ARLINGTON, Texas — The smell of sizzling tacos and sweet churros filled the air the evening of Sept. 12 as Arlington’s After Hours Market opened with more than 70 vendors in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The event, held from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., drew crowds well before its official start. Free parking lots filled quickly, forcing many attendees to park at surrounding businesses that charged $10. Arlington police were present to help manage traffic and ensure safety as visitors continued to arrive throughout the night.
Organized by After Hours Market, the event featured a mix of food, handmade products, baked goods and live music. Vendors offered everything from tacos and tortas to churro sundaes, while artisans sold crafts and jewelry. Brightly decorated booths lined the market, giving customers a chance to browse while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The Hispanic Heritage Month theme was evident in the flavors and music, but the event also drew a wide range of customers. Families brought children, groups of friends browsed stalls together and couples lingered at tables. Attendees of many ethnicities shared in the celebration, underscoring the market’s appeal as both a cultural showcase and community gathering.
Food emerged as one of the biggest attractions of the night. Long lines formed at taco stands and dessert booths as customers sampled a variety of options. For some, the dishes were the highlight of the experience. One attendee summed it up simply: “The food, for the most part,” he said when asked about his favorite part of the market.
A designated seating area allowed visitors to eat together, reinforcing the community feel of the event. Children danced to the music while parents talked over plates of food. The atmosphere was energetic but welcoming, with a steady flow of people moving from stall to stall throughout the evening.
The After Hours Market has become a recurring space for small businesses in Arlington to connect with the community. Events like Friday’s highlight the role local entrepreneurs play in shaping the city’s culture and economy. For vendors, the market provides exposure to new customers; for visitors, it offers a chance to support small businesses while enjoying a night out.
As the evening continued, shoppers carried bags filled with handmade goods, while others sat with friends finishing plates of food. The music from the DJ carried through the venue until the market’s close.
By 10:30 p.m., the market wrapped up, leaving vendors and customers with another reminder of how food, culture and community can come together in Arlington. The After Hours Market’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration reflected not only the richness of Mexican traditions but also the city’s diversity and appetite for events that bring people closer.
The next scheduled After Hours market is scheduled for Oct. 31—Halloween—and is being billed as the Spooky Night Market at 1730 E. Division St. in Arlington.