CHAMBLEE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta International Night Market takes place on Friday and Saturday nights in Chamblee.
The event, which brings in over 100 different cultures and vendors, began nearly a decade ago with a simple question.
“What are we doing to give back in a unique way that isn’t already being done?” asked Atlanta International Night Market President Jeff Kuo.
The answer: food and culture in one spot.
“You can find a festival for everything,” Kuo said. “This is the only one where everybody can get together.”
Food and merchandise from all over the world will be available outside Chamblee City Hall, including Arabic children’s books and food from Taiwan, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“Every event we do seems to get bigger,” Kuo said.
This is the first time Mouna Abdelhamid and the Alif Institute, which promotes Arabic culture, have participated in the event.
“The best way to learn about something is an experience,” Abdelhamid said.
Visitors will find things they likely won’t find anywhere else, like an oud, a distant relative to the guitar. The instrument is popular in the Arabic world but seldom seen in America.
“It’s not an easy instrument to play, but it’s a beautiful instrument,” Abdelhamid said.
The Atlanta International Night Market isn’t going to price people out with $20 funnel cake, either. Vendors must have multiple items for $5 or less to promote inclusivity and get more people to participate.
“Lecturing will only go so far,” Abdelhamid said. “Talking to somebody will only go so far. But an experience will last forever.”
“There’s nothing else like it right now in Atlanta,” Kuo added. “So, come check it out.”
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