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As New Yorkers, we love to shop! Shopping – it is just part of this city’s DNA and what we do best. That is why we are so excited that spring is finally here. The warm weather allows us to do what we do best – shop – and do it outside. Say goodbye to Bloomingdale’s and hello to street fairs and green markets! From now until October, families can take advantage of our city’s best outdoor flea markets, farmers markets, street fairs, festivals and more!

Outdoor Spring and Summer Markets:

GrowNYC
Whether it is operating the world famous Union Square Greenmarket, building a new community garden, teaching young people about the environment or improving recycling awareness, if you are a New Yorker, GrowNYC is working near you! GrowNYC is excited to announce the 2012 season of Randall’s Island Learning Garden. Sign up now for a field trip to Randall’s Island Learning Garden where students can get their hands dirty, learn about healthful eating, exercise and connect to the natural world!

If you are in the neighborhood, visit the GrowNYC local market on 82nd Street between 1st and York Avenue. A full range of products including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, locally caught fish, chicken, goat meat and grass fed beef fill regular shoppers’ bags week after week. Active community partners The Upper Greenside and St. Stephen’s Church contribute environmental and recycling information and activities, volunteers and promotional support to help keep this market thriving in the community.

GreenFlea
77th Street and Columbus Ave
The Upper West Side’s year-round GreenFlea Market is generally open Saturday and Sunday (10am-5:30pm). Choose from handcrafted items like vintage apparel, made-to-order clothing and jewelry, lighting fixtures, contemporary art pieces, antique maps, furniture and more! This is one of the most credit card-friendly markets, which we think is pretty convenient! If you are with the kids, this is a great market to check out – it is just a few blocks from the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. There is not much of a food selection here, but Shake Shack is right next door! Also, if you decide to make any purchases most of the furniture dealers offer delivery for a small fee.

Brooklyn Flea
“The Flea” features hundreds of top vendors of antique and repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food. Be sure to check out the three locations in Brooklyn – Fort Greene, Williamsburg and Fort Greene! Starting the first weekend in April through Thanksgiving, the markets take place outdoors. So, get out there and enjoy one of the city’s best flea market experiences! Did you know that you can find Flea food vendors at Central Park’s SummerStage? The Flea operates the food and beverage concessions at the outdoor concert series.

Fort Greene
Saturdays, 10am-5pm, Rain or Shine
176 Lafayette Ave. (btw. Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave.)

Williamsburg
Sunday, 10am-5pm, Rain or Shine
East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)

Smorgasburg
Saturday, 11am-6pm, Rain or Shine
East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)

NYC Summer Street Fairs and Festivals

Sunday, May 6

24th Annual Broadway Spring Festival

Broadway, 86-96 Sts. (East)

Sunday, May 20

Annual Murray Hill Neighborhood Festival & Taste of Murray Hill

Park Avenue, 34-40 Sts.

Sunday, May 27

25th Annual Livable West Side Festival

Broadway, 72-86 Sts. (West)

Monday, May 28

Annual Cedar Lane Family Festival Cedar Lane

Elm-American Legion Teaneck, New Jersey

Sunday, June 3

19th Annual Spring Crafts Festival

Broadway, 65-72 Sts. (West)

Sunday,  June 10

35th Annual Plantathon & Crafts Fair

Broadway, 73-86 Sts. (East)

Sunday, June 10

Puerto Rican Day Parade Midtown West

3rd Ave between E 148th & E 147th Sts.

Tuesday, June 12

Museum Mile Festival

5th Ave between 82nd & 105th Sts.

Photos Courtesy of: GrowNYC Blog and Apartment Therapy