Our Story

The Artesian Street Origins

Our story begins in 2020 in Lincoln Heights. Originally known as the Avenue 26 Night Market, the gathering started organically on Artesian Street. As Angelenos sought safe, outdoor dining experiences during the pandemic, the market exploded in popularity. It grew almost overnight into one of the largest and most celebrated open-air markets in Los Angeles, drawing thousands of visitors a night for a densely packed celebration of Chicano and Hispanic culinary culture.

Evolution and Expansion

As the market's popularity outgrew its original neighborhood footprint, the city abruptly fenced off the area in August 2021. This unprecedented disruption led the original vendor community to evolve and branch out, splintering into several distinct night markets across Southern California.

While some organizers transitioned their concepts into formal festival grounds in Pico Rivera, a large coalition of vendors was determined to preserve the raw, accessible, and free-entry spirit of the original underground scene.

The Imperial Experience

Seeking a location where they could operate at scale without disrupting residential neighborhoods, these vendors established a new home down an industrial alley at E. 15th Street and Imperial Street.

Initially calling ourselves "Avenue 26 on Imperial" as a proud nod to our roots, we have since grown into the Imperial Night Market. By operating in a DTLA commercial strip, we perfectly capture the magic, density, and energy of the original market. Today, we stand as a premier Los Angeles night market that continues to operate purely for the culture: no corporate sponsors, no entry fees, just authentic street food.