For Filipinos who love exploring markets when they travel, Guam has its own set of markets to visit throughout the week. Think of Divisoria’s treasure hunts, Mercato Centrale’s food stalls, or Bangkok’s Chatuchak buzz, but with the ocean breeze, island music, and fresh smell of barbecue in the air.

After a day of swimming in Tumon or touring Spanish ruins in Hagåtña or Guam’s southern villages, travelers can find a whole new way to experience the CHamoru culture. On different nights of the week, a market comes alive with food, music, and shopping. Here’s how to make the most of them.

Every Wednesday, Guam’s capital city transforms into a cultural night out frequented by locals and tourists of all ages. This is the market most visitors have on their list and for good reason: it’s part food trip, part cultural immersion, part family-friendly activity.

There are food stalls offering barbecue with red rice, mango shakes, empanadas, and freshly grilled fish. For pasalubong, this is where one can find keepsakes with meaning: sinåhi necklaces carved from shells, Ifit wood carvings, and handmade bags and jewelry.

The excitement lies in the activities like carabao rides, artisans demonstrating their craft, and locals singing and dancing under string lights that make the plaza glow. Stay long enough, and it will feel more like being welcomed into a traditional CHamoru fiesta.

If Chamorro Village is a fiesta, Mangilao is an intimate family gathering. Held every Thursday night beside Santa Teresita Church along Route 10, it has a smaller, homier feel.

Barbecue still rules the tables, but locals also line up for Kenny’s Fried Chicken for its crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned offerings. Onion rings, pickled papaya, and kelaguen (Guam’s version of ceviche with lemon and spice) add variety to the spread. Stalls also offer handmade jewelry, simple toys, and crafts that carry the personal touch of their makers.

The beauty of Mangilao market is in the pace. There’s no need to rush through crowded aisles. Stroll as you please, chat with local vendors, and immerse yourself in the laid-back vibe. It’s less about rushing through stalls and more about enjoying the village and its hospitable people.

Every first Friday of the month, the beachfront of Crowne Plaza Resort Guam turns festive from six to nine in the evening. Admission is free, and the vibe is relaxed but celebratory, like an outdoor concert with the Pacific Ocean as the background.

The trick is to arrive early to stake a spot near the live music and to catch Guam’s breathtaking sunsets. The market also sets up pop-up shops and food stalls, so it feels like part night bazaar, part beach party.

Expect local staples in the food stalls like red rice, kelaguen, CHamoru-style BBQ ribs, and tinala katne (marinated dried beef). Wash it down with craft beer or an IPA, both brewed right on the island.

It’s the ideal activity for those wanting to spend the evening in Tumon surrounded by locals - great food, warm hospitality, and lively music.

Dededo, one of Guam’s largest villages located in the northern part of the island, becomes lively before sunrise every Saturday and Sunday for its flea market along Marine Corps Drive. It’s a kind of authentic market where the island’s everyday life plays out.

Fresh produce, like papaya, mangoes, and avocados, is harvested by Guam’s best farmers and can be found spread across tables, adding bright pops of color to the flea market. There are also clothes, secondhand items, and quirky souvenirs for sale.

If travelers are looking for food, they can start with freshly grilled barbecue skewers for breakfast or taho-style pudding for those craving something sweet and light. Some stalls also sell fried rice plates and hot coffee to kick off the morning.

The best finds go fast, so locals recommend arriving before 6 a.m. This is also when parking is still easy to find. Filipino traveler tip: If you enjoy ukay-ukay or tiangge shopping, this is where you’ll feel at home.

Guam’s markets may feel familiar to Filipino travelers, yet they always bring something new. Each one has its own character, but all are bound by the same warmth. Here, you taste authentic CHamoru recipes passed down through generations, witness traditions kept alive in music and dance, and take home treasures shaped by local hands. To discover Guam is to immerse oneself in these moments. Start planning your journey at visitguam.com