A handler from West Coast Falconry presents a Verreaux’s eagle, also known as the African black eagle, during the Yuba City Night Market on Sept. 18, offering visitors an up-close look at the striking bird of prey.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The streets of downtown Yuba City are glowing a little brighter this fall with the launch of a new bi-monthly night market. The community street festival — complete with local vendors, live music and family fun — kicked off Sept. 4 and will return on the first and third Thursdays of each month for at least the next year

“We wanted to do more community events and now we will already have a spot to promote our future programs,” said Joe Steele, an event organizer and lead behind Creative Thinkers, the nonprofit sponsoring the market. “The hardest thing about events is getting people to know about them and hopefully this will help”

Creative Thinkers, an arts-based nonprofit focused on youth education and community engagement, designed the market to be more accessible than a typical street fair. Booth spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for just $25, keeping costs low for local makers. The vendor lineup also keeps things fresh. Steele noted that while 30 vendors participated in the inaugural Sept. 4 event, the follow-up on Sept. 18 featured 20 entirely different booths with just one repeat. 

Shoppers browse local vendors as the sun sets over Center Street during Yuba City’s new bi-monthly night market, launched in September and continuing on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Beyond shopping, the market doubles as a stage for local talent. Musicians can sign up for paid hourly performance slots across two stages by reaching out to Creative Thinkers through social media or at creativethinkers.art. Vendors can also sign up for booth space here under the dedicated “Downtown Market” tab at the top left-hand corner of the webpage.

Set along Center Street beneath the newly strung festoon lighting, the market is nestled among popular businesses such as Fernando’s California Kitchen, Sutter Buttes Brewing and Steele House Coffee. Attractions at the Sept. 18 event ranged from artisan soaps and handcrafted lotions to mini-pancake desserts, a SpongeBob-themed bounce house and even the chance to hold live falcons.

The next Yuba City Downtown Night Market is scheduled for Oct. 2, with more vendors, performers, and activities on the way. Organizers hope the event continues to grow into a staple of downtown life, where the community can gather, shop and celebrate under the lights.