The Jade International Night Market will return to Portland Community College’s (PCC) SE Campus at 2305 SE 82nd Avenue on Saturday, August 10th. The one-day cultural celebration, eating, and shopping event shifted its time later to return to its pre-pandemic late-night roots. People can attend anytime between 3 and 10 p.m., with most family-focused events happening earlier in the afternoon.
Designed as an annual event to connect with the community and celebrate diverse cultures in the Jade District, the Night Market attracts 5,000 to 7,000 attendees annually. People can expect to see 128 booths staffed with food vendors, craftspeople, organizations, and local businesses. Starting at 4 p.m., a long list of performances will fill the main stage, representing art and entertainment from the many cultures that make their home in the area.
Jade District Community Development Manager Alisa Kajikawa explained that almost every performer asked to attend was eager to participate this year, working around other commitments to appear. “It was a wonderful problem to have,” said Kajikawa. “You reach out and expect some, but not everyone. We have six hours of entertainment for our seven-hour event. It’s a wonderful feeling that performers want to come back and showcase their art for the community.” In addition to the notable list of performers, a crowd favorite will return to the Night Market stage this year to start the crowds dancing. DJ Prashant of Bollywood Dreams will retake the stage with Indian rhythms around 5 p.m. after missing the last few years of events. “It is amazing how this gets the energy going and the audience involved,” remarked Kajikawa.
– Stage Entertainment Schedule –
- 4:00 Chervona Eastern-European Party Band
- 4:50 White Lotus Lion Dance Chinese Lion Dance
- 5:20 Bollywood Dreams
- 6:05 Portland Art & Cultural Dance Team
- 6:20 Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon
- 6:30 Ballet Papalotl Mexican folklorico dance
- 7:00 Rachel Wong Singing & Dancing
- 7:30 McDaniel High School Cheer Stomp & Shake
- 7:50 Team Japonesque Japanese Dance
- 8:00 Summit Wushu Martial Arts demonstration
- 8:30 Hula Halau ‘Ohana Holo’oko’a Hawaiian Dance
- 9:00 Anansi Beat African Drumming
- 9:30 Portland Taiko Japanese Drumming
In addition to the stage-based entertainment, organizers invite kids to decorate a small pot and receive a house plant to take home in their creation. Event sponsor Portland Nursery will donate material for this youth activity from opening to 8 p.m. This year’s Market will also feature a socially engaged and tasty art project by Mario Mesquita. The artist designed his Paletas Communal Social Club project to unite communities through art, shared experiences, and dialogue while enjoying a Mexican frozen treat similar to a popsicle. Kajikawa explained that people can enjoy complimentary cool Paletas while answering questions about their lives in Portland and how they celebrate their culture.
Attendees of past Night markets will find a similar layout this year with the booths and the main stage in the courtyard at the center of the college’s campus. However, this time, organizers placed food vendors further to the west in a parking lot, leaving the driveway and bus parking area clear for tables and canopies where people can eat or rest. The Slavic Church Emmanuel will also allow marketgoers to park in its adjacent parking lot north of the PCC Campus. However, people are encouraged to ride TriMet to the Jade International Night Market with the FX2 rapid bus service and the 72 lines serving the campus. The first 1,000 attendees who want to take a ride-share service will receive 50% off, up to $10, on one Lyft ride with Ride Code JADEINTLNIGHTMKT. The code will only work for those traveling to or from Jade International Night Market on August 10th, 2024, from 2 to 10:30 p.m.
The Jade International Night Market is a well-attended, family-friendly event with hours of entertainment, shopping, and a diverse selection of foods. Forecasters expect temperatures to reach the low 90s that day. Event organizers will provide paper fans to people while supplies last, similar to last year. People should plan for crowds and hot weather, but the expansive PCC campus offers many places for people to rest and cool down away from the event space. The Jade District provides a complete list of food and retail vendors on its website.
Correction: An earlier version of this article said the event starts at 2 p.m. It begins at 3 p.m. this year.
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