626 Night Market Grows to Downtown LA, OC in 2014

The awesome 626 Night Market is back for a third season of unsung Asian eats at the street food fest's flagship Santa Anita Park grounds. But, due to overwhelming popularity, organizers have secured new locations and will expand with a new DTLA Night Market coming to Staples Center (!) and OC Night Market at OC Fairgrounds. This is the plan:

1) 626 Night Market at Santa Anita Park will take place on July 18 & 19, August 15 & 16, September 12 & 13. Hours run 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and parking is free with $3 admission.

2) DTLA Night Market kicks off in Lot 7 at Staples Center, running June 20 and 21. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight and admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

3) OC Night Market at OC Fairgrounds (the largest of the three venues) runs the weekend of May 9 to 11. Hours are 3 p.m to midnight on Friday/Saturday and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission costs $5 and parking is an extra $7.

While the Night Markets are a community affair with music, games and merch, food is the main attraction, and a place to experience foodstuffs from squid balls to pandan churros to stinky tofu. It's an Asian street food paradise not found elsewhere in Los Angeles and a must for adventurous diners. [EaterWire]