The Illumination Summer Night Market can be found in Eastern Richmond – right behind the Home Depot near the Knight Street Bridge.

This summer night market has a lot of family friendly areas, like a teddy bear area that’s perfect for photos and also the largest light show in North America – so if you’re planning a visit, make sure to come at twilight or later when the lights start up.

illumination night market richmond

I’m not sure what you go for, but for me, I mostly go for the food (and cute socks). It seems like there are some interesting choices here that you can’t find at other night markets including Szechuan beef jerky, Escargot Noodle Soup and BBQ quail to name a few.

illumination night market richmond

illumination night market richmond

There are a few notable items including Daikon puff pastry, Spam and sweet yam skewers (from Porky Fries), crawfish and taiyaki with ice cream.

illumination night market richmond
Daikon Puff Pastries
illumination night market richmond
Spam Fries with Seaweed from Porky Fries

I really enjoyed the skewers from many of the booths – particularly the lamb skewers and lamb rack from Shine Valley Lamb soup – there are many around the night market, but these Chinese/Islamic/Muslim fusion skewers are incredibly tender and well spiced.

illumination night market richmond

illumination night market richmond

If you need something to quench your thirst you can get a baby watermelon that’s sweet and cold, a refreshing Fruit Tea or one of the craziest looking pineapples I’ve ever seen (complete with a gummy worm and marshmallows).

illumination night market richmond

illumination night market richmond

illumination night market richmond

And yes, you’ll be able to find Taiwanese style fried popcorn chicken and tentacles.

illumination night market richmond

illumination night market richmond

Overall, there are some interesting flavours here that you won’t find at the other night market and if you come early on, it’s less crowded.

illumination night market richmond

You’re also able to leave charms and love locks in the Northern part of the night market. There are also some great areas to snap a photo!

illumination night market richmond

The Illumination Summer Night Market is open from May 5th to September 10th from 7pm to midnight (11pm on Sunday). Entrance is $3 general admission, parking is free. For more information, check out their website here: https://www.summernightmarket.com

Disclosure: I was invited to Illumination Night Market by Chinese Bites and my food and admission was comp’d. All opinions are my own.

Illumination Summer Night Market Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato