The bright lights and over-head LED display make this a one-of-a-kind experience. It is totally free to walk through the experience and within the short-walking distance there is from end-to-end, there is a lot to experience. It's totally worth having to pay for parking (Valet or going to the parking garage would be the most convenient choices).
There are 3 performing stages, many stores and restaurants, and countless street performers painting, dancing, impersonators posing for photos, and everything in between. I find it absolutely amazing to see the rich diversity in the performances, shops, and people at Fremont that pack the walkways.
A great place to go at night for a walk. Not for people who are sensitive/averse to cigarette smoke. There are a lot of homeless people here, so be wary.