The Inglewood Night Market will open in September with small businesses, vendors and artists that represent the city’s culture
A new market is making its way to Hollywood Park on Sept. 19 from 5 to 10 p.m. with food vendors, artists, handmade crafts and local businesses.
The Inglewood Night Market is presented by The Money Studio, a design and art agency based in Inglewood and founded by Jorge Gomez that specializes in accompanying POC businesses.
According to Gomez, the idea came from the creatives of the Inglewood community. In September of 2024, the organization hosted an artist meet-and-greet at Asteroid Vinyl Cafe in collaboration with the City of Inglewood.
“The community wanted more art related projects and events in our city,” Gomez said. “My partner Susie Garcia and I ran with the idea and it flourished into what it is today.”
Credit: Courtesy of The Money Studio
Night markets have been a defining part of Los Angeles’ culture. Notable names like 626 Night Market and DTLA ArtNight are hubs for friends and family to roam, snack on food from vendors and interact with local art. On the outside, these events are casual, fun and an enjoyable way to get out in the city.
But the Inglewood Night Market is intended to serve a broader purpose in boosting local businesses.
“Inglewood has been called the entertainment capital of the world, and everyone wants a piece of the pie. With so much attention, it has been easy for outside companies and brands to impose their vision and values upon the community. Not everyone in the community is benefiting from the economic boom and are feeling left behind,” Gomez said.
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Vending is tied to more than economic survival, explained Darlene Garcia, a UCLA Master of Arts in Chicana and Chicano Studies student, in her thesis that dives into the significance of food vendors and night markets for the community. “Night markets are complex spaces where vendors build community, assert cultural identity, and navigate economic uncertainty.”
And historically, the informal economy of night markets has become a critical survival strategy for immigrant and low-income communities, Garcia noted.
This September’s market has the intention of being representative of the true community in Inglewood.
“Our goal is to remind visitors and the world that a rich culture and thriving energy are already present in our city. Implement us into the vision, utilize our God-given talents, compensate and acknowledge us,” Gomez said.
To Gomez, a successful outcome of the market includes the representation of artists and creatives. He also hopes local residents will leave the market with a great memory or inspiration. “We want everyone to know that all of this started from a simple conversation, then came to life through pure hard work and dedication.”
More information can be found at the market’s Instagram @ing.night.market.