26th Street Night Market - Image 1
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26th Street Night Market

3.6
·85 reviews·Whittier, United States

A bustling LA night market with diverse street food, live music, and vibrant community vibes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday & Saturday evenings

Peak vibes and food

CrowdHigh
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26th Street Night Market - Image 1

26th Street Night Market

Best Time

Friday & Saturday evenings

Peak vibes and food

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling LA night market with diverse street food, live music, and vibrant community vibes. TikTok

3.6
(85 reviews)

"Great food and variety, prices were reasonable and big portions, good entertainment for everyone in your family, would visit again."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Cash is King

While some vendors might take cards, having cash makes transactions quicker and easier.

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing on uneven ground.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Galore

Street Food Galore

Throughout the market

From tacos and pupusas to mini pancakes and deep-fried Oreos, satisfy your cravings with diverse LA street food.

TikTok+1
Live Music & Dancing

Live Music & Dancing

Main stage area

Groove to 80s hits, funk, and mariachi music. The vibrant atmosphere encourages spontaneous dancing!

TikTok+2
Unique Finds & Charms

Unique Finds & Charms

Merchandise stalls

Browse for accessories, croc charms, and other unique items from local vendors.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

This popular night market can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arrive early to snag a good spot and beat the longest lines for food. Some TikToks show it can even shut down if too many people show up! TikTok

Budgeting for Fun

While some reviews mention 'reasonable prices,' others found the food and parking ($10 is common) to be overpriced. Factor in potential entry fees ($5 mentioned in one review) and be selective with your food choices to manage costs. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday & Saturday evenings
Why
Peak vibes and food
Crowd
High
When
Saturday early afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, good food
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

All the food was great! Def coming back again. 1971 Imperial St Los Angeles @Ave 26 night market #nightmarket #streetfood #lafood #mustbenice
@hangryblogger
2.2M likes • 14.1M views

🎯 Cash is King

While some vendors might take cards, having cash makes transactions quicker and easier. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing on uneven ground. Reddit

Who wants to party with? @rey #party #mexicanparty #fiesta #latino #mexican #chicano #blaxican #chicano #ave26nightmarket #dancing #dancefloor #dancefloorchallenge #maincharacterenergy #latinoparty #goth #gothtok #gothmexican #gothlatina #latinparty
@elpandarockero
165.7K likes • 941.2K views
Thank you for having us @Ave26nightmarket and purorockero! Ayi para la seguinte! #80smusic #80smusicchallenge #80smusicthrowback #80smusicrocks #80sdance #80sdancechallenge #80sdancemoves #80sdanceparty #freefreedance #dancefreestyle #dancing #dancingchallenge #dance #goth #gothgirl #gothtiktok #gothtok #gothic #gothicstyle #gothgirls
@reykio_
41.1K likes • 428K views

🚗 Parking Strategy

Expect to pay around $10 for parking. Arrive early for better spots. Reddit

🎶 Check for Events

Special themed nights like 'Mariachi Night' add to the fun! TikTok

@gothtio and @Hell Fairy vibing at @Ave26nightmarket #80smusic #80smusicchallenge #80smusicthrowback #80smusicrocks #80sdance #80sdancechallenge #80sdancemoves #80sdanceparty #freefreedance #dancefreestyle #dancing #dancingchallenge #dance #goth #gothgirl #gothtiktok #gothtok #gothic #gothicstyle #gothgirls #mexicantiktok #mexicana #mexicano #chicano #latinos #latinostiktok #latinostiktoks #mexic...
@elpandarockero
37.4K likes • 227.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Cash is King

While some vendors might take cards, having cash makes transactions quicker and easier. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing on uneven ground. Reddit

🚗 Parking Strategy

Expect to pay around $10 for parking. Arrive early for better spots. Reddit

🎶 Check for Events

Special themed nights like 'Mariachi Night' add to the fun! TikTok

🌮 Taco Recommendations

Avenue 26 tacos are a local favorite, but quality can vary. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.6
(85 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The 26th Street Night Market offers a lively atmosphere with diverse street food and live entertainment, drawing in crowds for a vibrant LA experience. However, some visitors find the food and parking to be overpriced, and the market's layout can be a bit challenging. Reddit

"Been wanting to come here for a while now since we see it all over IG. Disappointing! $10 parking and over priced food. My son ordered Buffalo Chicken Fries from Ur Wings and they guy didn’t give him all of his change back. Either he can’t count or he took advantage of a kid. The only food that’s worth mentioning that we tried is the Pupusas. Worth the $4. However, their taquitos are literally fried tortilla with nothing inside of it. Let’s not forget the .99 hotdog from Your Homies Little Dog (or something like that). Definitely NOT worth the $14! Don’t waste your time here … go to a restaurant!"

Christina M.

"Great food and variety, prices were reasonable and big portions, good entertainment for everyone in your family, would visit again."

CJ J

"Best night market in pico Rivera sports arena totally recommend going so much vendors to look at and the food different choices to choose from
Also recommend visiting the vendors at
Los Charms they have so many things to look at starting with the croc charms so many options designs to get and their other accessories
Saturday 4pm-11pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
Come for the fun and stay for the vibe."

Sergio Ayala

What People Like

Vibrant atmosphere
Diverse food options
Live music and dancing

What People Dislike

Overpriced food
Parking costs
Uneven terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The 26th Street Night Market is located at 1971 Imperial St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, and also has a location in Pico Rivera at 11003 Sports Arena Drive. Public transport options can be limited, so driving or rideshare services are often recommended. Parking is typically available for a fee. TikTok+1

Yes, parking is usually available, but it comes with a fee, often around $10. Arriving early can help you secure a spot more easily. Reddit

Yes, it's generally considered family-friendly with live music and various food options. However, some reviews caution about the uneven ground and potential for tripping hazards. TikTokReddit

The market typically runs on Fridays and Saturdays, with hours often extending into the late evening. Specific times can vary, but Saturday hours are often listed as 4 PM-11 PM and Sunday 11 AM-6 PM for the Pico Rivera location. TikTokReddit

While public transport might be an option depending on your starting point, it's not always the most convenient. Rideshare services or driving are more common choices for attendees. Check local transit schedules for routes near the Imperial Street or Sports Arena Drive locations. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Some reviews indicate there might be an entry fee, with one mentioning $5 per person. It's advisable to check for any admission charges before your visit, as this can vary. Reddit

Tickets are generally not required in advance, and entry is often paid at the gate. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this closer to your visit date. Reddit

While some vendors may accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to bring cash. Many smaller vendors operate on a cash-only basis, and it speeds up transactions. Reddit

Information on group or family discounts is not widely available. It's best to assume standard entry fees apply unless otherwise advertised. Reddit

Refund policies for unexpected closures are not clearly stated. It's wise to check social media or the market's official channels for any announcements regarding closures. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a wide array of LA street food, including tacos, pupusas, quesabirria, deep-fried Oreos, mini pancakes, and strawberry lemonade. TikTok+3

While many vendors focus on meat-based dishes like tacos, you can often find options like pupusas (which can sometimes be made vegetarian) or fruit-based drinks. It's best to ask vendors directly about their ingredients. TikTok

Prices can be a point of contention, with some visitors finding them reasonable and others considering them overpriced, especially for items like hot dogs or tacos. TikTokReddit

Pupusas are frequently mentioned as a good value. Mini pancakes and strawberry lemonade are also popular sweet treats. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, alongside food vendors, you'll find merchandise stalls selling accessories, clothing, and unique items like croc charms. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere with shots of the bustling food stalls, colorful merchandise, and people enjoying the live music and dancing. The energy of the crowd is a great subject. TikTok+1

Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the food and general market scenes. If you plan to focus on a specific vendor or person, it's always polite to ask for permission first. TikTok

The market truly comes alive after sunset, offering a dynamic nighttime atmosphere with colorful lights and vibrant energy, perfect for capturing the essence of a LA night market. TikTok

Look for the lively dance floor scenes, the diverse array of street food being prepared, and the unique merchandise on display. The interactions between people and vendors create great candid shots. TikTok+1

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is ideal for capturing the vibrant nighttime atmosphere. If you have a DSLR, consider bringing a versatile lens to handle various shooting conditions. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 26th Street Night Market offers a lively outing for families, with a generally family-friendly atmosphere and diverse food options that can appeal to various tastes. TikTok Kids often enjoy the sweet treats like mini pancakes and deep-fried Oreos, as well as the chance to see unique merchandise. The live music and dancing can also be a fun spectacle for younger attendees. TikTok

However, parents should be prepared for crowds and potentially uneven ground, making it advisable to keep a close eye on children. While some reviews mention good value, others point to higher prices, so budgeting for food and potential entry fees is important. Bringing cash is also a practical tip for easier transactions with younger ones in tow. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the 26th Street Night Market can be a mixed bag. While it offers a taste of LA's vibrant street food scene at potentially lower prices than sit-down restaurants, some reviews highlight that it can also be surprisingly expensive. Reddit Pupusas are often cited as a good value option, and keeping an eye out for smaller, less flashy vendors might yield better deals. Reddit

Be strategic with your spending. Consider sharing dishes or focusing on one or two items you really want to try. Factor in the parking fee and any potential entry cost when planning your budget. Bringing your own water bottle might also save you money on drinks. Reddit

🎶 Music & Dance Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to music and dancing, the 26th Street Night Market is a must-visit. The market frequently features live bands playing everything from 80s throwbacks to funk and mariachi. TikTok+3 The energy is infectious, and many attendees find themselves spontaneously dancing. TikTok+1

Keep an eye on the market's social media for announcements about specific music themes or performances. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd create a fantastic backdrop for enjoying music and letting loose. It's a great place to experience the local culture and have a fun, energetic night out. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Scene: A Taste of LA Street Food

The 26th Street Night Market is a haven for street food enthusiasts, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles. You'll find everything from classic tacos and pupusas to more unique offerings like deep-fried Oreos and mini pancakes. Many TikTok videos highlight the sheer variety available, with creators trying multiple dishes in one visit. TikTok+2

However, it's worth noting that some visitors have expressed concerns about the pricing and quality of certain food items. While some vendors offer great value, others have been criticized for being overpriced or lacking flavor. Reviews suggest that pupusas are often a safe and delicious bet, while some taco vendors might be hit-or-miss. Reddit

When exploring the food options, be prepared for a sensory overload. The aromas of grilling meats, sweet pastries, and refreshing drinks fill the air. It’s an experience best enjoyed by sampling a little bit of everything, but perhaps with a strategic approach to manage your budget and expectations. TikTok

Vibes and Entertainment: More Than Just Food

Beyond the food, the 26th Street Night Market is renowned for its electric atmosphere and entertainment. Live music is a constant feature, with genres ranging from 80s hits and funk to traditional mariachi. These performances often transform the market into an impromptu dance floor, with attendees of all ages joining in. TikTok+3

The market attracts a diverse crowd, fostering a sense of community and celebration. TikTok videos frequently capture the dancing, partying, and positive vibes that permeate the event. It's a place where people come to connect, enjoy good music, and let loose. TikTok+2

While the entertainment is a major draw, it's also important to be aware of the crowd dynamics. On busy nights, the market can become extremely packed, with thousands of people in attendance. This energy contributes to the lively atmosphere but also means navigating through crowds is part of the experience. TikTok

Navigating the Market: Practical Tips for Visitors

Successfully navigating the 26th Street Night Market involves a few key considerations. Parking is a significant factor, with fees typically around $10. Arriving early is often recommended to secure a better parking spot and avoid the longest queues for food. Reddit

Cash is essential. While some vendors might accept cards, many smaller operations are cash-only. Having a good amount of cash on hand will streamline your purchases and prevent any disappointment. Reddit

Be mindful of the terrain. The market is often set up in a lot, which can have uneven surfaces. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must, and be aware of potential tripping hazards, as mentioned in some reviews. Reddit

Finally, manage your expectations regarding prices and variety. While there's a wide selection, some items can be pricey. Prioritize what you want to try and be prepared for a bustling, sometimes crowded, environment. Reddit

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