Oklahoma City’s Asian District will come alive this Friday and Saturday as the Asian Night Market returns for its annual two‑night celebration. Stretching along Classen Boulevard from Northwest 23rd to Northwest 27th streets, the festival will feature more than 100 food trucks and vendors showcasing the diverse flavors and crafts of Asian culture.
Event details and schedule
The market opens at 5 p.m. each night and runs until 11 p.m. Attendees can wander the boulevard, sample dishes ranging from Korean barbecue to Vietnamese pho, and enjoy live performances that highlight traditional music and dance. A new addition for this year is an after‑party featuring celebrity guest Kim Lee, who will appear on Saturday night to celebrate the community’s heritage.
Community impact
“It’s just a great opportunity to be able to capture and see all the different aspects of what Asian culture looks like here in Oklahoma City,” said Steve Le, executive director of the Asian District Cultural Association. Le noted that the market not only celebrates culture but also strengthens the local economy.
Last year’s event attracted an estimated 80,000 visitors, and organizers expect an even larger crowd after the market was voted the second‑best night market in the country by USA Today. Local business owner James Vu echoed the sentiment, explaining that the market helps highlight small enterprises in the area. “This is a good opportunity, not just for people to see the Asian district, but it encourages small businesses like these food trucks to maybe hopefully say, you know what, this is an opportunity for me to do a brick‑and‑mortar in the Asian district,” Vu said, referring to his own establishments, La Brasa and Yours Truly.
Why the market matters to families
For families, the night market offers a safe, family‑friendly environment where parents can introduce children to new cuisines and cultural traditions. The event’s location along a well‑lit, pedestrian‑friendly stretch of Classen Boulevard makes it accessible for residents throughout the city.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope the success of this year’s market will continue to draw visitors and support the growth of permanent businesses in the Asian District. The combination of food, entertainment, and community spirit underscores the district’s role as a vibrant cultural hub within Oklahoma City.
For more information, visit the event’s official page.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
