Night Market Magic

You don’t know how much you need Night Market until you discover your first one.

Have you been to the Peachtree City Night Market? Save the dates for the next two this season: Fridays, August 16 & September 27.

What’s a Night Market? It is a space where community is especially cherished. Rather than sweat out the good times in the summer heat, Night Market cools everyone down with live bands, happy hour drinks and food vendors, original shopping and camaraderie under the glow of café lights. Neighbors bump into neighbors. Friends tag each other on social media and meet up. Finally, there is something inspirational to do that runs past sunset and is free to attend.

We checked in with Jason Bass, founder and chief experience officer for Night Market. He created this evening community fair with his visionary friend Tommy Ruth (who has since moved). Their first Night Market was produced in October 2017. Years later, with challenges to overcome and triumphs to celebrate, Night Market continues to evolve and joyfully delivers the vibes.

How many people attend Night Market, generally?
We see somewhere between 2,500 to 3,500 people as they move in and out. Night Market is weather-dependent, and it tends to get busier when the sun goes down. The first Night Market of the season can also be the busiest because people are excited it’s back.

What is something you want people to enjoy from Night Market?
I started this because I was married without kids and there was nothing to do past 9 o’clock. There is a demand for people wanting to do things in the evenings. We do this for the community – just getting people to go out.

What is a “secret” to enjoying Night Market?
Come early and set up your blanket. You want to shop, eat and drink and have your space. People are strategic about where they sit, either closer to the band or not so close. Everything you need is provided here. Just bring a blanket and chairs.

What do vendors love about Night Market?
They do really well and they are appreciative of that. People are interested in buying. Plus, the vendors have help from our partner Golf Rider whose golf carts are loaned so our staff volunteers can help drive vendors from the parking area to the event.

What is one thing that would make this event easier if you could change the world?
Ideally, I’d like it to be consistent, like being held on 3rd Fridays May to September, but we must wait on the city to approve dates due to The Fred concerts, public safety coverage, etc.

There is no way I can get this done without a team. I have some sponsors who are in the trenches with me. Jason Hunter Design is a local marketing company, and we care about our community. We encourage people to contact us to volunteer and to inquire about sponsorship visibility and awareness. People of all talents can support Night Market.

What excites you most about the end-of-summer Night Markets? Now that we have 3 little ones, it’s just nice to have a night out. And I love that we can all eat different things and that there’s alcohol available (thanks to the Curious Pig). And my kids love that there are activities, like sand art, and dancing … they love to dance.

** Thank you, Jason, for your insights about Night Market and making this event happen! **

Jason Bass relies on the collaborative force of The Creative Nexus at Launch and Go Workspace, which brings together OMNIA BRND HOUSE, Jason Hunter Design, and Cote Media, to sustain and grow this community cornerstone.

Join Night Market, where every gathering is a soulful blend of art, music and communal joy, creating a lasting impact on the finer side of Fayette County’s things to do.

Use #NightMarketPTC when you share on social. Check online for continuing updates to vendors and nonprofits: nightmarketptc.com. See you under the café lights!