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Night Markets, Fitting for the City That Never Sleeps
By Pojanee Fleury
The night markets of New York are more than just an evening out—they’re a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and cuisine. Produced by the MASC Hospitality Group, these buzzing events bring neighborhoods to life, offering everything from global culinary delights to live performances that reflect the city’s dynamic spirit.
With origins in the Bronx Night Market back in 2017, MASC’s markets have since grown into must-visit destinations across NYC, redefining how people experience food festivals. Whether you’re craving an elevated street food encounter or looking to explore the soul of a community through its flavors and sounds, these night markets promise an unforgettable adventure for every visitor.
MASC (Market Art & Sound Collective) is a New York-based organization that was founded in 2017 by Marco Shalma. The collective's mission is to celebrate the diverse cultures of NYC through food, music, and art. What started as a small event in the Bronx has now expanded into multiple markets across the city, showcasing a variety of cuisines from all over the world.
Their goal is not only to provide delicious food options for visitors but also to create an immersive experience that celebrates community and cultural diversity. MASC's events are more than just food festivals; they are vibrant celebrations of different traditions and customs. We interview MASC to get more info on the origin of the Night Market and their plans for the future:
WON: The MASC Hospitality Group produces and promotes the Bronx Night Market, Uptown Night Market, Brooklyn Night Market, Vegan Night Market AND the Latin Night Market! How did this event series come about and what inspired its creation?
MASC: Well, it all unfolded quite organically. We noticed a gap in the market for something truly unique and extraordinary in places that were craving that extra spark!
WON: When and where did the first market take place?
MASC: Our journey began with the iconic Bronx Night Market in 2017, a response to the borough's desire for a foodie scene, and it was an immediate success from the get-go. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, we expanded to create the Uptown Night Market, Manhattan's premier foodie gathering, and the enchanting Brooklyn Night Market at Industry City.
WON: How were the different markets developed? What was the creative process to choose the different themes?
MASC: As for the creative process behind each market? It's all about reflecting the essence of the neighborhoods we serve. No strict themes here—just a celebration of our communities and a platform for small businesses to shine!
WON: What sets these night markets apart from other similar events?
MASC: What other events? Lol - Picture massive elevated block parties where we revel in cuisine, local culture, and a genuine connection to our diverse community—it's a whole vibe!
WON: How were the locations of the markets selected? Have the markets moved around at all since first launching?
MASC: Choosing locations is all about reaching neighborhoods that might not typically have access to events of this magnitude. These places are only sometimes considered tourist hotspots, but they're bursting with vibrant communities, and we wanted to show up for them. It's also about partnerships and who's out there eager to support the idea.
WON: How have the events evolved since their inception? Have they gone under any changes or pivots?
MASC: As for evolution, we're constantly raising the bar, making each season bigger and better than the last. Our mantra is simple - listen to the community - we constantly survey ideas and implement the ones that fit our mission.
WON: What have been some of the most memorable experiences over the years?
MASC: Memorable experiences? Oh, we've got plenty! But seeing people enjoy themselves and our small businesses thrive tops the list every time. But, if I had to choose, I would choose two. The first one is the original opening day of the Uptown Night Market, where we got hit with inclement weather that literally shut us down but brought out the world-famous stubbornness we're known for, and the following month, we celebrated with 20,000 people. The second one was the launch of the Latin Night Market in Dyckman, which was our most ambitious project to date, with a ton of moving pieces that worked like a Swiss clock. It was a productive movement for the entire team and me.
WON: What are the main challenges in organizing events of this scale and how does the MASC leadership overcome them?
MASC: Organizing events on this scale has its challenges, especially when it comes to factors like, say, a global pandemic, inclement weather, communications, staffing, finances, and partners (or maybe the wrong ones), and the good ol' NYC and its mischiefs. But we're all about creativity, troubleshooting, and keeping our promises to our community by always looking for and finding the glass half full.
WON: What is the selection process to become a vendor at the markets?
MASC: It's an easy process. Vendors apply online, undergo screening, and then we curate the most mouthwatering selection of foods imaginable! We especially encourage up-and-coming businesses to apply as our admin team supports them through the process of dealing with the various authorities and permits.
WON: In what ways do you think the MASC’s markets help promote and preserve different cultures?
MASC: Through our robust marketing efforts, we spotlight the diversity of cuisines and cultures on display, using social media, email, and PR to spread the word far and wide. Additionally, we use our platform to educate and expand our demographic knowledge of the diverse offerings of our markets and even create anticipation ahead, which also supports these amazing businesses.
WON: What do you think draws visitors to the MASC’s markets and why do you think they have become such popular events?
MASC: It's all about the energy—the infectious joy that fills the air at each night market. People keep telling me how glad they are to have access to such events and how it makes them feel happy and proud to be seen and represented.
WON: How does the diverse range of food and entertainment at the markets contribute to an overall cultural experience for visitors?
MASC: It's like taking a trip around the world in a single evening, with each bite and performance adding to the rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Food and music are the getaway drugs to understanding and accepting new ideas - cultures, in our case.
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WON: What can people expect from this year’s markets?
MASC: They can expect the graduation of our brands and our identity as the leading food festival organizers in NY - and great food, music, and vibe, of course.
WON: How do you see the markets evolving in the future? Will markets pop up in other cities?
MASC: We are ambitious, and we want every part of New York to enjoy the night markets. We are bringing our experience to Long Island and Catskills but also to Atlanta and Austin.
WON: How can people get involved with the markets, especially to become a vendor?
MASC: All the information is on our website, www.maschospitalitygroup.com, they can also email info@maschospitalitygroup.com
WON: How can people follow MASC Hospitality Group and all the markets?
MASC: Follow us at @maschospitalitygroup @uptownnightmakret @brooklynnightmarket @vegannightmarket @bronxnightmarket @latinnightmarket