Celebrate Community and Creativity at the Alief Night Market

Mark your calendar, notify your family and friends, and get ready for the inaugural Alief Night Market, where organizers plan to shine a spotlight on local artists and small businesses.

Scheduled to be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 6-10 p.m. at the Alief Community Garden, located at 8409 1/2 Dairy View Lane in the International District, this exciting event promises to blend community conversation, art exhibitions, and an array of local businesses, all under the stars.

Nichole Hoang, The WOW Project’s Alief Night Market Coordinator

Nichole Hoang, the Alief Night Market Coordinator for The WOW Project, said The WOW Project is based at the garden, and the venue is deeply rooted in the organization’s mission.

“We’d like to share this space with residents and friends of Alief, as well as the broader Houston community,” she said. The decision to hold the event at night came from a desire to escape the intense daytime heat of Houston, providing a comfortable atmosphere for community engagement.

“We are excited to bring our neighbors together to celebrate the diversity and creativity that Alief has to offer and support local businesses,” Hoang said.

Among those scheduled to set up at the market are artists and businesses such as Midnight Bite, Art by Thomas, The House of Canes, Chef Anthony, The Learning Experience, Storm Tight Windows Texas by Leaf Home Enhancements, and presenting sponsor, Mukerji Law.

Although The WOW Project has filled its vendor slots for this year’s market, they are keen to collaborate with local businesses for future events.

WOW Project’s Picnic with the Homies – Left to Right: Vanessa Lipscomb, Sam Mukerji, Jay Lipscomb

Hoang, an artist with a background in public health, shared her personal motivation for organizing the market: “After witnessing the dedication of The WOW Project’s co-founders, Vanessa and Jay Lipscomb, I felt inspired to join their mission. Our deep appreciation for Alief drives us to give back to the community that raised us.”

The WOW Project is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting community wellness through food and environmental health. Their initiatives include bi-monthly food distributions, gardening sessions, and various other community events that foster connections among residents.

For anyone looking to explore what Alief and the International District have to offer while engaging with local businesses, the Alief Night Market is not to be missed!

— Dorothy Puch Lillig