97th Street Concession on Rockaway Beach
Hi Everyone! I’ve taken most of August off from markets because I’ve been super busy editing some wonderful new 111 Places Guidebooks, including Queens, Baltimore, and the Twin Cities! More about those later.
In the meantime, we hit Rockaway Beach last weekend, which I haven’t visited in decades. It’s gorgeous, and almost the last kind of place you’d expect to be a part of New York City. The surf was rough, so we were mighty hungry after a while in the waves. We went for Breezy’s BBQ at the 97th Street Concession, and it was delicious. We had pulled pork sandwiches and mac-n-cheese, and all was right with the world. You’ll find a bunch of other great food vendors there, but not for long, as beach season is fast coming to an end. So take the ferry from Pier 11 for the price of a subway ride, enjoy the cruise, a day at the beach, and some fabulous things to eat. A perfect way to spend a late summer weekend!
Weekend Market Picks:
Saturday, August 26th, 2017
Harlem School Daze Pop Up Shop: Looks like a fun event with local artisans, artists, and food vendors, as well as music and entertainment. 12PM – 4PM, Raw Space NYC, 2031 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (7th Avenue between 121st & 122nd), Manhattan
Indonesian Street Festival: back for its 3rd, year this popular street fair will feature Indonesian food, artisans, music, and entertainment. The theme this year is “The Spice Islands.” 12PM – 5PM, KJRI New York, 5 East 68th Street, Manhattan
Saturday & Sunday, August 26th & 27th, 2017
Artists & Fleas in Soho: Brooklyn has taken Soho by storm! Brooklyn’s well loved Artists & Fleas have a super cool venue right on Broadway, and it’s hopping. The space is bright and airy, and the New York artists and artisans are bringing back Soho’s artistic past. Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8PM, Sunday 11AM – 8PM, 568 Broadway at Prince Street, Manhattan
Brooklyn Flea in Soho: Have you stopped by the Brooklyn Flea in Manhattan yet? Go downtown and check it out because it’s filled with the fun and funky wares we know and love from this market. (Go to the Brooklyn markets too!) 10AM – 6PM, 100 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan
ID Pop Shop’s 6th Birthday:Six years ago, ID Pop Shop became the place for New York’s most talented and dynamic independent designers to show and sell their products. They continue to put on outstanding events for everyone who loves beautiful jewelry, fashion, accessories, art, and decor. This month’s pop up in Chelsea Market runs through Sunday, and they’ll be back again in September! 10:30AM – 7:30PM, in Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue, Manhattan
Smorgasburg in Soho: In addition to the fabulous food markets in Brooklyn, Smorgasburg opened up in Soho last weekend, just across from their new Brooklyn Flea venue. It’s pretty ideal, I’d say, not just for market lovers but for the whole neighborhood! Friday and Saturday 11AM – 10PM, Sunday 11AM – 8PN, 76 Varick Street at Canal Street, Manhattan
The Market NYC: You’re probably noticing a Soho theme here, and you won’t want to miss the two venues of this market in the neighborhood. Both feature handmade artisans selling jewelry, fashion, accessories, art, and much more! Open 6 days per week – see website for hours; 290 Mulberry Street and East Houston; 483 Broadway and Broome, Manhattan
Nolita Market: Another stop on your downtown itinerary, this pretty market alongside an old brick wall is filled with outstanding local artisans. You’ll find very special treasures here, so take your time and visit with everyone under the umbrellas. 10AM – 6PM, Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott, Manhattan
Sunday, August 27th, 2017
41st Annual Brighton Jubilee: If you’re looking for a good time at the seashore, head to Brighton Beach on Sunday. You’ll meet the neighbors in this historically Russian enclave, all enjoying music, food, local businesses, and artisans. after 40 years, this event is obviously the place to be. 10AM – 6PM, Brighton Beach Avenue from Corbin Place to Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn
Japan Street Fest: Grilled squid, yakisoba, onigiri and fried ice cream washed down with Japanese soda – that’s a good day in the city! You’ll also find craft artisans, face painting, and also a Yukata contest. Wear a summer kimono, and you could win two tickets to Japan! There’s also a photo contest sponsored by FujiFilm. 10AM – 6PM, 4th Avenue between 9th & 10th Streets, Manhattan
Pomonok Stop ‘N’ Swap: GrowNYC sponsors these events where you can bring clean, portable, and reusable items that you no longer need and take home someone else’s former treasures for free! I swear by the things I’ve given away and taken home. 11AM – 2PM, 11 Gold Street, Suite 3300, Manhattan
~Karen Seiger, Markets of New York City