“Night Market” Immerses Students in Art, Creativity and Community

By Teagan Davidge 

As the sun set on California State University, Northridge, students competed in lively games of mini-golf on a neon, eight-hole course at the University Student Union. Nearby, ping-pong, air hockey and foosball tables were constantly occupied with gleeful participants, and some were seen celebrating triumphant victories. 

It was Night Market, a community event for Matadors, their families, and friends. Vendors in the artist’s alley sold unique handmade ceramic pieces, crochet animals, fun stickers, and keychain creations. Students also flipped through racks of clothing that could be bought from Depop sellers. 

“I liked the indoor market, it was really fun,” said Thea Flower, a television production major. “I would come back to this event for the activities, for sure.” 

Face paint artists drew colorful animals on the happy faces of attendees while balloon-twisting artists crafted light-up props for participants to show off at each new activity. 

“The balloon animal was my favorite part of the event because I didn’t know they had dinosaurs. They also had a silver, chrome balloon, so that was really cool,” said Nicole Hall, a deaf studies major. “They had good food, good dessert — lots of fun opportunities to make new friends and see people that you know from other colleges.” 

Students received a free dessert token after taking part in The Valera NEST engagement stations. The token could be spent on The Churro Man or Halo Halo Bento vendors. 

“I really liked playing foosball and eating the churros,” said Caterina Morones, a freshman marketing major. 

Savory food options like vegan Mexican food, gyros and kabobs attracted a lot of attention. 

Attendees also contributed to a colorful Night Market-themed paint-by-number mural. Participants selected a number that corresponded to a paint color, then summoned their inner artist to decorate their chosen section.

“I enjoyed the paint by numbers because you don’t really see that many artistic-y things around here, so it was fun to see it,” said Jillian Hall, an art major. “It’s a fun environment, and they have so many cool things to do.” 

Attendees took a break in the neon “chill” lounge and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere inside the Northridge Center from afar. Many commemorated the event at two different photobooths, a stationary option with fun props and a 360 station for capturing iconic video memories.