09/15/2026
The 626 Night Market first started back in San Gabriel Valley, in the early 2000’s. It has since spread to Costa Mesa and Pleasanton, CA. The main market is in Arcadia and happens twice a year, as opposed to once a year for the other locations. This year we decided to attend the Arcadia market located at the Santa Anita Park & Race Track. Compared to the Costa Mesa market on the OC Fair Grounds this one is bigger and has more variety of foods. It can’t compare to true night markets in Taiwan. I highly recommend all visitors to Taiwan to block off one or two nights to go to the night markets, its more vibrant and there stalls selling items and game stalls that you won’t see here in the US.
We went to the Arcadia one on 08/14/2026. And the Costa Mesa one 09/06/2024 & 08/03/2019. There are performance, singers, and dancers on the main stage while you walk around. It’s a lively feeling. So much to look at, to eat, to shop.
Some stand-outs for us were the lamb and beef skewers, Korean taco-esque bimbimbop, Portuguese custard tarts, and match cream coffee. We did try this flavored light shaved ice, I don’t have the name. The presentation of the shaved ice was pretty but then the ice was in my mouth it was more drying and not smooth or soothing. Not exactly my favorite. I just had to mention it because we tried it. The Portuguese tarts we started with just one, but went back for a whole box after we finished the one. We choose the original, pistachio topped, yuzu topped, and coconut topped tarts. I’ve always been a fan of egg tarts and these have inspired me to bake some at home. Keep an eye on my Kitchen Lab page to see my post when I get a chance to create them myself.
The lamb and beef skewers were fresh and we could have had more but with so many other food booths, it’s best to buy smaller portions. The Korean tacos were delicious according to my husband, I’m not much of a spicy food kind of person. They looked yummy to me. Same goes for the matcha coffee drink, I’m not too fond of coffee and don’t have the taste buds for it. But my husband said it was good, he gave me that face of pleasant surprise and enjoyment on his first sip.
Info: check their website for dates (626 Night Market)
- Location: Arcadia, Costa Mesa, and Pleasanton, CA
- Tickets: $8 per person
- Parking: depending on the location
- Of note: It can be hot if you go when doors open 3pm. As the sun sets the temp is nice but it gets crowded as the sun dips down too.
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