The block of 1370 Southmore buzzed with energy on Friday, October 13, as more than 3,500 people came out to enjoy Asia Society's annual Night Market presented by American First National Bank. Under twinkling string lights and the pulsating beat of Korean pop music, guests enjoyed tasty bites from food trucks and local vendors selling dumplings, bubble tea, tropical fruits, Diwali sweets, and an array of Asian-inspired fusion food.

Inside, plenty of cool handmade crafts, clothing, art, and jewelry were available for purchase. Visitors of all ages came together to solve a giant sudoku puzzle, played Chinese checkers and parcheesi, and tested their aim with corn hole and ring toss. Admission to the new exhibition, Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place, was complimentary thanks to the generous underwriting of Karat 22 Jewelers.

American First National Bank, an Asian American owned national bank serving the diverse communities of Houston, has been a long-time supporter of Night Market and other art and cultural programs at Asia Society. Additional support for the event came from The SDB Group (Dilip and Shalini Bhargava), Houston EB5, Maggie and Bruce Campbell, Malini and Suresh Kumar, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. The event was co-chaired by Girija and Anant Patel and Janae and Kenny Tsai.

Drawing inspiration from street markets in East and Southeast Asia, Night Market celebrates the vibrancy of Houston's arts and food scenes, while also engaging people through thought-provoking exhibitions and family activities.

The next Night Market is expected to take place in fall 2018.