As the temperatures rise and New York City shakes off its winter coat, outdoor markets burst to life, offering a kaleidoscope of food, crafts, and entertainment. From lively foodie havens to eclectic flea markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned marketgoer or a first-time explorer, these vibrant hubs of activity provide a fantastic opportunity to discover local artisans, sample delectable cuisines, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich explosion of culture. Here are our top picks for outdoor markets to visit in NYC. Grab your tote bag, and get ready to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of New York City’s bustling market scene.
Queens Night Market
When: Saturdays, April to October, between 5 p.m. and midnight
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
The grandaddy of the New York outdoor market scene, this sprawling market takes over Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens with a culinary extravaganza that spans the globe. Over 100 vendors offer everything from Filipino barbecue to Venezuelan arepas to Taiwanese bao buns. Don’t skip longtime vendor Moon Man for dessert, and be sure to try the adventurous food offerings from different cultures – with many of the vendors serving up authentic family recipes, it’s a unique opportunity to expand your culinary horizons.
Don’t miss the live performances and cultural showcases that add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds, and come hungry – you’ll want to sample as much as possible. If you’re intrigued, we have an in-depth guide to the Queens Night Market to help you make the most of your visit.
Smorgasburg
When: Weekends; varies by location
Where: Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg, Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill in Brooklyn
This outdoor bazaar spectacular is a food lover’s paradise, featuring over 100 local vendors across its three locations, offering a diverse selection of delicious eats. From artisanal ice cream sandwiches to indulgent macaroni and cheese to Japanese ramen burgers, Smorgasburg has something to satisfy every craving.
With locations in Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Prospect Park, it’s the perfect spot to spend a leisurely weekend afternoon. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and don’t forget to bring a blanket to enjoy a picnic in the park once you have your snacks in hand. Want to skip the lines entirely? You can now use food ordering app ChowNow to simply click and pick up.
Grand Bazaar NYC
When: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Grand Bazaar NYC is the city’s largest curated market, featuring a mix of artisanal crafts, vintage clothing, antiques, and more. Stroll through rows of vendors selling unique handmade goods while enjoying live music and entertainment.
Come for the killer deals; stay for the live music, food vendors, and special events. With proceeds supporting local public schools, you can even consider your shopping expedition a philanthropic venture. Take your time to explore each vendor’s offerings – you never know what hidden gems you might find.
Hester Street Fair
When: Weekends, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lower East Side, Manhattan
This Lower East Side market showcases the best of New York City’s indie scene with a diverse lineup of vendors offering handmade goods, vintage finds, and gourmet treats. The fair is held on the site of what was once the city’s largest pushcart market, and honors that history of hustle by providing a platform for hundreds of businesses to get their start.
Don’t miss out on their special events and themed markets throughout the season. From Oktoberfest to art fairs, and with a rotating roster of artisans, makers, and designers, each visit to the Hester Street Fair offers new discoveries and surprises
Union Square Greenmarket
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Union Square, Manhattan
For farm-fresh produce and artisanal goods straight from the source, look no further than Union Square Greenmarket, one of the city’s premier farmer’s markets. Here, you’ll find a bounty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and artisanal products sourced from local farmers and producers. Take advantage of live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and educational workshops while supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale growers.
Chat with the farmers and producers to learn more about where your food comes from – it’s a great way to promote sustainability and connect with the local community. Arrive early for the best selection and come prepared with reusable bags to carry home your haul.
Brooklyn Flea
When: Saturdays (Williamsburg) and Sundays (DUMBO), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Various locations in Brooklyn
With locations in Williamsburg and DUMBO, Brooklyn Flea is a beloved institution known for its eclectic mix of vintage wares, handmade crafts, and gourmet eats. Browse through stalls brimming with antique furniture, retro clothing, collectibles, quirky knickknacks, and spectacular handmade crafts, then grab a bite from one of the many food vendors offering international cuisine and inventive dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just enjoy a good bargain, the Brooklyn Flea Market offers the perfect weekend destination. Check their Instagram page (@bkflea) for the inside scoop on the day’s events and vendors.
GreenFlea Market
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan
GreenFlea is one of New York City’s oldest and largest flea markets, featuring over 100 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, crafts, and more. Browse through aisles of unique finds from vintage clothing to rare books, then refuel at the market’s food court, where you’ll find a variety of tasty treats and refreshments.
With its diverse offerings and lively atmosphere, GreenFlea Market offers a quintessential NYC shopping experience. Take a break from shopping to enjoy a snack and people-watch – it’s the perfect way to recharge before diving back into the market.
