25 Outdoor Markets Around Boston: Spring & Summer 2024
When:
Friday, May 17, 2024 5:00p -
Sunday, Sep 15, 2024 6:00p
Friday, May 17, 2024 5:00p -
Sunday, Sep 15, 2024 6:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Art, Date Idea, Drinks, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, Kid Friendly, Meetup, Music, Outside, Seasonal, Shopping
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/25-outdoor-markets-around-boston-spring-summer-2024-boston-460573
Shop small and local at the best outdoor and open-air markets around the city. Whether you are looking for vintage treasures, handmade gifts, food, or a spring/summery vibe, you’ll have the best time exploring Boston and its makers with this list. Markets listed chronologically by opening date.
By Yelena Nicolle Salvador
ONE-TIME MARKETS
When: Thurs., May 16 - Sat., May 18
Where: Allston
Info: Three days full of art, live music, art workshops, and more! On Thursday, watch live art making and wander through a Harvard staff art show. On Friday, learn how to draw still-life while watching a mural being painted. On Saturday, an outdoor art market at Zone3.
When: Sat., May 18 - Sun., May 19
Where: City Hall
Info: It’s back for its 5th year. Enjoy the Asia-inspired market that has an electric atmosphere on Saturday and a chill, laid-back vibe on Sunday afternoon. Savor local eats, entertainment, and art/vendor stalls.
When: Sun., May 19
Where: Cambridge
Info: Discover one of Cambridge’s best hidden secrets: Inman Square. At this day festival, explore one of my favorite quaint areas while supporting local artists, businesses, and food vendors.
When: Sun., June 2
Where: Beacon Hill
Info: Take in the beauty of Beacon Hill, walk along its red cobblestone streets, and get lost in the art that will be hanging on walls, in stalls of front gardens, and more at this annual open market-like walk!
5) 8th Curated Vintage Market at Bow
When: Sun., June 2
Where: Somerville
Info: Over 70 vintage vendors from around New England and beyond will be joining the festivities at Bow’s 8th Vintage Market. You’ll be able to shop for the weirdest and most unexpected treasures, whether it be jewelry, clothes, furniture, and more.
6) Coolidge Corner Arts Festival
When: Sat., June 8
Where: Brookline
Info: It’s the 44th Coolidge Arts Festival this year. Stop by another hidden gem of the Boston-area with over 90 vendors, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden!
7) 2nd Annual Le Grand Prix Elmendorf du Pain
When: Sun., June 9
Where: East Cambridge
Info: A festival completely dedicated to the art of making and enjoying bread is back for its 2nd year. Listen to live music, smell beautiful bread, and watch some of the best local bakers fight for the baguette crown!
When: Sat., July 13
Where: Davis Square
Info: Get excited for Somerville’s longest street festival! This year’s theme is ‘Wild’ – so be ready to shop unique art and enjoy the most out-of-the-box performances. There will be dancing, food, and a whole lot of fun.
When: Sat., Sept. 14 - Sun., Sept. 15
Where: The Wharf
Info: Two days dedicated to Boston artists of every kind: fiber, traditional, music, dance, and more? Yes, please! Chat with the makers, enjoy the views of the waterfront, and take in the end of the warmer outdoor season with this event.
10) Cultural Festivals Around Boston
Info: Learn about Boston’s cultural communities all season long. Connect through the food that will be sold, art that will be displayed, music that will be performed, and more at these 20 festivals around the city – all while enjoying the nice weather of Boston’s warmest months.
WEEKLY MARKETS
1) Downtown Boston Arts Market
When: Every Thursday and Friday starting May 2
Where: Downtown Crossing
Info: Head to the city center of Downtown Crossing to see the wide variety of handmade goods from local artisans.
When: Every Saturday starting May 4
Where: Public Garden
Info: This market celebrates over 20 years of supporting local businesses. In previous years, this one was held in Copley, but for 2024, the Boston Open Market has found a new home right in front of the Boston Public Garden with 55 vendors every week.
3) The Greenway Artisan Market
When: Every Saturday starting May 4; Every Sunday starting June 2
Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway
Info: This local favorite art market is right near the Boston Waterfront. Enjoy the smell of the salty air while wandering the Greenway full of 50+ stalls of local goods. This one is a two-day event starting June 2!
When: Every Sunday starting May 5
Where: South End
Info: One of the ultimate outdoor markets is SoWa. You’ll enjoy the array of food trucks, art, baked goods, and more in the industrial backdrop of this corner of the South End. Plus, you can stroll around open studios and galleries too!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday starting May 11
Where: Seaport
Info: This year’s summer market has a live DJ, a popup from the Boston’s Children Museum, lawn games, and more. There’s also a focus on bringing a diverse set of vendors who are local, women, and minority-owned, so make sure this one is on your list to visit.
When: Every Saturday starting June 1
Where: Central Square
Info: This summer is extra fun with this special market and block party that will only be around in 2024. There will be live music, food, and drinks as you walk along the car-free Columbia St. Come celebrate the extension of FOUND vintage storefronts until the end of the year by shopping from local makers with a vintage focus and more!
7) Fenway Flea
When: Every Sunday starting June 2
Where: Fenway
Info: For all your vintage needs, the Fenway Flea has your back. This series is by the vintage fave behind FOUND and other vintage markets around the city. Enjoy its unique location at the Fenway Station for a groovy vibe and come celebrate its third season.
8) Quincy Kilroy Square Artisan Market
When: Every Friday starting June 21
Where: Quincy
Info: Exciting things are happening in Quincy! This year the farmers market and the artisan market will be combined to give you a full experience of shopping. There will also be a beer garden and live music – so head on over every Friday.
When: Every Sunday starting August 4
Where: Davis Square
Info: Find your next rare find at the beloved Somerville Flea which is back for its 12th season! There will be live music, quirky clothes, funky art, and more.
10) Boston-Area Farmers Markets
Info: Explore the best of Boston and its locally sourced food and produce at 20 farmers markets in and around the city!
MONTHLY MARKETS
1) Faneuil Hall Summer Market Series
When: First Sunday of the month from May to September
Where: Downtown
Info: Boston Women’s Market is hosting a series at Faneuil Hall! While this set of monthly markets is located inside the historic building, you can still enjoy stalls outdoors in the plaza-esque area before making your way to the top floor of the rotunda to support women-owned businesses.
2) Boston Women’s Market at Assembly Row
When: Second Sunday of the month from May to October
Where: Somerville
Info: This market is exciting since you can enjoy one hour of free yoga in the morning before making your way through the stalls, starting May 18! There will be around 30 small businesses that are women-owned, so show them some love.
When: Monthly on a Sunday, next one is May 19
Where: Somerville
Info: Support Black local businesses at this monthly market. Celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurship of the Black community in Boston by shopping at the many vendors full of art, crafted goods, and more.
When: Monthly on a Wednesday, next one is May 22
Where: Brighton
Info: This is one of my favorite markets in all of Boston. Head to the Charles River Speedway, watch the sunset, and explore a wide selection of vendors in their outdoor and indoor areas with a brew in hand. Plus, there’s a different experience room every month where you can take craft, take pictures, and more.
When: Monthly on a Sunday, next one is June 9
Where: Brighton
Info: Head to the Brighton Elks Lodge and wander through the many stalls of crafts, art, and other goods both indoors and outdoors. Listen to a bumpin’ set from a live DJ and grab something from a popup food truck too.
