Crowd enjoying the lively atmosphere at FoodieLand Night Market with glowing string lights, food stalls, and people sampling dishes at Cal Expo.

The FoodieLand Night Market is coming back to Cal Expo May 9–11, and if you love trying new foods, this is the event for you. Think of it like a massive outdoor food playground—lights strung overhead, music in the air, and the smell of something delicious every few steps.

With more than 150 food vendors, there’s a lot to try. But if you don’t know where to begin, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 crowd-favorite dishes that have people lining up again and again. And we’re not just guessing—these are the bites people talk about long after the night is over.

1. 🍜 Birria Ramen

This is what happens when comfort food goes global. Birria ramen mixes the bold, slow-cooked beef and spicy broth of Mexican birria with chewy Japanese ramen noodles. It's rich, warm, and full of flavor that hits all the right notes.

Why people love it:
It’s the perfect mix of spicy and savory. The broth is bold, and the noodles soak it up just right. It’s a full meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

“Messy, spicy, and totally worth it. I could eat this every weekend.” — Jasmine H., Midtown Sacramento

2. 🧀 Korean Cheese Corn Dogs

This is a fair food favorite with a serious upgrade. These dogs are filled with stretchy mozzarella (or half cheese, half sausage), coated in batter, and rolled in crispy toppings like crushed ramen or diced fries before being deep fried to perfection.

Why people love it:
They're crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and just fun to eat. Plus, there are sweet and savory versions, so there’s something for everyone.

“I didn’t even know I needed this in my life until I tried one. Now it’s the first booth I look for.” — Rico D., Arden-Arcade

3. 🍩 Mochi Donuts

These aren’t your average donuts. Made with rice flour, mochi donuts are chewy and light with a fun bouncy texture. They come in tons of unique flavors like matcha, taro, strawberry milk, and cookies & cream.

Why people love it:
They’re not too sweet, they’re super photogenic, and you can mix and match a bunch of flavors. They’re also a great treat to bring home (if you don’t eat them all first).

“My kids love these. We each picked a different flavor and shared them all. Honestly, best dessert at the night market.” — Mike J., Citrus Heights

4.🍗 Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Soft steamed buns filled with crispy fried chicken, tangy pickled veggies, and drizzled with flavorful sauces—what’s not to love? It’s a tiny sandwich that packs a major punch.

Why people love it:
You get so many textures and flavors in one bite: crunchy chicken, fluffy bao, a little heat from the sauce, and freshness from the veggies. It’s fast, filling, and totally delicious.

“It’s like a flavor bomb in your mouth. Sweet, spicy, crunchy, soft—all in one.” — Nina K., Downtown Sac

5.🐉 Dragon’s Breath (Liquid Nitrogen Cereal Puffs)

Okay, this one’s more about the fun factor—but it’s a must-try, especially for first-timers. These colorful cereal puffs are dunked in liquid nitrogen so when you eat them, you breathe out “smoke” like a dragon.

Why people love it:
It’s Instagram gold. Kids love it, teens love it, and adults can’t help but try it too. Plus, it’s a fun way to cool off while walking the event.

“My son thought it was the coolest thing ever. We went back and did it again before leaving.” — Eric B., Rancho Cordova

🎟️ Event Info You Should Know

Ready to go? Here’s what you’ll need to know before heading out to FoodieLand:

📅 Dates: It’s happening Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11, 2025
📍 Location: Cal Expo – 1600 Exposition Blvd, right here in Sacramento
⏰ Hours:
- Friday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 1 PM – 10 PM

Now here’s the important part:
👉 Tickets are only available online—no tickets will be sold at the gate.
So make sure to grab yours in advance from Etix.com. They’re just $6 per person, which is a pretty sweet deal for a full night of food, music, and fun.

🚗 Parking: Available onsite for around $10–$20, depending on whether you pre-pay or wait until the day of. (Pro tip: pre-pay if you can—it saves a few bucks and time at the entrance.)

🙋‍♀️ FoodieLand Night Market – FAQ

Question	Answer
Do kids need a ticket?	Kids under 5 get in free—no ticket needed.
Where can I get tickets?	Tickets are only sold online at Etix.com. They are not available at the gate, so plan ahead!
How much is parking?	Parking ranges from $10 to $20. You can pre-pay online to save time and a few bucks.
Is the event family-friendly?	Yes! There are kid-friendly foods, games, and treats like mochi donuts and Dragon’s Breath puffs.
Can I bring my dog?	No pets allowed, unless they are registered service animals.
Do vendors accept cards?	Most do, but some are cash-only—bring a little cash just in case.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?	It’s an outdoor event, rain or shine. Bring a light jacket and wear comfy shoes!
Are there activities besides food?	Yes! Enjoy live music, games, shopping booths, and chill zones with string lights and picnic tables.
What if I get thirsty?	Bring a refillable water bottle or grab a drink from one of the many vendors. Staying hydrated is key!
Will there be long lines?	Popular food booths can have lines—come early or be ready to wait a bit for the best bites.

Whether you're going for the food, the fun, or just a night out with great vibes, FoodieLand Night Market is an experience you don’t want to miss. With so many delicious things to try and exciting booths to explore, it’s the perfect way to kick off spring in Sacramento.

So grab your tickets online, bring your appetite, and get ready to make some tasty memories. See you at Cal Expo!

Top 5 Must-Try Dishes at FoodieLand Night Market in Sacramento