Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More

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a dancer wearing a colorful sash a dancer wearing a colorful sash
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The Jade International Night Market is packed with multicultural performances.
Credit: Courtesy of the Jade International Night Market

Jade International Night Market

This August event showcases multicultural music, dance, food and more.

Editor's Pick
2 min read Jade District
Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More

Editor's Pick
Southeast
This event has passed. Sorry you missed it!
When
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
3 p.m.–10 p.m.
Free
Where
Portland Community College – Southeast Campus
2305 SE 82nd Ave.
Portland OR 97216

Founded in 2014, Portland’s Jade International Night Market is the epitome of a multicultural community event. Strings of lights and lanterns illuminate the Southeast Portland parking lot where this annual event takes place. Scents of garlicky beef satay and crisp lumpia fill the air as children sit cross-legged during dragon dance performances. What started as a small volunteer group has expanded to keep up with attendance, which has grown to 20,000 attendees annually.

Origins of the Jade International Night Market

APANO founded the market following a series of workshops in which Jade District community members identified their needs. With “opportunities for community gathering” declared a top priority, the first Jade International Night Market was organized. The festival’s goal was to attract a few hundred attendees. Incredibly, 6,000 people showed up.

Todd Struble, APANO’s Real Estate Development Manager (previous Jade District Manager), and fellow organizers Rosaline Hui and Nannette Tran work to ensure the event supports local values. Struble recalls that before they hosted the inaugural market, his team saw a void in the community. “Our volunteers recognized that there were no outdoor events that reflected the culture of the Jade District residents,” he said.

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The Jade District Community

The Jade District is a lively neighborhood centered around the intersection of Southeast Division Street and Southeast 82nd Avenue. Although its borders cover less than one square mile (2.6 sq km), the district supports more than 400 small businesses. Many recent Asian immigrants and refugees call the Jade District home, and nearly 50% of all residents are people of color.

Night markets are integral to life in Asia, providing space for community members to shop, eat and socialize. The Jade International Night Market’s performance stage also offers entertainment like Vietnamese and Bollywood dance and Japanese taiko drumming. For many in attendance, the Jade International Night Market is a welcome reminder of their roots.

market attendees walk and browse the items displayed in booths
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The Jade International Night Market offers a wide array of products reflecting the cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Jade District.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
a person talking to a vendor selling ceramics at a market booth
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Artists and artisans sell art pieces, including paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures at the market.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
three children with cotton candy on sticks in front of the cotton candy machine
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The Night Market is a family-friendly event that celebrates the vibrant communities of the Jade District.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
a family sitting in chairs raise their arms while watching a performance
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Audience members enjoy performances of traditional music and dance at the multicultural celebration.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
four women bowing during a dance on stage
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Performances might include the Buchaechum (fan dance) or Janggu dance, which involve intricate movements and traditional attire.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
a team of dancers perform on stage
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The Jade International Night Market celebrates multicultural celebration and community gathering.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
dancers on stage showcase traditional vibrant dresses while performing
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The performances at the Jade International Night Market showcase rich cultural traditions of the various communities represented.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
children in blue martial arts uniforms display fighting stances on stage
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Watch exciting performances at the International Jade Night Market.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
performers on stage showcase martial arts moves with swords and shields
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Local martial arts schools often perform demonstrations of kung fu and wushu, showcasing various forms and weapon techniques.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
dancers in a dragon costume balance on red risers
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Chinese Lion Dances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
a person using wooden sticks to beat a large drum
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Drumming groups perform powerful and energetic rhythms on large drums.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO
children on stage put on traditional Lion Dance costumes before performing
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The performances at the Jade International Night Market are a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity.
Credit: Lumae Photography, courtesy of APANO

“This event is important because it reflects the culture and diversity of Southeast Portland,” Strubel explained. “As one of the most diverse census tracts in the city of Portland, we try to ensure that vendors, performers and speakers all have a connection to this community and the folks who live and work here.”

The Night Market isn’t just a fun outdoor event, he said, but one that exists to support the surrounding community. “Our goal is to ensure that the stories, experiences and culture of the attendees build an experience that folks in this neighborhood can rally behind, and the event works to anchor the community.”

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