Portland Night Market

I had hiiiigh hopes but was let down reeeal low. If I had been 21, I likely would feel very different about the market but there was nothing “adventurous” about it. The food vendors were a handful of food carts - the usual suspects: tacos, bahn mi, kettle corn, korean hot dogs, etc… i think shrimp toast was the most exciting thing I ate. i wanted more chicken organs on sticks and daring dishes. the booze was decent. the shops inside though, they really let me down. there was a smattering of shelf-stable foods and plenty of vintage shops, some ok pottery. it seemed the majority of the shops were angling the main audience of this market: gen z and gen alpha. i mean, i’m 40 and i felt OLD here. the clothing was sized for the 18-25 demographic. it doesn’t feel inclusive. the dj outside was spinning some junk (case in point: Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You” .. bruh, it’s July… Overall, no culture, no cohesiveness, no cool, just the dregs. Super disappointed. Give me a night market with some backbone.

I visited this market fir the very first time to assist my friend who was a vendor. It was on a Friday and started out slow, but became more vibrant as the night went on. By the time I left at 9 pm, people were singing in the food area. Lots of beautiful handmade items, friendly and fun crowd. Uber if you can as parking can be tough.

Really great vendors and food options. With that said, it could have been organized a lot better. I wish they would limit the amount of people let into the building a little more. We were packed like sardines. Worst yet, there was little ventilation. They set up a huge evaporative cooler, which made the area 20 feet around it cooler, but the rest of the building felt like a humid locker room due to the moisture pumped into the air. It was easily 85 degrees plus, nearing 100% humidity inside. I couldn't stop thinking of COVID. I would also recommend more outdoor seating. There were very few tables given the amount of people. I ordered food that really couldn't be eaten standing up, so I had to take it home. We paid the $10 fast pass entrance, and definitely recommend that. The other line wrapped around two city blocks. Like I said, the vendors were fantastic and it's worth going to once... Just wish it was organized a little better.

So crowded and is basically a club (if you’re there late) people dressed skimpy, loud loud music, alcohol… I wouldn’t recommend but if you’re a young Portlander you’d probably have a great time! Just not what I expected :-) also the line to the bathrooms were INSANE and to get anywhere you have to push past people.

A must go experience. Great venue that blends the night life vibe with a market of local vendors selling amazing hand made and small business goods. The food though is next level. The music is inside and out, with a small dance area in front of the DJ. If you love music as much as I do you will find yourself dancing your way between the merchants, through the indoor bars and out to get some delicious eats and maybe hold a baby goat. It was an experience. I'll be back for every night market in the future. The movie theater in the bar behind the wine venue on the second floor was something I didn't spend enough time really to enjoy. It's a cool date night idea though, for those that don't necessarily enjoy the loud music and crowds, head up to the movie room and enjoy a cute spot. The second floor above the west side has a few cool hang out spots, some selfy/group photo moments and of course a super cute bar tucked in the corner. It's rare to find a market with so many intimate settings as well as great community moments.