Warm weather in Boston can only mean one thing; weekends full of strolling through open-air markets are back where you can explore local handmade goods, fresh produce and unique vintage threads. Here are 10 open markets to check out this spring and summer around Boston.
Bow Market (Union Square, Somerville)
Bow Market is a must-visit marketplace in Somerville. Thanks to the Green Line extension, this is only an eight-minute walk from the MBTA stop. This former storage building has been transformed into a two-floor market and courtyard. The market features over 30 small businesses upstairs surrounding a large open courtyard. After shopping, head downstairs to grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries.
This non-traditional market operates seven days a week but each business keeps its own hours.
SoWa Open Market (South End)
A day trip to the South End has to include a stop at SoWa. The art and design neighborhood features its signature open market that returns on Sunday, May 1 and continues through October. SoWa is a must-see for all things art, food and entertainment. There are over 100 vendors in the outdoor space, as well as permanent artist studios indoors.
If you don’t feel like braving chilly winds and rainy days, try SoWa’s vintage market located downstairs on Sundays at 450 Harrison Ave. The market offers an eclectic mixture of collectibles, vintage fashion, art and more.
SoWa Open Market is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through October.
Greenway Artisan Market (Downtown)
Enjoy sites and sounds along the Rose Kennedy Greenway near tourist attractions like the New England Aquarium and Faneuil Hall. The Greenway Artisan Market offers a space for designers, creators and local artisans in collaboration with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. The area is often filled with food trucks and art installations along with a carousel and the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, making this a great place to spend the afternoon.
The Greenway Artisan Market opens Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Somerville Flea Market (Somerville & Downtown)
Despite its location in the market’s name, the Somerville Flea Market operates two locations, one in Davis Square and the other Downtown as the Greenway Artisan Market. The Davis Square location is a three-minute walk from the Davis stop on the Red Line.
Tucked away in a parking lot, this market has a mix of everything – lants, vintage clothing, homemade accessories, mid-century modern furniture and more can be found here. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at an array of restaurants in the area like Boston Burger Company and thrift at Goodwill or Buffalo Exchange.
Hours vary for each location.
Copley Farmers Market (Back Bay)
This farmers market is amidst the hustle and bustle of Copley Square in Back Bay. The market happens twice a week and can be found across from Trinity Church. Shoppers can find produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, flowers and artisan goods for sale. The market also accepts EBT and SNAP.
The farmers market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 13 through Nov. 22.
Boston Open Market (Back Bay)
A classic Boston experience, the Boston Open Market is a great mix of retro, vintage, new and old. This market is hosted through New England Open Markets and is in a great location in Copley Square to take in the sights of the Back Bay neighborhood. Discover local artists and snag a new piece of art in the process.
The market is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 28 through Sept. 24.
Haymarket (Downtown)
Every Bostonian knows that Haymarket is the place to be on the weekends for cheap produce and freshly shucked oysters. Haymarket is a historic outdoor green market where you can buy all the fruits and vegetables you need.
The cash-only market is a great place for students to buy produce at low prices. Sunday evening’s produce is sold in bulk at the end of the market.
Haymarket is open every Friday and Saturday is nestled between the Boston Public Market and Faneuil Hall.
Swap Fest at MIT (Cambridge)
For computer and electronics junkies, Swapfest is “The Flea at MIT.” From April through October on the third Sunday of each month, the market is a place to buy, sell, and swap amateur radio, electronic, and computer equipment. Swapfest is sponsored by the MIT Radio Society, UHF Repeater Association, Electronics Research Society and the Harvard Wireless Club.
The Swapfest is held at MIT’s Albany Street Garage in Cambridge. The gate opens for buyers at 9 a.m. There is a small admission fee.
Harvard Square Open Market (Harvard Square, Cambridge)
The newest open market launches June 5 in Harvard Square in partnership with New England Open Markets. Experience the historic Harvard Square and meet local artisans and vendors from all around New England.
The market is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 5 through Oct. 30.
Starlight Square Poportunity (Central Square, Cambridge)
Starlight Square is back for its third year along with Poportunity, a pop-up space at Starlight for small businesses. What was once a parking lot is now an open-air stage and performance venue with an open market. Located a few minutes away from Mass Ave. This space is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring Cambridge afterward.
There is no definite date yet for the pop-up space.
Follow Katelyn on Twitter @Katelyn_Norwood.