Nearly 7,000 people pack Historic Downtown Murrieta twice a month for Market Nights, a street market with food, live music and more than 50 vendor booths.

The event runs on the first and third Thursday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m. on Washington Avenue between B Street and C Street, including portions of Juniper Street. A nonprofit organization called Murrieta Market Nights runs the event, according to the Press Enterprise.

The Murrieta City Council unanimously approved a 150-foot expansion of the market at a cost of nearly $134,000 at its May 5 meeting. The funding covers eight new barriers and one new trailer to accommodate more vendors, improve pedestrian flow and extend the footprint south on Washington Avenue.

Casey Jurado, with the Murrieta Market Nights nonprofit, told the Press Enterprise in May that the market had reached capacity before the expansion. "We want to establish an economic ecology down there … and it's been extremely successful from a community standpoint, and it's been successful in making the city look good," Jurado said.

What to eat

Food vendors draw some of the longest lines. A Sept. 15 visit by The Talon, Mt. San Jacinto College's student newspaper, found crowds stacked up at Parlor Craft Chili & Smash Burgers, Medinas Cinnarolls & Cookies, Missy's Hotdogs & Catering and Rosie's Tacos. Vendor lineups can change from event to event.

What to browse

Boutique and specialty vendors at the Sept. 15 event included Linx Permanent Jewelry, which offers permanent bracelets welded on the spot, and Charm N Gifts, selling Croc jibbitz charms. Magical Moments Designs sold "Blind Date with a Book," wrapped books described only by genre and tropes.

Downtown brick-and-mortar shops stay open during Market Nights too. The Talon noted Abide Home Shoppe for furniture and home decor, Reborn Treasures & Antiques for vintage goods and Vista Donuts.

Kids and dogs welcome

Face painting from Beautiful Disaster runs $5 to $10. Kids can browse 3D-printed fidget toys at IJE Lab, squishy toys at The Squish Bros and a Hot Wheels booth with cars and tracks to play with. Hazel & Huxley Co. sells baby and toddler clothing.

Dogs are welcome. Vine & Canine sells treats and chews, and Dog Boy Biz offers toys, leashes and training materials made from recycled goods.

Live music and dancing

A live band plays throughout the evening. Line dancing takes place at The Alleyway. During the Sept. 15 event, bands Manic Hispanic and Sweet and Tender Hooligans performed at Solaris Beer & Blending, according to The Talon.

The city's event calendar lists Market Nights dates and vendor application details through the Eventeny platform. The next Market Nights is Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Murrieta.