Tiger Fork and Hi-Lawn bring back their Mid-Autumn Night Market on Thursday, September 24, and entry to one of the biggest rooftop parties in DC costs only $5.
Two Floors of Union Market Turn Into a Hong Kong Night Market
The fourth annual market takes over both the open-air Hi-Lawn rooftop and the covered Dock5 event space at Union Market, running from 5 pm to 11 pm. Organizers built the night around illuminated lanterns, artisan pop-up stalls and festive mooncakes, with the covered second floor holding family-friendly activities.
A large tent sits on the rooftop and Dock5 is fully enclosed, so the market runs rain or shine. Tiger Fork serves Cantonese food in Blagden Alley, and Hi-Lawn operates as its sister bar on the roof at 1309 5th Street NE.
Sixteen Kitchens, Lion Dancing and a Dumpling Eating Contest
More than 16 restaurants and guest chefs will run food stands across both floors. Newcomers this year include Rose Ave Bakery and Purple Patch (!), joining returning names such as Love, Makoto, China Chilcano, Canton Disco, CHIKO, Paris x Puff Cookies and Toimoi.
Tiger Fork executive chef Simon Lam will be on hand bringing his own street food inspired dishes and sweets. Laoban is the sponsor of the dumpling eating competition, lion dancers perform live on the lawn, and DJs carry the night late. Food, drinks and artisan goods are sold a la carte, so the $5 ticket covers admission only.
A Festival Crowd That Has Grown Every Year
Mid-Autumn Festival ranks second only to Lunar New Year across much of East Asia, and families mark it by gathering, watching the moon and sharing mooncakes. The rooftop version has grown steadily since Tiger Fork started hosting smaller editions in 2017.
Earlier market nights sold out and drew more than 4,000 attendees, according to K Street Magazine, which ran across two nights. This year the market condenses back into one evening, which means the whole crowd arrives at once. Get there early!
Mid-Autumn Night Market runs ONE NIGHT ONLY Thursday, September 24, from 5 pm to 11 pm at Hi-Lawn and Dock5, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Entry costs $5 per person through Eventbrite, and everything else is a la carte. The rooftop is covered by tent and Dock5 is indoors, and the event is rain or shine.
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