Tamarindo Night Market
Experience Tamarindo's vibrant Thursday nights with a lively market featuring delicious food, live music, and unique artisan crafts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & see setup
Tamarindo Night Market
Best Time
Beat the crowds & see setup
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Tamarindo's vibrant Thursday nights with a lively market featuring delicious food, live music, and unique artisan crafts.
"This was a fun and interesting market. Music and dancing made this a must."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there around 6 PM to see vendors setting up and snag the best items before the crowds arrive. :camerawithflash:
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
While some vendors accept cards, cash is preferred for a smoother shopping experience. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Culinary Delights
Food Vendor Stalls
Savor a diverse array of flavors, from succulent ribs and flavorful empanadas to fresh seafood and sweet treats.
Live Music & Entertainment
Main Market Area
Groove to lively tunes and enjoy spontaneous dancing, adding a vibrant atmosphere to your evening.
Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs
Vendor Booths
Discover unique handmade jewelry, artwork, clothing, and local crafts perfect for souvenirs.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Thursday Night is Market Night
Cash is King, but Cards Accepted
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there around 6 PM to see vendors setting up and snag the best items before the crowds arrive. :camerawithflash:
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
While some vendors accept cards, cash is preferred for a smoother shopping experience. :moneybag:
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The vibrant live music adds to the market's atmosphere, so take time to soak it in. :musical_note:
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Especially if you're near the water, a little bug spray can make your evening more comfortable. :smilingfacewith_tear:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Get there around 6 PM to see vendors setting up and snag the best items before the crowds arrive. :camerawithflash:
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
While some vendors accept cards, cash is preferred for a smoother shopping experience. :moneybag:
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The vibrant live music adds to the market's atmosphere, so take time to soak it in. :musical_note:
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Especially if you're near the water, a little bug spray can make your evening more comfortable. :smilingfacewith_tear:
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from Town
The market is conveniently located and a short walk from the main town area. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tamarindo Night Market is a highly recommended Thursday evening event, praised for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food variety, and live music. While some find it a bit pricey and crowded, the unique crafts and engaging vendors make it a worthwhile experience for most visitors. +1
"10/10 recommend. This was a fun and interesting market. We got there right at 6 and it was still setting up.
Gave it a couple of minutes and a there were tons of vendors with jewelry, trinkets, and amazing food. My husband got some great food, and there were a few gluten free dessert vendors.
Music and dancing made this a must. Bugs down below but the top level was perfect."
Iris Fawcett
"Came here to see how it was especially since it’s only opened Thursday. It was AMAZING best ribs ever, amazing arepas, skewers and flavorful empanadas. Wish I could’ve ordered more but we were so full! People are very nice and had cute things for sell!"
Stephanie Higgins
"Cool & small family market! Lots of gentrification, wish there was more Tico representation. Very expensive but worth a visit for the music and community. The french pastries were the best."
Julieta Alvarado
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tamarindo Moonlight Market is easily accessible by foot from most accommodations in Tamarindo. It's a short walk from the town center. If you're coming from further afield in Guanacaste, consider local taxis or ride-sharing services.
Parking can be challenging in Tamarindo, especially during peak hours. It's recommended to walk if you're staying nearby or arrange for a taxi.
If you're not already in Tamarindo, the most common way to reach it is via shuttle services from San Jose or Liberia airports. Once in Tamarindo, walking is ideal for the market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Tamarindo Moonlight Market. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere.
The market typically runs every Thursday evening from approximately 5 PM to 9 PM. +1
The Tama Moonlight Market returned starting November 21st, and runs every Thursday.
Information regarding pets is not widely available, but it's generally best to err on the side of caution and leave pets at your accommodation unless specifically stated otherwise.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of vendors selling delicious food, unique artwork, handmade jewelry, clothing, drinks, and local crafts.
Yes, the market is a great family-friendly activity with food, music, and interesting items to see.
It's a lively and vibrant market with a great community feel, featuring live music and engaging vendors.
Yes, some reviews mention finding gluten-free dessert vendors, so there are options available.
The market can get quite crowded, especially after 7:30 PM. Arriving earlier is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include amazing ribs, flavorful empanadas, arepas, skewers, and paella. Don't forget to try the pineapple pie! +1
While some find it a bit pricey for Tamarindo, a large plate of paella and a sausage bun combo was around $16 USD, feeding two people.
With a variety of food stalls, it's likely you'll find vegetarian options, though specific details vary by vendor.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the live music, the colorful array of food stalls, and the unique artisan crafts. The evening light adds a magical touch.
The market comes alive as the sun sets, offering beautiful golden hour light. However, the bustling crowds and vibrant lights after dark also make for great shots.
The market itself, with its diverse stalls and lively crowds, is the main attraction. Look for interesting vendor displays and the stage area for live music.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shoppers & Art Enthusiasts
+1 It's the perfect place to find a special souvenir or a unique piece to take home. Engage with the local artisans and learn about their creations. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tama Moonlight Market Experience
+1 It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a lively atmosphere. Many visitors highlight the lively music and dancing as a major draw, creating an infectious energy that encourages everyone to join in.
+1While the market offers a wonderful experience, some reviews note that it can become quite crowded, especially later in the evening.
Culinary Adventures at the Market
For those with a sweet tooth, the market doesn't disappoint. You can find delightful desserts, including some gluten-free options, and the pineapple pie has been specifically called out as a must-try.
Beyond the popular dishes, the market often features creative cuisine and refreshing drinks, making it a comprehensive dining experience.
It's a fantastic place to sample local flavors and discover new culinary favorites in a vibrant, open-air setting. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit