open Friday – Sunday nights until September 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Keefer Street in Chinatown, between Columbia and Main.

It’s like a smaller Richmond Night Market, without the Canada Line ride. I can confirm there’s lots of great food stalls here — this market fed me for a lot of hot summer nights a couple of years ago. The merchandise isn’t as plentiful as the Richmond one though.