Knoxville’s Fall Asian night market celebrates AAPI culture, food and businesses

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
·2 min read

More than 20 Asian food trucks and vendors are coming together for the second time this year to celebrate culture, have fun and spotlight Asian-owned and minority-owned businesses.

The second Asian night market in Knoxville will be 6-9 p.m. Nov. 10 at Hi-Wire Brewing, 2020 Barber St. in South Knoxville. The free family-friendly event is hosted by the Knox AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Business Association.

A variety of Asian street food vendors, Asian fusion food, artists, and activities such as henna tattoos will be available at the night market. Pork adobo, lumpia, bulgogi with kimchi, empanadas, hot mushroom brew tea, bubble tea, onigiri, sesame noodles and mooncakes are just a few of the food optional you’ll get to enjoy.

“We will have some returning vendors from our first AAPI Night Market, but we also will have some new vendors to add to the mix. Guests can expect warm foods and drinks to go along with the fall theme of the market,” organizer Jessica Carr said in a release.

Knox AAPI Business Association, which was launched by Carr (Girls Gotta Eat Good Asian Bakery) and Vic Scott (Seoul Brothers, Hong’s Kitchen, and Bubbles & Cream), held the first Asian night market earlier this year. Around 1,300 people showed up, a larger attendance than expected. Some vendors even ran out of food.

More than 500 people arrived within an hour after start of Knox Asian American Pacific Islander Business Association's Night Market at Hi-Wire Brewing earlier this year. Vic Scott and Jessica Carr, co-founders of the Knox AAPI Business Association, are hoping to host the Night Market twice a year the fall and spring.
More than 500 people arrived within an hour after start of Knox Asian American Pacific Islander Business Association's Night Market at Hi-Wire Brewing earlier this year. Vic Scott and Jessica Carr, co-founders of the Knox AAPI Business Association, are hoping to host the Night Market twice a year the fall and spring.

Because of the turnout for the first one, vendors are prepared to have enough food for everyone this time, Carr promises. Volunteers will be on hand to direct foot traffic to keep the market running smoothly.

“We were so excited to see how much the community has embraced our event. It shows the overwhelming support for the AAPI community. With the experience of the first market under our belt, we are confident we are better prepared to service the community for our second event,” Scott said.

Carr and Scott started the Knox AAPI Business Association to support local AAPI businesses through events, business resources and networking.

“For many Asian-owned businesses, getting exposure and support for their business is a challenge,” Carr noted. The night market is intended to increase exposure for these businesses while also celebrating the varying cultures.

Businesses owned by people of color and queer-owned businesses also will be featured at the AAPI Night Market.

More information on the Nov. 10 Asian night market is available on the Knox AAPI Business Association Facebook event page and @knoxaapi on Instagram.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: AAPI fall Night Market in Knoxville features food and vendors