At the end of the 2023 season, the Bronx Night Market was prepared to say goodbye for good. As someone who attended what everyone thought was their final event forever, there was a bittersweet emotion in the air as people took in the last of the short-lived fun of the Bronx Night Market.
The organization explained that they struggled with safety concerns and unauthorized vendors who were not a part of the event. As a result, they decided it was time to end its stay in the Bronx while expanding night markets to other areas across the city.
There is a common saying that goes around amongst Bronx residents when things like this happen: “The Bronx can never have anything.” As a Bronx resident myself, this was the same old story we’d heard plenty of times before. Anytime something good is given to the community, it ends up being taken away from us. Most of the time, these events and organizations are things we need, especially as a predominantly Black and Latino community where we are underrepresented.
When its closure was announced in 2023 over social media, residents flooded the comments, requesting that they give the Bronx another chance. Many people advocated for fundraising and contacting the local government to help with their issues in an effort to keep the Night Market running. Thankfully, it did not fall on deaf ears.
Due to the overwhelming response to the news of the Bronx Night Market closing, the organizers decided to find a way to bring it back, receiving support from local government and partnerships. In Feb. 2024, the Night Market decided to announce its grand return for the 2024 season, marking their seventh year in a row. Vendor applications were opened immediately, building anticipation amongst Bronx residents.
The Bronx Night Market reopened its doors on the first Saturday of April, pulling in a massive crowd that proved just how much the Bronx loved the food festival. They seemed to return bigger and better than before, now implementing entertainment for kids, brand sponsorships and giveaways from small businesses local to the Bronx.
There were still some challenges for the Night Market this season. Due to the event being outdoors, most of the Saturdays were filled with heavy downpours that plagued the city during the summer. However, people were still seen outside holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos, not allowing the rain to ruin their plans.
I had the chance to attend in October, which went perfectly. The weather was nice, the music was hitting and familiar vendors who had been to the Bronx Night Market before could be found yet again. My personal favorites who have been there countless times before are Downeast Lobstah, Humos and Sam’s Fried Ice Cream.
Downeast Lobstah makes tiny lobster rolls fresh from the grill. I ordered the butter roll and the Cajun-seasoned roll. These lobster rolls are to die for, and they never cheap out on the best part: the lobster! While they can be a bit pricey, they are a staple for a reason. While it does take some time to receive the roll, the wait is usually worth it.
Humos is a Latin-American style barbecue, making their food over an open flame right in front of you. The dish I ordered was an assortment of chicken, steak, ribs and sausage with a side of potatoes. It reminded me a lot of a picadera, a Dominican dish that is very near and dear to me and other Bronx residents. Put a little chimichurri sauce on top and you have perfection.
Last but not least, Sam’s Fried Ice Cream is a must-have at the Bronx Night Market. When the sun goes down and you’re full of food, the one thing to top it all off is fried ice cream. I stuck with the classic cookies and cream topped with powdered sugar. The hot crunch, along with the cool ice cream is so satisfying that it has become a staple for the Night Market.
For many in the community, the Bronx Night Market is not just for the food. It’s a chance to come together as a community, to share our cultures and to experience it together.
It allows the Bronx to finally be in the spotlight for a positive reason, which is what we need. We have a reputation that is not completely true and one that discounts our community and our borough of the beauty that lies within it.
Two more events will be held in Fordham Plaza to celebrate Halloween: one on Oct. 26 and one on Nov. 2, from noon to 8 p.m. Wear your costume, eat good food and have fun!
This season for the Bronx Night Market was a unique one, but one that will go out with a bang. While the weather might start to get chillier soon, residents are already looking forward to what the Bronx Night Market brings in 2025.
If you would like to stay up to date with the organization and events, you can follow @nightmarketsnyc on Instagram or visit their website for more information. All Night Markets are free to attend.
