Everything you need to know before visiting Imperial Night Market in Downtown Los Angeles. Practical answers for parking, transit, payment, accessibility, and planning your evening · En español
The market is held at 2300 E 15th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021. It takes place in an open-air alleyway alongside a historic rail spur, located between South Santa Fe Avenue and Alameda Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
Admission is 100% free. There are no entry tickets, gate fees, or reservations required. You simply walk in and purchase food directly from individual stalls.
The market is open every weekend, all year round:
Hours can occasionally shift slightly with evening foot traffic. Vendors begin serving as soon as their setups are ready.
The full lineup is out about an hour after opening. For shorter wait times and the full selection of food, aim to arrive on Friday about 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday about 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It is busiest in the evening.
Public street parking is free on East 15th Street, South Santa Fe Avenue, and neighboring industrial corridor blocks.
Yes. Several neighboring private commercial lots offer visitor parking for a flat cash fee. These lots are independently operated by their property owners, with their own posted rates and rules.
When requesting an Uber or Lyft, set your drop-off pin to 2300 E 15th St at South Santa Fe Ave. This allows your driver to pull over safely along the wide avenue without getting trapped in the narrower market alley entrance.
Public transit stops are nearby. Check LA Metro for current routes.
Yes. You can walk bicycles or personal scooters into the open-air perimeter. Dedicated bike racks are limited on industrial street poles, so bring a sturdy U-lock if locking up on the perimeter.
Bring cash. Some stalls may take cards, and card fees may apply.
Flat, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended. The market is set on street asphalt with vintage railroad tracks running through the center. Expect pavement seams, track grooves, and uneven spots. Thin heels or slick soles are not advised.
The alley is not step-free; old rails and uneven asphalt run through the middle. Strollers and wheelchairs may find it difficult.
Yes. The market is an all-ages community gathering. Families regularly attend to share meals, listen to music, and enjoy sweets like freshly fried churros and chilled aguas frescas.
Yes, well-behaved dogs on standard, non-retractable leashes are welcome in outdoor pedestrian areas. Please keep leashes short to protect your dog around hot cooking stations, open grills, and crowded footpaths.
Yes. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations are provided on-site for market visitors.
The market is open-air and operates in typical dry weather. Light sprinkles usually do not halt the market, but heavy downpours or high wind storms may reduce vendor turnout or pause operations. Live status updates are posted on Instagram @imperial_night_market.