The USU Night Market brings city life to CSUN
By Teagan Davidge
The atmosphere was reminiscent of nightlife in a city, the perfect environment for students and their guests to have fun, interact with community members, and enjoy some time to unwind.
It was Night Market, a signature University Student Union (USU) event where students and community members strolled a Plaza del Sol that was transformed into a colorful, music-filled festival space. Vendors greeted guests with balloon-twisting art and caricature drawings, while visitors huddled beneath prop-filled photo tents, listened to buskers and dove into a very popular foam pit.
“The foam pit was really cool because I’ve never seen anything like it. It was so chaotic,” said Eunice Mcllhenny, a California State University, Northridge sophomore. “Each of my friends got five tickets!”
Once stepping into the foam pool, participants could search for and collect multicolored rockets that would earn them a certain number of tickets. The tickets were entered into four opportunities for prize drawings at the end of the night.
“The foam pool was my favorite because it took me back to what it felt like to be a kid,” said CSUN student, Emily Escobar. “We got very soaked, but it was worth it.”
Long lines formed around the food vendors where trucks and tents were hosted by Cena Vegan, Mike’s Hotdogs, All About Yaki, Dinas Dumpling, Bluey & Co and Sure Good Soft Serve.
“I got the noodles from the Dinas Dumpling food truck, which were very, very good,” said Karen Lucas, a CSUN student. “I did also appreciate the food voucher; it was helpful.”
By filling out a USU survey, attendees had two opportunities throughout the event to receive free $15 coupons for the food vendors.
Other students raved about the screen-printed tote bags and clothing booths that sold unique items for thrift store prices.
Organizers of the Night Market said they created Friday’s event to encourage students to create lasting memories at CSUN and engage with their community before hunkering down for finals.
“I am hoping students will leave with some college memories! I am always looking for something fun to do with my friends at school, and I would love to attend this event with my friends and make memories we can talk about years from now,” said Ciera Sherod, a USU programs student assistant and Night Market co-lead.
Night Market is a reoccurring event that takes place every April. Sherod said, “The lights, environment and music lend themselves to a fun space where you can forget about your finals troubles.”
There will be a similar event for students next semester.
“Matador Nights is our next biggest event this September, so definitely keep an eye out for information on that!” Sherod said.