8 of the Best North Carolina Summer Night Markets

Balmy summer nights are right around the corner and that comes fireflies, bonfires and North Carolina night markets. If you love a farmer's market during the day, imagine the elevated romance and atmosphere of a nighttime market, with vendors, food and music all under a blanket of twinkling stars.

Night markets are a worldwide phenomenon. History believes the concept originated in medieval China, spreading to other countries like Thailand and Taiwan, and especially grew after World War II. In the ’80s and ’90s, the bazaars became less like traditional wet markets and more bent on commerce (think pirated movies and luxury knockoffs, plus the typical street food). Thus, younger and more international crowds started being lured in and there you have it: a nighttime hullabaloo.

Luckily, the night market experience is attainable in the U.S and most importantly, for this purpose of this article, right here in North Carolina. Which stands to reason, as North Carolina is home to some of the best handmade crafts and delicious market food to be had. Handmade soaps, custom jewelry, produce from local farmers, baked goods and even custom can be found in the night markets. For the serious treasure hunter, antique vendors can usually be found selling hard to find items, anything from rare vinyl records to vintage clothing. However, if you see a cute little pet with directions to not feed after midnight for sale, you want to pass by on that deal......

Night markets not only provide a community event for people to retreat to at the end of their day, but often also help the businesses they operate near, as a varied selection of customers shop at these markets, opening nearby businesses to new customers that normally wouldn’t know about their stores. Because of this, night markets can greatly improve communities culturally, economically, and socially.

Let's meet up under the stars at one of these North Carolina Night Markets.

Charlotte's favorite night market!
30 vendors, live music + more
101 W Worthington Ave

Located in the Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC, United States, North Carolina.

Discover a vibrant showcase of locally-crafted treasures while immersing yourself in an evening of music and entertainment at the Cary Night Market, organized by The Night Market Co. Join Triangle area artisans for a monthly gathering where an eclectic array of goods meets delectable food and drinks!

Located at 300 Blackwell St. on the American Tobacco Campus. Enjoy a night market filled with local handmade artists, games on the lawn, entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Friendly dogs are welcome on leash.

306 Parham St., Raleigh

Showcasing Raleigh's creativity in Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh! Find locally made goods and enjoy a night filled with music and entertainment with Triangle area artisans, food, and drinks at the Raleigh Night Market 

Midtown Park

4011 Cardinal at North Hill St. Raleigh

Get ready for a good time at North Hills Night Market – the ultimate chill spot where the food is amazing, the vibes are great, and the community spirit is off the charts. Located in Midtown Park, this event is your ticket to a laid-back evening filled with diverse eats, local talent, and all-around good vibes.

Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay Street, Raleigh

The Geek and Grub Market, established in Raleigh, North Carolina in April 2022, is a unique, family-friendly vendor market celebrating geek culture. It was founded by Erin Dunphy Dean to create a safe and fun environment for like-minded enthusiasts to sell and purchase geeky goods. This vibrant market offers not only a shopping experience but also a lively atmosphere filled with entertainment and community engagement, embodying a spirited celebration of all things geek.

The Plant

220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro, NC, United States, North Carolina

 Enjoy live music, food, vendors, adult beverages, fairy hair, and so much more!

A twist on the usual nighttime market, with an element of mystic and magic! Dirtbag Ales and Taproom presents the Misfit Market, a truly unique experience.

5435 Corporation Dr.

Hope Mills, NC