The Northridge Night Market, in collaboration with the Northridge Mall, is a bi-weekly community event bringing together local vendors, small businesses, and families for an evening of food, shopping, and entertainment from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the parking lot next to Cinemark. 

This started as a way to support small businesses and provide a fun family friendly gathering place for Salinas. Starting May 6th, the market will become weekly, with it being held every Wednesday for the rest of the year. The new location will be in the parking lot next to Cinemark. 

Northridge Night Market event coordinator Iris Perea decided to create a market of her own while working at a local flea market in the accounting department. Afterwards, she co-founded the Northridge Night Market. “Seeing the community come together and vendors thrive is the most rewarding part,” she said. “The market creates opportunities for small businesses while providing a fun space for families.” For any updates, one can check their instagram, @NorthridgeNightMarket. 

At the Night Market, guests can expect music from DJs or live bands, food from a variety of vendors, and family-friendly seating areas with bounce houses being added in the summer. 

Additionally, the event is safe with security and restroom access and sees 2,000-2,500 guests per event. 

The event hosts themed events, such as holiday nights and Halloween costume contests. “Our favorite one so far was partnering with Salinas Police Department for pictures with Santa while enjoying snow in the market,” Perea said. 

As for upcoming events, the market will hold a giveaway on May 13th. The giveaway will include gifts from vendors who are part of the market. 

Perea also wishes to host a college event, involving high school seniors and their college commitments.

According to Perea, vendors range from food and dessert makers to small business retailers and crafters. “Each vendor has a specialty, and one of the best things to hear is, ‘We sold out!’” she said. 

Most vendors are local but there are also vendors from surrounding areas such as Fresno, Watsonville, and Soledad. “The night market is different because you have a little bit of everything for everyone,” owner of Make It Dulce Jose Maldonado said. “Here you got anything from shoes to colognes, jewelry, and us, Make It Dulce.”

If students wish to earn community service hours at the market, they can help with parking, cleaning, or assisting visitors. 

At the end of their shift, students can get a free baked potato from Papasitos Baked Potatoes. Besides community service, schools such as Alisal have the opportunity to start a market to raise funds for clubs or teams with their help. 

One can get started by emailing Perea at [email protected]. “We’re happy to help get them started,” she said. “I am an AHS alumni and want to see the Trojans continue to succeed!”