Could the Richmond Night Market find a new home somewhere else in the city? That’s the hope of Richmond officials, who are concerned about the cultural and economic impacts of losing the iconic annual attraction after this summer. The night market—which announced this week that it will soon be shutting down after 26 years in operation—is said to attract more than a million visitors each year. Mayor Malcolm Brodie told CTV News a permanent closure would be a major blow to Richmond’s tourism sector, but that the city is looking for a way to keep the event going into 2027 and beyond. “We will work with the operator, the owner of the night market to see what else can be secured and do what else we can as a city,” Brodie said Thursday. The Richmond Night Market moved several times before landing at its longtime location at a gravel lot beside the Bridgeport Canada Line Station and the River Rock Casino Resort. Organizers have said their lease there is coming to an end this year. “To our visitors, vendors, performers, sponsors, partners, and dedicated staff—thank you for 26 incredible years,” they said in a social media post this week. No further details have been shared. In a statement to CTV News, the city noted it has “not been a party” to any negotiations between the property owner and the night market’s operators. While officials could not provide an estimate for the economic impact of the event, they said it has become an important summer staple for Richmond. “The city values the night market’s contribution to the community and the local visitor economy and hopes to see it continue to thrive in Richmond, whether at its current site or elsewhere,” the statement continued. With a municipal election coming up this fall, the Conservative Party of Richmond has also promised to secure a “larger, long-term location” for the event if elected. “Council can start working on this right away, even before the election,” said candidate Alex Sagert. “Because this is about community, not more of an election issue in my mind.” As it stands, Sept. 20 will be the Richmond Night Market’s final day in business.
