A Cultural Power Move and Economic Win for the Harlem Community

New York, NY (April 18, 2025) — One of New York City’s most dynamic open-air food and culture festivals is making a bold leap forward. Uptown Night Market, the widely celebrated monthly event that has drawn thousands of attendees to West Harlem since its inception in 2021, will now operate as a weekly series every Thursday night from May through October 2025.

This milestone marks a major cultural and economic expansion for Harlem, and a community-powered moment of visibility for the small businesses and creative voices that define the Uptown experience.

With over 40 local vendors each week—the majority of which are POC, immigrant, and women-owned—along with live music, dance, curated art activations, and thousands of attendees, Uptown Night Market has built a reputation for delivering more than a market. It delivers energy, culture, joy, flavor, and belonging.

“This is a power move for Uptown. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing it better, louder, and more often. Harlem deserves to own Thursday nights in New York,” said Marco Shalma, Founder and Executive Producer of Uptown Night Market.

The transition to a weekly format is made possible by the generous contribution from Columbia University, which offers space for the new home as part of its investment in the long-term growth of Harlem’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The expansion also continues to build on the foundational support of WHDC (West Harlem Development Corporation), a key partner since the market’s inception, as well as NMDP, and other strategic allies.

While New York City has seen an explosion of food festivals and open-air markets across Brooklyn, Queens, and Downtown, Harlem has remained underrepresented in the city’s contemporary culinary and cultural scene — until now.

“This shift is about equity and visibility,” Shalma added. “It’s about rewriting the narrative of who gets access, who gets spotlighted, and who gets to shape the experience of New York.”

Every Thursday night, West Harlem will now serve as the stage for:

  • 40+ curated vendors offering global street food and artisanal products
  • Live performances from emerging Uptown artists and DJs
  • Local families, creatives, and culture lovers are coming together in one of NYC’s most diverse spaces
  • Economic opportunity for hundreds of micro-businesses seeking year-round sustainability

The announcement comes after four highly successful seasons, during which the market has catalyzed growth for dozens of small businesses, many of which have gone on to brick-and-mortar launches or permanent catering contracts. The weekly format will allow for greater participation from local entrepreneurs and increase the market’s overall impact across Harlem’s economic landscape.

Uptown Night Market’s 2025 season will launch on Thursday, May 8, at its new weekly home in West Harlem.

Press interested in covering the season launch or scheduling interviews with organizers, vendors, or performers may contact:

Media Contact:

Press@maschospitalitygroup.com

www.maschospitalitygroup.com

Marco Shalma 646.704.3335

About Uptown Night Market

Launched in 2021 by MASC Hospitality Group, Uptown Night Market is an open-air celebration of food, culture, and community rooted in Harlem’s legacy and future. It serves as a platform for small businesses, particularly those owned by people of color, immigrants, and women, to thrive and grow. Over the past four seasons, the market has attracted tens of thousands of attendees, generated millions in economic activity, and emerged as a cultural landmark in New York City’s event landscape