Five Summer Open Markets for Local Goods Lovers

Lawn lounging at the Greenway Open Market. / Photo courtesy of New England Open Markets

Downtown
Greenway Open Market

Not just anyone can rent a booth at this juried summer craft market in the Wharf District Parks. A selective process ensures the wide range of handcrafted items from 60 fine artists, indie makers, and designers are of the upmost quality. Lucky shoppers have purchased one-of-a-kind baubles from jeweler Bendywho and standout aprons from the talented hands at Taskwear before grabbing a rice bowl at the popular Bon Me food truck parked nearby.

Every Saturday through October, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, newenglandopenmarkets.com.

South End
SoWa Open Market

Boston’s largest gathering of makers and farmers fills two large parking lots near galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s hottest restaurants, making it possible to spend an entire Sunday shopping and dining in one small area. Treat yourself to silkscreened burlap wall art from Fiber and Water, elegant jewelry from Cristina Garcia, or fresh produce from Spring Brook Farm. And whatever you do, don’t head home before popping into the new beer garden to check out the rotating tap of regional brews.

Every Sunday through October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 460–540 Harrison Ave., Boston, sowaboston.com.

The new Roxbury-centric Black Market. / Photo courtesy of Black Market

Dudley Square
Black Market

Yes, you will get something very cool (think: homemade tinctures and upcycled art) from the 25 artisans and entrepreneurs who hail from more than 25 countries at the launch of this Roxbury-centric market. But by hanging and shopping here, you will also help empower a growing neighborhood—and might even get to catch a taping of the new Roxstars podcast, whose hosts will be out and about at every market telling the stories of vendors and shoppers.

First weekend of every month through October, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2136 Washington St., Roxbury, weshopblackmarket.com.

Cambridge
Central Square Festivals

At this new incarnation of Cambridge’s Central Flea market, food takes center stage. Each installment brings a different theme (this month it’s vegan), with local restaurants providing bites and drinks. But the event hasn’t strayed too far from its roots:
Vendors will include vintage dealers as well as artists selling their wares.

Every third Sunday through October, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 95 Prospect St., Cambridge, newenglandopenmarkets.com.

Creations for sale at the ICA Harbor Market. / Photo by Cassandra Rodriguez

Seaport
ICA Harbor Market

What’s better than gazing at artistic masterpieces on the walls of a museum? Browsing handmade pieces on the oceanfront boardwalk in front of said museum. Twice a year, in June and December, local makers take over the first floor of the Institute of Contemporary Art and the plaza in front to sell their goods. Past markets have offered cork handbags from A. Clara, watercolors by Ashley Eisenman, and glass objects from Charged Glassworks, not to mention live music and tasty treats.

June 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, icaboston.org.