Boston Outdoor Markets to Visit

Outdoor market season has officially begun in Boston as of May 1st. There are several farmer’s markets throughout Massachusetts that vary in size, location, and vendors. Farmers’ markets provide a selection of farm fresh produce, as well as additional vendors including local small businesses, retailers, restaurants and more. The farmers’ markets in Boston are a gate-way activity because their locations are surrounded by retailers, galleries, site-seeing destinations, and more. Farmers’ markets aren’t the only outdoor markets though, they are arts’ markets as well!

There are several outdoors markets located by The Upton that are a no-fail activity to add to your schedule. Just make sure the weather is nice that day. In fact, We recommend visiting local farmer’s markets whenever traveling somewhere new.

Visiting an outdoor market is a leisurely activity that allows you to enjoy the beautiful warm weather while…

1. Site seeing: explore Copley Square or the Design District along the way

2. Accomplishing two things at once: an activity and an opportunity to stock up your kitchen or apartment at The Upton with farm fresh produce and local art

3. Discovering local businesses that you may not encounter otherwise

Outdoor Farmers’ Markets Nearby:

1) Copley Farmer’s Market

Schedule:

May 14th - November 23rd

Tuesdays & Fridays 11:00am - 6:00pm

The Copley Square Farmer’s Market is located in scenic Copley Square and hosts over 24 different vendors. The market itself is on a lawn full of greenery and newly blossomed tulips. The walk from The Upton is about 10 minutes long and is almost a straight shot down Dartmouth Street. Pop by Greystone Cafe & Bakery, located on the way, for a cup of coffee or treat to enjoy during the walk. The majority of vendors at this market are Massachusetts farmers and bakeries so this market will likely contain the most produce options out of the three. Expect to see hand held food options as well that you can eat on the go. If you are staying at The Upton for an extended reservation, add weekly trips to the farmer’s market to your South End experience. The farmers market will be open until mid November and is our go-to (along with Siena Farms) for fresh fruit for pies in the summer and fall. Vendors include Boston Microgreens, Sisters of Anarchy Icecream and Syrup Works, MacArthur Farm, and more. If you are looking to combine the Copley Square Farmer’s Market with another activity, head to Newbury Street for shopping or a stroll and then check out the market.

Learn more and see a full list of the vendors here.

2) Boston Open Market at Copley Square - Arts Market

Schedule: Every Saturday May through November from 11:00am-5:00pm

The Boston Open Market is a new weekly market also located in Copley Square that is run by New England Open Markets in partnership with Friends of Copley Square. New England Open Market writes on their website, “New England Open Markets serves over 400 small businesses each weekend, providing them with a venue for their talents and wares, and for the public, a unique shopping experience. Buyers meet the makers, the growers, the chefs, and learn a bit about the goods they are purchasing, where they originated, and how they were created.” At this market, expect to see handmade products from artists, makers, and local small businesses. Their vendor selection only includes vendors that provide handmade offerings. We haven’t been yet but we imagine this is a great spot to buy a Boston souvenir, one of a kind products, and discover vintage hidden gems.

Learn more here.

3) SoWa Farmer’s Market

Schedule: Every Sunday May 2nd - October 31st

11:00am - 3:00pm

“SoWa” stands for South of Washington Street and is a region known as Boston’s design and art district. The walk from The Upton is about 10 minutes long and starts on Tremont Street, giving you a glimpse into the South End neighborhood and restaurants and shops nearby. In addition to the weekly farmer’s market, the region has over 50+ artist studios, small businesses, galleries, and more.

The vendors at the SoWa Farmer’s Market last year ranged from specialty pesto & pasta from Lara’s Cuisine, craft condiments from Tasting Counter, to meade from House Bear Brewing, and of course farm fresh produce. Many of the stores located near SoWa have stands at the SoWa outdoor market so if you like their stand you can see more at their store! We routinely visited weekly for fresh vegetables that we used to make delicious salads and sides all summer long. If you can sneak in an activity to do before the market or afterwards, we recommend spending time exploring SoWa. There is a vintage market held every Sunday in the building next door to the market that is an awesome place to find Boston gems. There are also artist galleries that have public viewing hours, as well as boutiques that you can go into.

Learn more here.