2023 Asian Night Market

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Once again, Wichita showed up big time to the 2nd Annual Asian Night Market.

The biggest feedback from the inaugural event was the need for a bigger venue space. So, they moved to the larger Riverfront Stadium where vendors lined the concourse. The event time changed and ran from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. I met with some event hosts last year and the one suggestion I gave them was to add a V.I.P. ticket option where attendees could get in an hour earlier. That was also added and I think was a stellar deal.

This year’s Asian Night Market featured more space, more vendors, and more time to enjoy the event.

Tickets were $10 at the door or $20 which you got in an hour earlier. I think the $20 was easily a steal and well worth it as people were able to beat the large crowds and quickly grab bites at many stands.

The next two days, I looked at the feedback and reaction to the market. People were generally very happy with the move to Riverfront Stadium.

Two of the biggest criticisms of the Asian Night Market came down to parking and long lines. It’s a couple of things I’m not sure will ever be sufficient to satisfy patrons. With the number of people who attend these events, there’s just not a venue in town that’s outside and can accommodate everyone’s parking needs and hatred of walking. As for the lines, unless tickets are limited, crowds and lines are a party of any event. The lines at the Asian Night Market were a testament to the popularity of Asian food and culture in Wichita. It was such a cool thing to see.

If there were no lines, then that may spell doom for future events.

All in all, I had an absolute blast. I arrived an hour early and was able to visit 40+ different booths and rack up a large food bill. My favorite dish I had was the Khao Soi Chicken from a booth called The Thai-Thai Booth by Apple Snook. I wish I took a picture of the dish, but it is featured in the video at the end of this blog. I need to find them online somehow.

And in case you missed it, here’s a video look at what took place:

@wichitabyeb What a beautiful time at the Asian Night Market. Tried to tackle every food vendor with @Lisa Nguyen . Loved the venue change to Riverfront Stadium and seeing the big crowds show up again in support. Applause to the Wichita Asian Association! #fyp #foodie #nightmarket #asiannightmarket ♬ Because Of You – Ne-Yo

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