Inside Look at Portland Night Market

January 18, 2017 by 8 Comments

Have you heard of the Portland Night Market? This is free weekend market brings together local vendors of crafts and goods, food, and artists in the Central Eastside Industrial District, right near the well known and loved City Liquidators. The Portland Night Market is free and is hosted every couple months for a weekend, with the next date coming up on Friday and Saturday February 10 and 11, 2017 4 – 11 PM at 100 SE Alder.
The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

If you’ve ever been to one of the First Thursday in the Pearl District or Last Thursday on Alberta, the feel will be similar to that when visiting the Portland Night Market. You will find all these vendors, all local, many of which are small business makers. Unlike the street fairs, you are all protected from the elements inside this giant warehouse transformed into market with bright lights so you can really see the goods even if it’s evening, or under a big tent with twinkly lights giving you a feel of a high end street bazaar in Europe or Asia and much much cleaner. Here are a few examples from my visit to the last market in November.
Catnip Takout booth at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Rx Letterpress the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

Similar to First or Last Thursday, you can find art pieces, performance artists, live music, and this visit I even found a wall where everyone could contribute their thoughts and artistic touches as well. The February market will feature two evenings of Burlesque performances upstairs on the mezzanine and an interactive area for guests to make their own flower crowns.
The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market The art and performance artists of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

It’s an adventure just browsing the various stands to see what is for sale and the amazing creative ideas out there. A lot of artist markets seem to be full of a lot of photography booths and homemade jewelry, but Portland Night market has a great variety of types of items.
Twisted Vine Terraniums booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Ninja Bot booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Notebooks made of disks at a booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Notebooks made of children books at a booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Sparrow and Sundry booth at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Magnets and diorama crafts at the 20Leagues booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 marketCatnip toys in the form of little food at the Catnip Takeout booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Catnip toys in the form of little food at the Catnip Takeout booth as part of the vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

One thing that’s unique to this market is that you can grab a beverage at one of the bars to keep you “hydrated” while you are browsing. There are also some artisan food booths, varying from salami to baked goods to chocolate or hot sauce and more. Outside, under tents with some heat lamps (at least in November when it was chilly) there were multiple food carts offering a variety of food varying from pastrami sandwiches to crepes or steamed buns or fried chicken or fresh kettle corn or mini doughnuts.

Popular hot food vendors include The Dump Truck, PDX Sliders, Popi’s Pastries, FoMo Chicken, Big Fat Weiners, Tastebud, Wasabi Sushi, Boke Bowl and more. Dessert vendors include Churros Locos, Cream, Pip’s Original Doughnuts, Treehouse Chocolate, Boozehound, Sweetheart Saint Johns and more. Local food brands will be at the market offering tastings, including Jem Nut Butters, Plum Tree Jam, Honey Mama’s, Tea Bar, Oregon Olive Mill and Buddha Chocolate.
The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Sweetheart Bakery booth as part of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 marketTime and Oak Natural Elements booth at the Portland Night Market The vibe of the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

Bible Club even had a cash pop-up bar where they were pouring draft cocktails like Gold Rush, Singapore Sling, and Hemingway, as well as crafting classic drinks. The Bible Club’s Speakeasy will be returning this year to its second floor location with their unique craft cocktails and live music.
Bible Club had a pop-up bar where they were pouring draft cocktails and crafting classic drinks at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Bible Club had a pop-up bar where they were pouring draft cocktails and crafting classic drinks at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Bible Club had a pop-up bar where they were pouring draft cocktails and crafting classic drinks at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market Bible Club had a pop-up bar where they were pouring draft cocktails and crafting classic drinks at the Portland Night Market, held every few months in the Central Industrial District in a warehouse, during the November 2016 market

This is a great experience by yourself or with friends or on a date or with a family to explore what great local makers are creating and even see some performance art. And, did I mention again that admission is FREE and all ages and FREE?

The only caution I would give is that it can be difficult to find parking in this area since there are so many people who may come visit the market and there is only street parking. This is an industrial area under Morrison Bridge and a few freeways and also divided by train tracks. If you can find parking, but it may be several block walk away and be aware of your surroundings in the evening as there may be sometimes sketchy portions. The Portland Night Market is also only 2 blocks from the Portland Streetcar.

Have you heard or been to The Portland Night Market before?

Here are the dates for this year for Night Market if you are interested in attending:

  • February 10-11, 2017 – LOVE Rose City Edition (Pelett and her team have curated an “Aphrodisiac Alley” featuring local chocolate and beverage vendors such as Alma Chocolate, Catman Cellars, Best Friends Honey and Marshall’s Haute Sauce. The PDX Oyster Social will give away 45 dozen oysters on the half shell each night at their “oyster booth” while supplies last. )
  • May 12-13, 2017
  • September 29-30, 2017
  • December 1-3, 2017 (The Holiday edition is the only three-day event, including Sunday brunch food and beverage options)

 

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Comments

  1. Michele Francisco says
    January 18, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Great post Pech! I might have to make a list of all the gifts I need this year and do some shopping, well in advance of when I need them. Love buying local from small businesses!

    Reply
  2. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
    January 18, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    I’ve been meaning to go for ages! Ironically I’ve never seen photos of the event – and yours make me want to go even more. Thanks for the inside look!

    Reply
  3. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
    January 18, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    Portland Night Market is so much fun! Such a great place to find new local businesses to support and to find unique gifts for friends, not to mention unique artwork and home decor. Great photos!

    Reply
  4. Lindsay Sauve says
    January 18, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    I have never been! Thanks for this post. Drinking, shopping, and eating cupcakes sounds like my idea of a perfect evening. Can’t wait to check it out. Great photos!

    Reply
  5. Lindsay Ingalls says
    January 19, 2017 at 7:25 am

    I love the Portland Night Market! It’s such a fun spot! Hoping we can make it to one kid-free this year.

    Reply
  6. Peter Korchnak says
    January 19, 2017 at 11:03 am

    I’ve heard of it but never been. But now thanks to you, it’s on my calendar. Hoping for some tasty treats and Bangkok nostalgia. Thanks for the roundup.

    Reply

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