Night Market Stardew: Treasure Hunter's Almanac

The Night Market in Stardew Valley is your once-a-year chance to snag exclusive deep-sea fish, rare decorations, and out-of-season seeds during Winter 15-17. Unlike regular festivals, time keeps ticking, so you need an efficient plan for all three nights. Jump straight to the Night-by-Night Priority Checklists to maximize your profits and collection, or keep reading for the complete strategy guide. With proper planning, you can earn over 20,000g from unique fish while completing your collection log-all before the boats sail away until next winter.

What is the Night Market & When to Find It

The Night Market is a special three-day festival that takes place on Winter 15, 16, and 17 each year in Stardew Valley. Unlike most festivals that occupy a single day, the Night Market spans three consecutive evenings, offering players multiple opportunities to experience everything it has to offer. The event transforms the beach into a lively marketplace with special merchants, attractions, and opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else in the game. Most importantly, this festival provides a welcome burst of activity during the normally quiet winter season.

Dates, Times & Location

The Night Market is held on the Beach in Pelican Town from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Winter 15, 16, and 17 annually. It’s important to note that, unlike most festivals in Stardew Valley, time does not pause during the Night Market. This means you need to carefully manage your day to make the most of both your regular activities and your Night Market visit. The festival’s timing during mid-winter gives players something to look forward to during a season when farming activities are typically limited.

Some key timing details to remember:

• The market opens at 5:00 PM and closes at 2:00 AM
• The Submarine Ride closes earlier at 11:00 PM
• The Mermaid Show’s last entry is at 12:30 AM

The Night Market is accessible from your first winter in the game, so new players don’t need to wait multiple in-game years to experience it. This accessibility makes it an excellent opportunity for early-game players to acquire valuable resources. The market appears automatically without any special requirements, so everyone can enjoy it regardless of their progress in the game.

Unlike other festivals, shops and homes throughout Stardew Valley remain open during the Night Market days. This means you can still visit Pierre’s, the Blacksmith, or any other location during regular business hours before heading to the Night Market in the evening. This unique characteristic gives players flexibility in scheduling their day-to-day activities around the evening festivities.

What Makes It Special vs Other Festivals

The Night Market stands apart from other Stardew Valley festivals in several significant ways that make it uniquely valuable to players of all styles and progress levels. Understanding these differences helps players appreciate why prioritizing this event is worthwhile.

First, the multi-day format is distinctive. While most festivals occupy a single day, the Night Market spans three days, giving players multiple opportunities to engage with its content. This extended duration reduces the pressure to accomplish everything in a single day and allows for more strategic planning.

Second, time continues to flow during the Night Market. Unlike traditional festivals where time pauses, the clock keeps ticking during this event. This creates a need for strategic planning but also opens up possibilities for efficient use of these winter evenings. The continuous time flow more closely resembles real-life festivals where you decide how long to stay.

Third, regular activities continue alongside the Night Market. The town doesn’t shut down for this event. Shops, homes, and other locations remain accessible during their normal hours. This allows players to integrate the Night Market into their regular gameplay rather than having it completely interrupt their routine.

Fourth, the Night Market offers items that can’t be obtained anywhere else in the game, including specific fish species, decorations, and seasonal seeds outside their normal availability. This exclusivity creates legitimate urgency around attending the festival each year rather than skipping it.

Fifth, some vendors change their stock each night, encouraging players to return on all three evenings. This rotating inventory system rewards diligent attendance and helps spread out the market’s offerings across multiple visits.

The Night Market has a mysterious, magical atmosphere that differs from the more community-focused festivals like the Egg Festival or Stardew Valley Fair. Its focus on commerce, collection, and rare finds gives it a treasure hunter’s appeal that many players find particularly engaging.

Preparing for Your Visit

To make the most of your Night Market experience, proper preparation is essential. The limited time and special offerings mean that coming prepared can significantly impact how much you accomplish during the festival. Here’s what you should do before Winter 15 arrives:

Financial Preparation:

• Save at least 10,000g to ensure you can purchase expensive items and take multiple submarine rides
• Consider bringing additional funds if you plan to buy all available paintings (3,600g) and decorations
• Budget for submarine rides (1,000g each) if you plan to catch exclusive fish
• Remember that the shrouded figure teleportation service costs 250g per use if you plan to get home quickly

Inventory Management:

• Clear your inventory before attending, as you’ll likely acquire many new items
• Bring a fishing rod if you plan to use the submarine (preferably iridium quality)
• Consider bringing fish tackle like the Cork Bobber to make catching difficult fish easier
• Pack fishing bait, particularly Wild Bait for better catch rates
• Remove any chests you’ve placed on the beach before Winter 15 to prevent them from disappearing

Energy Planning:

• Bring high-energy food items for fishing stamina restoration
• Foods that provide fishing buffs are particularly valuable (Dish o’ The Sea, Fish Stew, etc.)
• Plan to take advantage of the free coffee available at the market for speed buffs
• Complete exhausting farm tasks early in the day to preserve energy for night activities

Gift Preparation:

• Consider bringing gifts for villagers who attend the Night Market
• Different villagers attend on different nights, so plan accordingly
• This is an efficient way to boost relationships with multiple characters in one location
• The Night Market is one of the easiest places to find many villagers in one convenient spot

Time Management:

• Complete essential farm tasks early in the day
• Consider skipping optional activities to maximize your Night Market time
• Remember the Submarine closes at 11:00 PM, so prioritize that if fishing is your goal
• Plan your schedule for all three days, not just the first night

Taking these preparatory steps will help you maximize your efficiency and ensure you don’t miss out on any of the Night Market’s exclusive offerings. With only three days available each year, proper planning makes all the difference between a productive visit and a missed opportunity.

Must-Have Exclusive Items & Where to Find Them

The Night Market’s greatest appeal lies in its exclusive offerings-items and opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else in Stardew Valley. For efficient planning, you need to know which exclusives are worth prioritizing and where to find them. This section breaks down the most valuable Night Market exclusives and their locations.

Free Coffee: Unlimited Energy Boost

One of the Night Market’s best-kept secrets is the unlimited free coffee available from the Desert Trader, who relocates to the market for these three nights. Located on the west side of the market on the leftmost dock, this vendor will give you a free cup of coffee each time you speak with them, with only a brief cooldown between requests.

Coffee Benefits:

• Provides a +1 Speed buff for 1.5 minutes
• Can be stacked with food buffs
• Sells for 150g each
• Can be placed in kegs to create Triple Shot Espresso (worth more and with longer buff duration)

Strategy Tips:

• You can collect a free coffee approximately every 10 in-game minutes
• Consider collecting multiple coffees to sell for profit or use later
• The speed buff is particularly useful for navigating between attractions efficiently
• Collecting free coffee while waiting for the Mermaid Show or between fishing trips maximizes your time

This unlimited coffee source is especially valuable for new players who may not yet have coffee beans on their farm. The speed buff helps you cover more ground during the limited nighttime hours, making it easier to experience everything the Night Market has to offer in a single evening. For profit-minded players, collecting coffee throughout your visit can result in a nice stack of sellable items by the end of the night.

Submarine-Only Fish: Catching & Profit Guide

The Fishing Submarine, located on the west side of the Night Market, offers access to deep-sea fishing for 1,000g per trip. This is the only place in the game where you can catch three exclusive fish species: Midnight Squid, Spook Fish, and Blobfish. These rare catches are valuable not just for completing your fishing collection but also for their profit potential and unique uses.

Exclusive Fish Overview:

Submarine Mechanics:

• Costs 1,000g per trip
• Takes 30 in-game minutes to descend and another 30 to ascend
• Closes at 11:00 PM, meaning your last entry should be no later than 10:00 PM
• Fish caught are generally higher value than regular ocean fish

Maximizing Your Fishing:

• Use an Iridium Rod with the Cork Bobber tackle to make catching easier
• Consume fishing buff foods before entering the submarine
• Use Wild Bait for improved catch rates and occasional double catches
• Aim to catch at least 20+ fish per trip for maximum profit
• One player reported catching 28 fish during a particularly successful trip

The submarine fishing opportunity is particularly valuable not just for completionists seeking to fill their collection but for profit-focused players. A good fishing run can net 5,000-10,000g in profit after subtracting the entry fee, making it one of the most lucrative activities during the winter season. Additionally, the Blobfish is especially valuable for fish ponds, as it produces roe that’s worth more than sturgeon caviar when aged.

Mermaid Show Pearl: Secret Code & Reward

The Mermaid Show boat, located on the east side of the Night Market, offers a unique entertainment experience that lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of in-game time. While the show itself is visually interesting, the real value lies in a hidden secret that rewards observant players with a valuable Pearl.

Mermaid Show Basics:

• Free to enter
• Show lasts 1hr 40min of game time
• Last entry at 12:30 AM
• Available all three nights, but the reward can only be obtained once per save file

Secret Pearl Reward:

• During the show, the mermaid plays a sequence of 5 notes
• To receive the Pearl, you need to play these notes back on the clam shells at the bottom of the screen
• The correct sequence is 1-5-4-2-3
• You don’t need to find a secret note first, contrary to some beliefs
• This triggers a special animation and rewards you with a Pearl

Pearl Value:

• Sells for 2,500g
• Universal loved gift for all villagers (except for Haley who likes it)
• Can be used in tailoring or donated to the museum

The Pearl reward is especially valuable for relationship building, as it provides a universal loved gift option that can significantly boost friendship with any villager. While you can obtain pearls through other means (such as Blobfish ponds), this is a guaranteed method available relatively early in the game.

Since you can only obtain this reward once per save file, make sure to visit the Mermaid Show at least once during the three-night event, even if you prioritize other activities like submarine fishing. The show itself is an interesting experience, but the pearl reward makes it essential for both new and experienced players.

Rotating Paintings & Collection Strategy

Famous Painter Lupini’s boat offers a unique opportunity to purchase exclusive artwork for your farmhouse. Located centrally at the Night Market, Lupini sells a different painting each night for 1,200g. What makes this vendor special is the 3-year rotation cycle-there are 9 unique paintings in total, with 3 available each year, changing each night.

Painting Rotation System:

• 9 total unique paintings
• 3 paintings per year (one each night)
• Cycles every 3 years
• Costs 1,200g per painting

Collection Strategy:

• If you want to complete your collection quickly, purchase all three paintings each year
• For budget players, prioritize the paintings you find most aesthetically pleasing
• Mark which paintings you’ve already purchased to avoid duplicates in future years
• Remember that missed paintings won’t be available again for 3 in-game years
• The paintings change each night and won’t be available again for three years

The paintings are purely decorative and don’t provide any gameplay benefits beyond aesthetics and collection completion. However, for players focused on home decoration or completionists aiming to own every item in the game, Lupini’s paintings represent a time-limited opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Keep track of which paintings you’ve purchased, as there’s no in-game mechanism to prevent you from buying duplicates in future years. A simple note or checklist can help you avoid wasting money on artwork you already own. For players who enjoy creating a personalized, aesthetically pleasing farmhouse, these paintings provide unique options for wall decorations that can’t be acquired elsewhere.

Seasonal Seeds & Planning Ahead

One of the Night Market’s most practical offerings is the Magic Shop Boat’s selection of seasonal seeds. This vendor sells seeds that are normally only available during their respective growing seasons, providing a valuable opportunity to plan ahead for the coming year.

Seed Availability Pattern:

• Winter 15: Spring seeds
• Winter 16: Summer seeds
• Winter 17: Fall seeds
• Prices are identical to Pierre’s regular prices

Strategic Benefits:

• Purchase seeds for the upcoming Spring without waiting for the season to begin
• Plan crop layouts in advance with all necessary seeds on hand
• Avoid the rush to Pierre’s on the first day of Spring
• Prepare specialized crops for upcoming quests or bundles
• Saves valuable time on the first day of spring

This opportunity is particularly valuable for optimizing the start of Spring, which is a critical growing season. By purchasing Spring seeds at the Night Market, you can plant immediately on Spring 1 without losing precious growing time visiting the store.

For min-max players, this seemingly small advantage can translate to an extra harvest cycle for fast-growing crops, potentially increasing your first-season profits by thousands of gold. Even casual players will appreciate the convenience of starting the new year fully prepared. This advance planning capability is especially helpful for crops with specific growing schedules or for players working on Community Center bundles that require particular seasonal items.

Maximizing Your Three Nights

With just three nights to experience everything the Night Market has to offer, efficiency becomes crucial. This section provides a structured approach to maximize your time across all three evenings, ensuring you don’t miss any exclusives while optimizing for profit and collection completion.

Night 1 Priority Checklist

Your first night at the market should focus on securing one-time rewards and getting a feel for the layout. Here’s a prioritized checklist for Winter 15:

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM:

• ☐ Arrive as the market opens at 5:00 PM
• ☐ Grab your first free coffee from the Desert Trader
• ☐ Purchase Spring seeds from the Magic Shop Boat
• ☐ Check the Traveling Cart for rare items or bundle needs
• ☐ Purchase the night’s exclusive painting from Lupini (1,200g)
• ☐ Browse the Decoration Boat to plan future purchases

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM:

• ☐ Enter the Mermaid Show (approximately 1hr 40min in-game)
• ☐ Play the shell sequence (1-5-4-2-3) to receive the Pearl
• ☐ Continue collecting free coffee at regular intervals

9:00 PM - 11:00 PM:

• ☐ Take your first Submarine fishing trip (1,000g)
• ☐ Focus on catching at least one of each exclusive fish
• ☐ Begin ascending no later than 10:30 PM

11:00 PM - 2:00 AM:

• ☐ Check for any villagers you wish to gift
• ☐ Purchase any remaining decorations of interest
• ☐ Collect more free coffee for selling or later use
• ☐ Return home via the Shrouded Figure (250g) or walk back

Key Focus: One-time rewards (Pearl) and collection starting (first painting, first catches of each fish species)

Night 1 is crucial because it’s your first opportunity to get unique items like the Pearl from the Mermaid Show. Additionally, meeting the Winter 15 villagers and getting a feel for the market layout will help you plan more efficiently for the following nights. The first night is also when you can purchase spring seeds, which are particularly valuable for planning your early spring planting strategy.

Night 2 Priority Checklist

Your second night should build on the foundation of Night 1, focusing on profit and filling collection gaps. Here’s your Night 2 plan for Winter 16:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM:

• ☐ Arrive at the market and collect free coffee
• ☐ Purchase Summer seeds from the Magic Shop Boat
• ☐ Buy the night’s exclusive painting from Lupini
• ☐ Check the Traveling Cart for new inventory

6:00 PM - 10:30 PM:

• ☐ Take multiple Submarine fishing trips (budget for 3-4 trips)
• ☐ Focus on profitable fishing using buffs and optimal tackle
• ☐ Aim to catch multiples of Blobfish for fish ponds
• ☐ Remember to leave the submarine by 10:30 PM

10:30 PM - 2:00 AM:

• ☐ Interact with different villagers who visit on Night 2
• ☐ Purchase any decorations you decided on after Night 1
• ☐ Collect more coffee in between activities
• ☐ Consider staying until 2:00 AM to maximize fishing time

Key Focus: Profit maximization through submarine fishing and obtaining duplicates of valuable fish

Night 2 is ideal for focusing on profit-generating activities now that you’ve secured the one-time Pearl reward. With your experience from the first night, you should be able to navigate the market more efficiently. This night brings a new set of villagers to interact with, giving you additional relationship-building opportunities. Summer seeds are available this night, which are valuable for planning your summer crops.

Night 3 Priority Checklist

The final night should wrap up any remaining goals and focus on last-minute opportunities. Here’s your Winter 17 plan:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM:

• ☐ Arrive at the market for your final night
• ☐ Purchase Fall seeds from the Magic Shop Boat
• ☐ Buy the third exclusive painting from Lupini
• ☐ Make a final check of the Traveling Cart

6:00 PM - 10:30 PM:

• ☐ Take your final submarine fishing trips
• ☐ Focus on any fish species you still need for collections
• ☐ Catch additional Midnight Squid for fish ponds
• ☐ Begin ascending by 10:30 PM for the last time

10:30 PM - 2:00 AM:

• ☐ Purchase any remaining decorations you want
• ☐ Gift any Night 3 exclusive villagers
• ☐ Stock up on coffee for the coming days
• ☐ Say goodbye to the Night Market until next year

Key Focus: Completing any collections and final purchases before the market ends for the year

Night 3 is your last chance to acquire Night Market exclusives until next winter, so prioritize any remaining items or fish you still need. This is particularly important for the paintings, as missing one means waiting three years before it’s available again. Fall seeds are available on this night, completing the seasonal seed collection. The final group of villagers also appears, giving you one last opportunity for efficient gift-giving.

By following these night-specific checklists, you’ll ensure you experience everything the Night Market has to offer without missing critical opportunities. Adapt the plan based on your specific goals-collectors might spend more time with vendors, while profit-focused players might dedicate more time to submarine fishing.

Timing Your Activities for Maximum Efficiency

Time management is crucial during the Night Market, as certain attractions have specific closing times and activities take predictable amounts of in-game time. Here’s a breakdown of timing considerations to maximize your efficiency:

Activity Duration Reference:

• Submarine descent/ascent: 30 minutes each way
• Mermaid Show: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Walking from submarine to Shrouded Figure: 10 minutes
• Teleporting home and walking to bed: 10-20 minutes

Optimal Timing Strategy:

1. Pre-11:00 PM Activities

   • Submarine fishing must be initiated before 11:00 PM
   • Allow 30 minutes for descent + fishing time + 30 minutes for ascent
   • Last reasonable entry time is 10:00 PM for a full fishing session

2. Pre-12:30 AM Activities

   • Mermaid Show must be started before 12:30 AM
   • Plan for 1 hour 40 minutes of show time
   • Latest reasonable entry for full show experience is around 10:50 PM

3. Energy Management Timeline

   • Begin with high-energy activities (submarine fishing)
   • Use free coffee throughout the night for speed boosts
   • Save low-energy activities (shopping, gifting) for later when your energy may be depleted

4. End-of-Night Planning

   • If planning to stay until 2:00 AM, consider the cost of collapse (10% of gold up to 1,000g) versus using the Shrouded Figure (250g)
   • For maximum profit fishing, it may be worth fishing until passing out at 2:00 AM

By carefully timing your activities, you can fit more into each night at the market. Remember that different activities appeal to different playstyles-completionists might prioritize the Mermaid Show on Night 1, while profit-focused players might spend all available time before 11:00 PM in the submarine.

Some players recommend a strategy of arriving right at 5:00 PM, doing anything other than the submarine first, then heading to the submarine later and either returning home at 12:50 AM or simply fishing until passing out at 2:00 AM. This approach maximizes both the variety of activities and fishing profit potential.

Getting Home Safely: Teleportation Options

After a long night at the market, getting home safely becomes an important consideration, especially as 2:00 AM approaches. Stardew Valley penalizes players who stay awake past 2:00 AM with energy loss and a gold penalty the next day. The Night Market offers a unique solution to this problem.

Available Return Options:

1. Shrouded Figure Teleportation

   • Located near Willy’s shop
   • Costs 250g
   • Instantly teleports you to your farm
   • Saves walking time and prevents passing out

2. Return Scepter (Late-Game Option)

   • If you own a Return Scepter (2,000,000g from Wizard’s Tower)
   • No additional cost per use
   • Instantly returns you to your farm

3. Farm Totem

   • Can be crafted or purchased
   • Instantly teleports you to your farm
   • Requires inventory space

4. Walking Home

   • Free but time-consuming
   • Risk of passing out if it’s near 2:00 AM
   • Not recommended unless you’re leaving the market early

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

The Shrouded Figure’s teleportation service is almost always worth the 250g cost, especially when compared to the penalty for passing out (up to 1,000g or 10% of your carried gold). The time saved also allows you to spend more time at the market, potentially earning or acquiring items worth far more than the teleportation fee.

Special Consideration:
If you’re in the submarine fishing until late, you need to factor in the 30-minute ascent time plus the time to walk to the Shrouded Figure. Begin ascending no later than 1:20 AM if you want to use the teleportation service to get home safely.

For profit maximizers, there’s a valid strategy to fish until you pass out at 2:00 AM if your profits from those extra minutes of fishing exceed the passing out penalty. This is particularly effective if you’re having a very successful fishing session with valuable catches. The pass-out penalty is only 750g more than the shrouded figure teleportation cost, so if you can catch even one or two additional valuable fish in that extra time, it may be worthwhile.

Deep Sea Fishing Mastery

The submarine fishing experience at the Night Market represents one of the most unique and potentially profitable activities in Stardew Valley. Mastering this limited-time opportunity can significantly boost your earnings and help complete your collection. This section provides detailed strategies for maximizing your submarine fishing success.

Submarine Mechanics & Schedule

Understanding how the submarine works is essential for planning your fishing strategy:

Basic Mechanics:

• Located on the western side of the Night Market
• Costs 1,000g per trip
• Available from 5:00 PM until 11:00 PM each night
• Takes 30 in-game minutes to descend to the fishing spot
• Takes another 30 in-game minutes to return to the surface

Time Considerations:

• Total time commitment per trip: minimum of 1 hour plus actual fishing time
• Last entry must be before 11:00 PM
• To maximize fishing time, enter no later than 10:00 PM
• If you enter at 10:59 PM, you’ll still get to fish, but will have minimal time before needing to ascend

Environmental Factors:

• Fishing spot has unique deep-sea visuals
• Catch rates and fish difficulty are independent of fishing location buffs
• Water is considered “ocean” for fishing buff purposes

Optimal Entry Times:

• First entry: 5:00-5:30 PM (allows for shopping afterward)
• Middle entry: 7:00-8:00 PM (balanced approach)
• Final entry: 9:30-10:00 PM (maximizes late-night efficiency)

The submarine operates on all three nights of the Night Market, giving you multiple opportunities to catch the exclusive fish. However, since the entry fee is substantial (1,000g), it’s important to maximize your fishing time during each trip. Consider preparing before entering by equipping the right tackle and consuming fishing buff foods to make your time underwater as productive as possible.

Some players have reported that when playing solo, time stops during the “hit” screen when you’ve got a fish on the line. This can be advantageous as it effectively extends your fishing time. However, in multiplayer mode, time continues to pass, making efficiency even more crucial when fishing with friends.

Exclusive Fish Species & Their Uses

The submarine fishing expedition gives you access to three fish species that cannot be caught anywhere else in the game:

1. Blobfish

• Difficulty: Hard
• Base Value: 500g
• Season Availability: Night Market only
• Special Characteristics:
  • Can be placed in Fish Ponds
  • Fish Pond products include Roe and Pearls
  • Aged Roe sells for 560g (better than Sturgeon’s Caviar at 500g)
  • Best used for: Profit (aged roe), Pearl production, Fish Pond
  • Secondary use: Gifting (neutral for most villagers)

2. Midnight Squid

• Difficulty: Medium
• Base Value: 100g
• Season Availability: Night Market only
• Special Characteristics:
  • Can be placed in Fish Ponds
  • Produces Squid Ink at a higher rate than regular Squid
  • Best used for: Squid Ink production, collection completion
  • Secondary use: Cooking recipes that require any fish

3. Spook Fish

• Difficulty: Medium
• Base Value: 220g
• Season Availability: Night Market only
• Special Characteristics:
  • Primarily valuable for collection and selling
  • Can be used in any recipe calling for “any fish”
  • Best used for: Profit, collection completion
  • Secondary use: Fish stews and generic fish recipes

While the Submarine also offers a chance to catch other ocean fish, including rare ones like the Super Cucumber and potentially even a Pearl as a fishing treasure, the three exclusive fish are the primary targets for most players.

For completionists, catching at least one of each species is a priority for filling the fishing collection. For profit-focused players, catching multiple Blobfish for processing into aged roe or placing in Fish Ponds offers the best return on investment. The Midnight Squid is particularly valuable for players who frequently use Squid Ink in recipes or crafting, as it provides a more reliable source than regular Squid.

Fish Pond Benefits from Night Market Fish

Fish Ponds provide long-term value from your Night Market catches, turning a one-time fishing trip into a renewable resource. Here’s how to maximize the benefit of Fish Ponds with your submarine catches:

Blobfish Pond Benefits:

• Population: Up to 10 fish
• Daily Production: Blobfish Roe (base value: 350g)
• Aged Roe Value: 560g (in Preserves Jar)
• Special Items: Pearl (rare, sells for 2,500g)
• Quest Rewards: Various items including Warp Totem: Farm
• Income Potential: Among the top-tier fish pond options in the game
• Comparison: Second highest money-maker for fish ponds, behind only Lava Eel

Midnight Squid Pond Benefits:

• Population: Up to 10 fish
• Daily Production: Squid Ink
• Special Characteristic: Produces more Squid Ink than regular Squid ponds
• Usage: Squid Ink is used in cooking and crafting
• Efficiency: More reliable source of Squid Ink than regular Squid ponds

Strategic Recommendations:

• Prioritize building at least one Blobfish pond for profit
• Consider a Midnight Squid pond if you regularly need Squid Ink
• No significant benefit to Spook Fish ponds compared to alternatives
• Maximum profit strategy: Multiple Blobfish ponds with Preserves Jars to age the roe

Fish Ponds require initial construction cost (5,000g, 200 stone, 5 seaweed, 5 green algae) plus expansion quests as the population grows. However, they quickly pay for themselves, especially with high-value fish like the Blobfish. The pond’s daily production requires no additional work beyond collection, making it an excellent passive income source after the Night Market ends.

For players with limited resources, prioritizing a Blobfish pond over other fish pond options provides the best long-term return on investment. The combination of valuable roe and occasional pearls makes it one of the most profitable passive income sources in the game, second only to the harder-to-obtain Lava Eel.

Optimal Fishing Setup & Buffs

To maximize your success and efficiency during submarine fishing trips, having the right equipment and buffs is essential:

Ideal Equipment:

• Iridium Rod (essential for using tackle)
• Cork Bobber (makes the catching bar larger, helpful for difficult fish)
• Wild Bait (increases bite rate and chance of double catches)
• Alternative Tackle: Trap Bobber (slows bar decline when fish are escaping)

Recommended Fishing Buffs:

• Dish o’ The Sea: +3 Fishing (Sardine + Hashbrowns)
• Fish Stew: +3 Fishing (Crayfish + Mussel + Periwinkle)
• Seafoam Pudding: +4 Fishing (late-game option)
• Coffee: +1 Speed (helps move between fishing spots)
• Fishing Skill Level: Aim for level 10 with profession bonuses

Inventory Preparation:

• Bring high-energy food for stamina restoration
• Leave plenty of inventory space for catches
• Consider bringing a chest to place on the submarine if your inventory fills quickly

Skill Perks That Help:

• Fisher profession (+25% fish value)
• Angler profession (+50% fish value, alternative to Fisher)
• Pirate profession (doubles chance of finding treasure)

With the optimal setup, catching the difficult Blobfish becomes much more manageable. Each successful catch represents significant value, especially with the appropriate fishing profession bonuses applied. The combination of proper equipment and buffs can easily double your efficiency underwater, making the 1,000g entry fee a wise investment.

One player reported significant success using wild bait, a cork bobber, fishing buff meals, and playing solo (where time stops during the catching minigame). This approach allowed them to catch an impressive 28 fish during a single submarine trip, demonstrating the potential profitability when properly equipped.

Profit Analysis: Time vs. Gold

For players focused on maximizing profit, it’s important to analyze whether submarine fishing is worth the time and gold investment compared to alternative activities:

Cost Analysis:

• Submarine entry: 1,000g per trip
• Time cost: Minimum 1 hour per trip (30 min descent + fishing time + 30 min ascent)
• Return transportation: 250g (Shrouded Figure) or risk passing out fee

Average Profit Potential (per trip):

• Low skill/equipment: 8-12 fish = ~1,500-2,500g gross (~500-1,500g net)
• Medium skill/equipment: 15-20 fish = ~3,000-4,500g gross (~2,000-3,500g net)
• High skill/equipment: 25-30 fish = ~5,000-7,000g gross (~4,000-6,000g net)
• Expert results: 28+ fish as reported by experienced players

Value Multipliers:

• Fisher profession: +25% selling price
• Angler profession: +50% selling price
• Processing: Converting Blobfish Roe to Aged Roe (+60% value)
• Long-term: Fish Pond production from caught fish

Profit Optimization Strategies:

• Focus on catching Blobfish (highest base value)
• Use profession bonuses to increase sale value
• Save at least one of each fish for Fish Ponds
• Consider fishing until passing out at 2:00 AM if your profits exceed the penalty

Compared to alternative winter activities like mining or skull cavern runs, submarine fishing offers comparable profits with more predictable results. The exclusive nature of the fish also adds collection value beyond pure gold. While not the absolute most profitable activity in the game, the limited-time availability makes it worth prioritizing during the Night Market period.

For maximum efficiency, aim to take at least one submarine trip each night of the market, with additional trips based on your fishing success rate and financial goals. The highest profit potential comes from combining immediate sale value with long-term fish pond investment, particularly with Blobfish.

Complete Decoration & Collectibles Guide

Beyond fishing and practical items, the Night Market offers a wealth of decorative options and collectibles for players looking to enhance their farm’s aesthetic appeal or complete their collections. This comprehensive section details all available decorations and collectibles.

Decoration Boat: Full Inventory

The blue Decoration Boat, located between the two main docks, offers a variety of purely aesthetic items that can enhance your farm and home design. Unlike other vendors at the Night Market, the Decoration Boat’s inventory remains consistent across all three nights.

Permanent Stock Items:

Exclusive Availability:
The candy cane decorations can only be purchased from the Decoration Boat at the Night Market. While the Seasonal Decor and Seasonal Plants can be found at other festivals or shops, the Night Market provides a convenient opportunity to purchase them all in one place.

Decoration Strategy:

• Purchase candy canes during your first Night Market visit, as they’re exclusive
• Seasonal plants offer excellent value as they change appearance through the year
• Consider how decorations might complement your farm’s overall aesthetic theme
• Some players purchase multiple copies of popular items for symmetrical designs

The decorations are purely aesthetic and don’t provide gameplay benefits, but they allow for creative expression and personalization of your farm space. For players who enjoy farm design and decoration, the Night Market’s offerings represent a significant opportunity to expand their decoration options.

Lupini’s Paintings: 3-Year Rotation System

Famous Painter Lupini sells unique paintings each night of the Night Market from their boat near the center of the event. What makes these particularly special is the 3-year rotation system-there are 9 total paintings, with 3 appearing each year (one per night).

Painting Rotation Schedule:

Key Details:

• All paintings cost 1,200g each
• Paintings are purely decorative
• Paintings can only be hung indoors
• The rotation is fixed and predictable
• Each painting is available only once every three years

Collection Strategy:

• For completionists: Purchase all three paintings each year
• For budget-conscious players: Select only your favorites
• Keep track of which paintings you’ve already purchased
• Plan to visit the Night Market all three years if you want the complete collection

The paintings add a touch of sophisticated decoration to your farmhouse or cabin interiors. While they don’t provide gameplay benefits, they’re among the most exclusive collectibles in the game due to their limited availability. For players who value aesthetic customization or completionism, Lupini’s paintings represent a long-term collection goal spanning multiple in-game years.

Magic Shop Boat: Special Items

The Magic Shop Boat offers a variety of items including seasonal seeds, rarecrows, and some exclusive decorative pieces. Unlike the Decoration Boat, the Magic Shop’s inventory partially changes each night of the market.

Permanent Inventory:

• Rarecrow (varies)
• Iridium Fireplace (15,000g) - exclusive to Night Market
• Cone Hat (8,000g) - exclusive to Night Market

Rotating Seed Inventory:

• Winter 15: Spring Seeds (same price as Pierre’s)
• Winter 16: Summer Seeds (same price as Pierre’s)
• Winter 17: Fall Seeds (same price as Pierre’s)

Exclusive Item Details:

Iridium Fireplace:

• Purely decorative fireplace
• Distinctive purple glow from the iridium material
• One of the most expensive decorative items in the game
• Only available from the Magic Shop at the Night Market

Cone Hat:

• Wearable hat for your character
• Unique conical design
• Exclusively sold at the Night Market
• Primarily for fashion/collection purposes

The Magic Shop Boat represents a mix of practical items (seasonal seeds) and exclusive collectibles. For completionists, the Iridium Fireplace and Cone Hat are must-have items despite their high prices. The rotating seed inventory provides valuable planning opportunities for the coming seasons, making this boat worth visiting each night of the market.

Using Decorations in Your Farm Design

The decorations available at the Night Market can significantly enhance your farm’s aesthetic appeal when used strategically. Here are some design concepts and placement strategies to maximize their visual impact:

Seasonal Transitional Spaces:

• Use Seasonal Plants in areas you frequently visit
• Create calendar-aware spaces that transform throughout the year
• Place seasonal decorations near entrances, paths, or community areas

Themed Areas:

• Winter Wonderland: Group candy canes and seasonal plants for a festive area
• Formal Garden: Use torches and seasonal plants for a structured garden design
• Market Square: Recreate a mini-market with decorative items and display stands

Practical Decoration Strategies:

• Use Plain Torches and Stump Torches to illuminate paths while adding style
• Create visual boundaries for different farm zones using decorative items
• Consider color coordination with existing structures and seasonal changes

Indoor Design Concepts:

• Gallery Wall: Display Lupini’s paintings together on a dedicated wall
• Cozy Corner: Pair the Iridium Fireplace with comfortable furniture
• Seasonal Rotation: Change indoor Seasonal Decor to match the current season

While decorations don’t provide gameplay benefits, they significantly contribute to the personal satisfaction of creating a beautiful and unique farm. Many players find that a well-decorated farm enhances their enjoyment of the game and provides a creative outlet beyond the mechanical aspects of farming and resource gathering.

The Night Market’s exclusive decorations allow you to create distinctive spaces that showcase your personal style and stand out from standard farm designs. Since many of these items are only available once a year, they represent a valuable opportunity to acquire unique design elements that most players won’t have immediate access to.

Chest Placement Warning & Item Safety

An important consideration when preparing for the Night Market is the safety of any items you may have placed on the beach. During the event, the beach map is temporarily replaced with the Night Market version, which can affect placed objects.

What Happens to Beach Items:

• Chests placed on the beach may disappear during the Night Market
• Crab pots in the water are typically safe but may be temporarily invisible
• Farm buildings or objects cannot be placed on the beach, so they’re not affected

Item Recovery:

• Most items should reappear after the Night Market ends on Winter 18
• Some players report permanently losing items in rare cases
• The Lost and Found in Lewis’s house may contain some displaced items

Safety Recommendations:

• Remove all chests from the beach before Winter 15
• Collect the contents of crab pots before the Night Market begins
• Avoid placing valuable items in beach chests during Winter
• If you must store items on the beach, collect them by Winter 14

This is particularly important for players who use the beach as a storage area or for crab pot farming. The temporary map replacement during the Night Market is one of the few instances in the game where player-placed items may be at risk, so taking precautions is advisable.

While most items do return after the event, the potential for permanent loss makes preventative measures worthwhile, especially for valuable or difficult-to-replace items. One player reported that while their crab pots reappeared after the Night Market, their chest and its contents were permanently lost. This reinforces the importance of removing valuable items from the beach before the event begins.

Villager Schedules & Gift Opportunities

The Night Market provides an excellent opportunity to interact with multiple villagers in a single location, making it an efficient time for relationship building. Understanding which villagers visit on which nights allows you to plan your gifting strategy effectively.

Which Villagers Visit on Which Nights

Villagers follow a specific attendance pattern during the Night Market, with different groups visiting on each of the three nights:

Winter 15 (Night 1) Visitors:

• Abigail
• Clint
• Emily
• Harvey
• Jas
• Leah
• Leo (if moved to Stardew Valley)
• Linus
• Penny
• Shane

Winter 16 (Night 2) Visitors:

• Caroline
• Demetrius
• Haley
• Lewis
• Marnie
• Maru
• Robin
• Sebastian
• Vincent

Winter 17 (Night 3) Visitors:

• Alex
• Elliott
• Evelyn
• George
• Jodi
• Sam

Special Cases and Exceptions:

• Villagers who are married to the player do not attend the Night Market and instead follow their normal marriage schedules
• Willy relocates to the Stardrop Saloon during all three nights of the market
• Some NPCs may have special dialogue specific to the Night Market

Each villager typically arrives at the market around 5:00-6:00 PM and stays until closing at 2:00 AM, giving you ample opportunity to find and interact with them. They move around the market area, often stopping at different attractions or vendor boats.

The predictable schedule of villager attendance makes the Night Market one of the easiest places to find multiple characters in one location, saving you the time and energy usually spent tracking down individual NPCs across the valley.

Gift Strategy for Efficient Relationship Building

The Night Market’s concentrated gatherings of villagers make it an ideal time for strategic gift-giving:

Preparation Tips:

• Check the visitor schedule to know which gifts to bring each night
• Prioritize villagers with birthdays near the Night Market dates
• Consider bringing universal likes/loves if you’re unsure of preferences
• The Pearl from the Mermaid Show is a universal loved gift (except for Haley who likes it)

Efficiency Strategies:

• Focus on villagers who are normally difficult to locate
• Bring multiple gifts to maximize relationship gains in a single night
• Consider using the Night Market to quickly reach friendship thresholds
• Remember that villagers can only receive two gifts per week

Special Gift Opportunities:

• The free coffee from the Desert Trader is a liked gift for many adults
• Fish caught at the submarine can be gifted immediately (check preferences)
• If you obtain the Mermaid Pearl on Night 1, you can gift it to a high-priority villager

Winter Gift Considerations:

• Winter has fewer forageable gift options, making the Night Market timing valuable
• The market occurs just after the halfway point of Winter, allowing for strategic weekly gift timing
• Consider saving special items found during Fall for Night Market gifting

By planning your gift strategy around the Night Market schedule, you can significantly accelerate relationship building with multiple villagers. This is especially valuable for players working toward specific relationship-based events or trying to reach community satisfaction goals.

The Night Market is particularly useful for gifting hard-to-find villagers like Clint or Sebastian, who often have limited availability during their normal schedules. Having them all in one easy-to-access location makes relationship building much more efficient.

Marriage Candidate Behavior During Night Market

If you’re focusing on romance in Stardew Valley, understanding how marriage candidates interact with the Night Market can be helpful for relationship development:

Unmarried Candidates:
All bachelor and bachelorette characters attend the Night Market according to the standard schedule:

Night 1 (Winter 15):

• Abigail
• Emily
• Harvey
• Leah
• Shane

Night 2 (Winter 16):

• Haley
• Maru
• Sebastian

Night 3 (Winter 17):

• Alex
• Elliott
• Sam

Married Spouse Behavior:

• Your spouse will not attend the Night Market if married to the player
• They follow their normal Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday schedule instead
• This applies to any marriage candidate after they become your spouse

Dating/Romance Opportunities:

• The Night Market provides unique dialogue opportunities with marriage candidates
• The market’s romantic atmosphere can be a nice setting for gifting and building points
• Some candidates may express interest in specific Night Market attractions

Wedding Planning Consideration:
The Night Market doesn’t affect wedding scheduling, unlike some other festivals. If you’re planning to propose during Winter, the wedding can still take place during the Night Market days as the event doesn’t lock the beach area-it merely changes its appearance after 5:00 PM.

Understanding these patterns allows you to plan your romantic pursuits effectively, whether you’re trying to court a specific character or maintain your relationship with your spouse while still enjoying the Night Market activities. For players with high heart levels with multiple candidates, the Night Market provides a convenient opportunity to give gifts to all potential romantic interests over the three-night period.

Night Market Updates & Changes

The Night Market, like many aspects of Stardew Valley, has evolved through various game updates. Understanding these changes helps players stay current with the latest features and mechanics.

1.6 Update Changes

The 1.6 update, released on March 19, 2024, brought several changes that affect the Night Market either directly or indirectly:

Direct Night Market Changes:

• Secret notes are no longer created during festivals (except passive festivals like the Night Market and Desert Festival)
• This means you can still find secret notes while attending the Night Market
• The Night Market is now explicitly classified as a “passive festival” in the game code

Related Mechanics Changes:

• NPCs now have winter outfits, which are visible during the Night Market
• Night lighting changes: It now gets dark an hour earlier in winter, affecting the atmosphere
• Night tiles (such as town lamps) activate an hour earlier in all seasons
• TVs and Trees of the Winter Star now give off light at night, improving Night Market ambience

Economy Adjustments:

• Increased cost of Warp Totem: Farm in the casino (500g → 1000g)
• This indirectly affects the value comparison with the Shrouded Figure teleportation
• Chopping down fruit trees now yields appropriate saplings, which can be relevant for winter planning

The 1.6 update generally enhanced the visual aspects of the Night Market through lighting changes and NPC winter outfits, while maintaining its core functionality as a “passive festival” where normal game time and activities continue.

These changes primarily improve the aesthetic experience of the Night Market without fundamentally altering its mechanics or offerings. The winter outfits for NPCs add to the seasonal immersion, while the lighting changes create a more atmospheric nighttime experience.

1.5 Update Changes

The 1.5 update, while focused primarily on adding new content like Ginger Island, also included changes relevant to the Night Market experience:

Direct Additions:

• New items may have been added to vendor inventories
• Visual enhancements to the Night Market area

Indirect Impacts:

• Added ability to sit in chairs during festivals, including the Night Market
• Added local split-screen multiplayer, allowing shared Night Market experiences
• New farm layouts, crops, and trees that might affect planning around the Night Market

Quality of Life Improvements:

• NPCs now shove chests out of their way instead of destroying them
• This reduces the risk of losing items placed on the beach during the Night Market
• Improved sound positioning and distance fading enhances the market atmosphere

The 1.5 update primarily enhanced the overall game experience, with several changes indirectly improving the Night Market festival through better mechanics and multiplayer capabilities.

The addition of split-screen multiplayer in particular allows friends and family to experience the Night Market together on the same screen, making it a more social experience. The improvement to NPC behavior around chests also reduces the risk of losing valuable items during the event, though it’s still recommended to remove chests from the beach beforehand.

Known Bugs & Workarounds

Despite continuous updates, players have reported some persistent issues related to the Night Market. Being aware of these can help you avoid potential problems:

Disappearing Chests Issue:

• Problem: Chests placed on the beach may disappear during the Night Market
• Workaround: Remove all chests from the beach before Winter 15
• Resolution: Items should return after the festival ends, but some players report permanent loss

Villager Attendance Bugs:

• Problem: Sometimes villagers may not appear at the Night Market as scheduled
• Workaround: Exit to title and reload, or wait until the next day
• Prevention: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version

Submarine Timing Issues:

• Problem: Confusion about whether 11:00 PM is the entry deadline or exit deadline
• Clarification: 11:00 PM is the latest you can enter; you can stay fishing longer
• Workaround: Enter no later than 10:00 PM to ensure a meaningful fishing session

Marriage Candidate Behavior:

• Problem: Some players expect to see their spouse at the market
• Clarification: This is intentional; married spouses follow their regular schedule
• Workaround: None needed – this is the designed behavior

Loading Times:

• Problem: The Night Market can cause longer loading times on some devices
• Workaround: Be patient during initial load; consider restarting the game if loading seems excessive
• Prevention: Close other applications when playing during the Night Market

Being aware of these known issues can help you plan accordingly and avoid potential frustration. Most bugs related to the Night Market are minor and don’t significantly impact the overall experience when proper precautions are taken.

Conclusion: Making Your Night Market Memorable

The Night Market represents one of Stardew Valley’s most distinctive festivals-a three-night celebration of the mysterious, the artistic, and the rare. Whether you’re a first-year farmer or a seasoned agriculturalist, the market offers something valuable for every playstyle.

From the exclusive deep-sea fish that can only be caught during these three nights to the rotating paintings that require three years to collect, the Night Market rewards both immediate participation and long-term planning. The balance of immediate profits through submarine fishing and long-term investments through fish ponds and seasonal seeds makes this winter festival a pivotal event in the game’s annual cycle.

The most successful Night Market visitors approach the event with clear priorities:

• Collectors focus on the one-time Mermaid Pearl, yearly paintings, and exclusive decorations
• Profit-seekers maximize submarine fishing time and calculate optimal returns
• Relationship builders use the concentrated villager gatherings for efficient gifting
• Planners stock up on out-of-season seeds to prepare for spring planting

Whatever your goals, the limited-time nature of the Night Market creates a sense of urgency that contrasts with Stardew Valley’s otherwise relaxed pace. This special event transforms the quiet winter season into a time of opportunity and excitement.

Action Steps Recap

Prepare effectively, prioritize exclusive items on Night 1, focus on profit maximization on Night 2, complete your collections on Night 3, and don’t forget to remove chests from the beach before Winter 15 to avoid potential item loss.

Further Resources

• Stardew Valley Wiki: Night Market - Comprehensive official information
• Stardew Planner - Farm planning tool to prepare for seasonal changes
• Stardew Checkup - Track collection progress
• Stardew Predictor - Plan for traveling cart inventory

By approaching the Night Market with knowledge and strategy, you’ll transform this special event from a confusing flurry of options into a profitable and satisfying experience that enhances your Stardew Valley journey.