Returning Saturday, Night Market BTR is a business launchpad

Night Market BTR returns to downtown Baton Rouge this weekend, and it’s bigger than ever.

The open-air market, now in its third year, aims to celebrate and showcase Baton Rouge’s Asian culture through food, dance and music.

Laura Siu Nguyen, the festival’s organizer, tells Daily Report via email that the market has evolved to become more than just a cultural celebration, though. It’s emerged as a “powerful platform for economic development,” she says, particularly for Asian-owned small businesses.

Last year, Night Market BTR hosted 32 vendors and welcomed 10,580 attendees. This year, it’s expected to host 55 vendors—66% more than last year—and bring in over 12,000 attendees. Twenty-two vendors are returning this year, while 33 are new to the market.

According to Nguyen, Night Market BTR has demonstrated its value as something of a business incubator for area entrepreneurs. Two Baton Rouge vendors from previous markets—Offset Smoker BBQ and Okki Tokki—have now grown to operate full brick-and-mortar storefronts.

“The market provides a unique opportunity for early-stage vendors to test their product, connect with customers and gain media exposure—often for the first time,” Nguyen, a 2024 Forty Under 40 honoree, writes. “We have Japa Rice and Kaitoma debuting this year. Last year, Oni 225 debuted and is doing very well.”

Night Market BTR will take place in front of the Louisiana State Capitol on May 10 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here, with a portion of ticket proceeds supporting scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.