Oakland Chinatown gears up for its first-ever night market
[Source]
Oakland Chinatown will host its first-ever night market spanning two blocks of 8th Street on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event aims to breathe new life into the neighborhood, which has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and rising crime.
Distinctly Oakland: Organized by the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council (OCIC), the night market is inspired by the success of similar events in San Francisco but will have a distinct Oakland flavor. It will feature live mural painting, a "Dumpling Olympics," a basketball tournament and a variety of hot food options. The event will also showcase live music from Oakland's own Seiji Oda and Dtrue, preceded by sets from DJs Adrian and JAZZ.FM.
Reminder of vibrant past: OCIC Executive Director Tony Trinh grew up in Chinatown and has witnessed the neighborhood's changes firsthand. “Since the pandemic, it really accelerated. Vacancies, a lot of graffiti, illegal dumping, as well as just a lot more crime,” Trinh told NBC Bay Area. He hopes the night market will attract new visitors and remind them of the area’s once-vibrant nightlife. The OCIC, which hopes to make the night market a regular occurrence, envisions the event as a catalyst for revitalizing Chinatown's shops and reigniting a sense of community.
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