Foodie lovers rolled out in their numbers on Saturday, July 5, for Kingston Kitchen: The Night Market, the annual open-air food court experience held at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens.

Though #KGNKitchen faithfuls already have their yearly favourites, the 70-plus vendor list presented ample opportunity to delve into diverse cuisines, from local options to international eats, seafood, food trucks, sweet treats, cocktails, and vegetarian options.

But it wasn’t just about food. The Night Market offered live entertainment with DJs Courtney and Marc Chin from Coppershot on the ones and twos, and fun for the kids at the Pure Country-sponsored Pure Pickney Plaza, which featured a Hope petting zoo, and rides.

The Flow, CranWata and NCB Visa TAPestry lounges were also a hit with patrons seeking a luxe experience.

The Foodie Pass — a premium pass that granted exclusive early access to the event, the ability to skip the lines, and a priority parking feature — was a welcomed addition to this year’s offerings. “We wanted to elevate the experience for our most devoted food lovers,” says Melanie Miller, co-founder of Kingston Kitchen. “The Foodie Pass lets you beat the crowd, get a head start on getting to your favourites, and enjoy the event like a true member of our Kingston Kitchen foodie fam!” Participating Foodie Pass vendors included ShortBoss Family Foods, Sherriff Gourmet BBQ, Street Food Saturdays, Cocktails To Go, League of Bartenders, Mystic Thai, Super Spicy Doubles, Aunt Merl’s Seafood, Shawarma Shack, and LadyBee Mixology.

Another new addition was the Party Holics Bus, which was the place to be for the party-centric crew.

“We’re just so grateful. Every year Kingston Kitchen grows, and it’s really because of the amazing support from our sponsors, vendors, and the people who continue to show up and show love. What started as a simple idea has become a real community — and as we look ahead to celebrating 15 years next year, we’re both humbled and excited. We’ve got some big plans in store… so stay tuned,” said Leisha Wong, co-founder, Kingston Kitchen.

The 2025 staging of Kingston Kitchen: The Night Market was made possible by sponsors: CranWata, Wata, Flow, NCB, Red Pin, Worthy Park, Gustazos, The Best Dressed Chicken, The Tourism Enhancement Fund, Rainforest Seafood, Happy Fries, CPJ, Guardsman, Landmark, Doorstep Jamaica, CVM TV and Pure Country Juices.