Christian Segovia/Fourth Estate
The APAC Night Market serves as a vibrant stage for performers and a center for cultural exchange
BY GABRIELLE PAMOR, STAFF WRITER
George Mason’s APAC Night Market, held Friday, April 4, transformed the campus into a bustling celebration of Asian-American culture, inviting students, faculty and local residents to experience an immersive world of food, art and vibrant performances. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mason Pond and the surrounding mini plaza by the Center for the Arts and Buchanan Hall came alive with a panorama of colors, sounds, and aromas that reflected the diverse spirit of the APAC community.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with a goody bag containing snacks, stickers, and a take-home crochet project, adding a fun and creative touch to the evening. As people entered the market, the atmosphere felt like a fusion of festive street markets and a lively block party. The air was filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and sizzling food.
The central stage was positioned behind the food vendors, with continuous acts ranging from energetic dancers to soulful singers and indie bands. Every performance added a new layer of excitement, drawing attendees from all corners of the market toward the stage.
Ryan Pascual, a senior IT major at Mason and guitarist for the band msgloria, reflected on the market’s layout, “The setup had an area for various types of vendors of different small businesses selling various arts and crafts. There are a lot of Asian-owned businesses, some of them owned by Mason students themselves.”
Pascual’s band performed on the main stage with a dynamic set that energized the crowd. “Being able to perform on that stage with that crowd filled with energy was amazing and definitely a highlight,” Pascual said. “The atmosphere was great. APAC Night Market is always a great place to reunite with old faces and meet new people. The performances were the highlight as it gives the opportunity to show off everyone’s incredible talents.”
Food trucks lined up several feet from the stage, drawing visitors with irresistible aromas . From savory grilled meats to sweet cultural desserts, there was something for every taste. Pascual shared his favorite: “[The] lychee strawberry lemonade from [the] Thai vendor tasted very refreshing.”
Nearby, HoMade Sweets offered an assortment of cookies that ranged from taro to lavender tea, while Yummie Thai Kitchen served mouthwatering curry dishes. Everywhere, people were eating, laughing, and enjoying the lively ambiance.
The market was also a place to discover unique art and cultural items. Vendors displayed handcrafted jewelry, vibrant stickers, tote bags, and cultural merchandise. On the left side of the plaza, Mason organization tables showcased student-led initiatives, while the other side was filled with booths selling art and other creations.
Justine Arenas, a senior majoring in business management information systems at Mason and bassist for both Viloria and msgloria, noted the diverse crowd. “It was really fun seeing familiar faces. It was cool seeing people crowd the stage for the performers,” Arenas said. “It’s my second year performing here, and I really enjoy sharing music with people and seeing them get hype. We even had a mini mosh pit, which was sick.”
(Courtesy of Ryan Pascual)
Christian Segovia, sports editor at Fourth Estate, captured the camaraderie the event fostered. “Honestly, just being able to cheer on my buddy Ryan and scream for his band, msgloria, as they performed, because they did amazing,” Segovia said. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm was palpable as friends cheered on performers, and strangers struck up conversations over food or at the art booths.
“The setup had an area for various types of vendors of different small businesses selling various arts and crafts,” Pascual noted. “The atmosphere was great. You could really feel the bond in the crowd.”
As the night wound down, the market was still buzzed with excitement. Whether it was the lively performances by Viloria and msgloria or the delicious food, every corner of the market offered something special. “It was great to see everyone reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, and cheering each other on during the performances. You could really feel the bond in the crowd,” Segovia said, reflecting on the community spirit that made the event memorable.
Colorful lights, festive decorations and upbeat music converged to create a space both celebratory and inclusive, offering everyone a chance to connect and appreciate the rich cultural traditions that make the APAC community so special.
