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The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter
Boston's open-air market season has arrived. Here are 3 you can't miss
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Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Imagine this: You’re strolling outside around Boston on a lovely spring day. You’ve got an iced drink in one hand and something delicious from a food truck in the other. The best part? You’re not worried about a parking meter because you took the T.
If this sounds like a fantastic way to spend a day, then you’re in luck. This weekend marks the seasonal debut of some of Greater Boston’s best open-air markets and free local festivals, some of which run all summer. (Be sure to bookmark this list to revisit the next time we’ve got a sunny weekend.)
Open-air markets
Seaport Summer Market (May 11 to June 30; Aug. 24 to Sep. 22) 88 Seaport Blvd., Boston
Snowport’s sunny-weather sister, the Seaport Summer Market, returns for its third year. You can visit this pop-up market any Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during its two sessions this summer.
New England foodies may want to graze the market’s culinary selection: There’ll be grilled cheese from Cheese Louise, empanadas from Bocadillos, Caribbean dishes from ZaZ food truck, craft ciders from Downeast and much more local fare.
In the artisan part of the market, you’ll find 130 different vendors across 80 booths, including several new ones, like April Farm, which sells rare, eye-catching succulents. There are also plenty of activities for the kiddos in your life. The Boston Children’s Museum will bring back its interactive pop-up exhibit “Dinos in Space.” And there’s an instrument petting zoo from the Fort Point Arts Community, as well as lawn games galore.
- Transport tip: Take the T to State or South Station and walk 15 to 20 minutes to Seaport. If you’d like a route with less walking, take the Silver Line to Courthouse station, located beneath Seaport Boulevard.
SoWa Open Market (May 5 — Oct. 27) 500 Harrison Ave., Boston
OK, so technically this market opened for the season last weekend. But chatting with South End residents, you’ll notice that it’s the highlight of many folks’ Sundays — and the hype is for good reason. The SoWa Open Market is a farmer’s market that also hosts food trucks and over 100 artisan vendors selling jewelry, handmade goods and art. The event is pup and kid-friendly, too. Entry is free, and the SoWa Open Market website features a handy map to help you navigate to specific booths.
- Transport tip: Take the Orange Line to Back Bay or Tufts Medical Center stations, or the Red Line to Broadway station. All three options are an approximately 14-minute walk from the market.
Boston Open Market (May 4 — Oct. 26) Boylston St. sidewalk, between Arlington and Charles streets, Boston
The Boston Open Market, a fixture in Copley Square during the warmer months, is in a slightly different spot this year. The artisan market moved a few blocks to the sidewalk between Arlington and Charles streets to accommodate the ongoing construction in Copley Square. But don’t fret, the party is still as lively, with 55 local vendors selling handmade goods, vintage gear, pottery, plants and more. You can visit every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Oct. 26.
- Transport tip: The Boston Open Market is a short walk from the Orange, Red and Green lines, but getting off at the Green Line’s Arlington station will get you there quickest.
Saturday-only festivals
Somerville’s Porchfest (May 11) Multiple locations
There are many Porchfests through the spring and summer, but the local favorite is in Somerville. Head over today from noon to 6 p.m. to see hundreds of local musicians perform from front porches during staggered time slots, which give you time to walk around and listen. (Check out this map from the Somerville Arts Council to find where all the Porchfest bands will be playing.)
This year’s Porchfest will also feature a special guest. Guster, a Somerville-born alt-rock band, will perform at 12 Aberdeen Road — the same street where they formed their group — in honor of the 30th anniversary of their debut album “Parachute.” The set will go from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. And in case you’re interested in seeing some stars from your favorite radio station: WBUR’s own Caleb Green will also be at Porchfest, performing with his band Mutineer at 135 Highland Ave. during the 4 to 6 p.m. time slot.
- Transport tip: Take the Red Line to Davis or Porter Square or the Green Line Extension to any of Somerville’s five stops. Once you’re in the city, Porchfest’s organizers suggest using public transportation, bikes and your own two feet to get around during the busy festival.
- Put it on the calendar: Malden, Newton, Arlington and 30 other Massachusetts municipalities will be hosting their own Porchfests starting next week, going into October. Click here for more details.
Hood Park Spring Fest (May 11) 500 Rutherford Ave., Boston
Hood Park in Charlestown will hold its Spring Fest today from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This pet- and family-friendly event includes lots of free, fun activities, like face painting, a petting zoo, yard games, balloon animals, a slime lab and more. Naco Taco and Tradesman Coffee & Pizza Bar food trucks will also be there if you want to buy some lunch.
- Transport tip: This festival is a 10 minute walk from Sullivan Square station, accessible on the Orange Line and many local buses.
P.S. — Still looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Send Winston Flowers from WBUR and support your source for news. Order by noon Saturday for delivery on Sunday.
