Summer Market Season: Outdoor Markets, Picnics, & More Events In Boston ☀️🛍️ (May 8-11, 2025)
Boston’s in its outdoor era—and we’re here for it. This week, we’re talking sunny market strolls, blooming lilacs at the Arboretum, and five free ways to enjoy the city without touching your wallet. (May 8th to May 11th, 2025)
What's Poppin': Outdoor Summer Markets Are Back For 2025 In Boston 🌻🧺
😍 What's New In Boston This Week
If your canvas tote bags have been collecting dust and your iced coffee walks need a glow-up, this is your sign: summer market season is officially back. From the South End to Somerville, Greater Boston is back with outdoor weekly pop-ups, vintage vendors, fresh produce, local brews, and plenty of food trucks. Grab your friends, throw on your cutest farmer’s market fit, and head out to support small businesses in the sunshine.
🌦️ Boston Weekend Weather Check
Here's your outdoor market weekend forecast:
- Thursday, May 8: Cloudy skies with overcast conditions. High around 70°F (21°C), low near 50°F (10°C). A calm day to ease into the weekend.
- Friday, May 9: Rainy conditions with a high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C). Expect ponding on streets and highways; plan accordingly.
- Saturday, May 10: Occasional morning rain with clouds yielding to sun. Breezy and milder with a high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C
- Sunday, May 11: Sunny and pleasant with a high near 71°F (22°C) and a low around 49°F (10°C). Ideal for outdoor activities.
☀️ Pro tip: Pack a light jacket and an umbrella for Friday and Saturday. Sunday looks perfect for soaking up the sun at your favorite market.
🌸 Free Boston Outdoor Summer Markets
🌻 Union Square Farmers Market
Support local farmers by shopping locally-grown fruits and vegetables, protein, fresh bread, jams, hot sauce, pickles, and more!
- Schedule: May 10th to October 25th, Every Saturday
- Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Where: Union Square Plaza, Somerville
- Admission: Free Entry
- Details: Union Square Farmers Market
🧺 Greenway Artisan Market
Over 50+ talented vendors bring art, style, and design to the Boston Waterfront.
- Schedule: May 10th to October 25th, Every Saturday | June 1st to October 12th, Every Sunday
- Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Where: Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston
- Admission: Free Entry
- Details: Greenway Artisan Market
🍉 Seaport Summer Market
Diverse local, women, and minority-owned businesses are returning to Seaport to sell an assortment of products, including clothing, jewelry, skincare, home decor, pet goods, artwork, and more outdoor activities.
- Schedule: May 10th to September 21st, Every Saturday & Sunday
- Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Where: 88 Seaport Blvd, Boston
- Admission: Free Entry
- Details: Seaport Summer Market
🕶️ The Boston Open Market
Support the entrepreneurial spirit of New England by exploring locally crafted goods that contribute to the local economy.
- Schedule: May 10th to October 25th, Every Saturday
- Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Where: 106 Boylston St, Boston
- Admission: Free Entry
☀️ SoWa Open Market
One of the largest open-air farmer and artisan markets in Boston. Enjoy a variety of regional and local vendors, plus food and beverage trucks.
- Schedule: May 11th to October 26th, Every Sunday
- Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Where: 500 Harrison Ave, Boston
- Admission: Free Entry
- Details: SoWa Boston
Hidden Gem In Boston: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University 😍🌸
🌿 What Is Arnold Arboretum?
Part of Harvard University’s living botanical collection, the Arnold Arboretum is a 265-acre green wonderland in Jamaica Plain. It’s one of the oldest public arboretums in North America and home to thousands of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world. It’s basically Boston’s best excuse to go on a nature walk and romanticize your life.
🌸 What Makes Arnold Arboretum A Hidden Gem?
Arnold Arboretum is a peaceful and free hidden gem that somehow still flies under the radar for a lot of locals. The winding paths, scenic overlooks, and global plant collections make this spot a quiet powerhouse of beauty. Whether you're jogging, reading under a tree, or in need of a summer photoshoot, the vibes are always 10/10.
💖 Celebrate Lilac Sunday This Weekend
Lilac Sunday (May 11th) is the event of the season. Picture 400+ lilac plants in full bloom, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a sea of pastel florals. Lilac Sunday is the only day in the year when picnics are allowed and encouraged in this gorgeous park. Pack your picnic baskets and soak in all the floral magic under the sun. It only happens once a year, and all entertainment at the park is free—don’t sleep on it. Registration required.
📍 Why Arnold Arboretum Is Worth A Visit
- Open Times: Daily
- Where: 125 Arborway, Boston
- Admission: Free
- Details: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
This Weekend: Free and Cool Things To Do in Boston 🆓 🎉
🥙 GyroFest
Get ready for a delicious weekend of Greek food and community fun! Special menu items include Greek Salad & Spanakopita, Baklava, Rice Pudding, Loukoumades, and of course, a variety of Gyros. Expect beer and wine!
- When: Friday to Saturday, May 9th to 10th, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Where: Dormition Greek Church, 29 Central Street, Somerville
- Admission: Free
- Details: GyroFest
📚 Boston Public Library Book Sale
Hardcover books for $2, all other books for $1. CDs and DVDs are $1 per disc.
- When: Saturday, May 10th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Where: Boston Public Library, Commonwealth Salon, 700 Boylston Street, Boston
- Admission: Free
- Details: Book Sale
🏖️ Revere Beach Kite Festival
Build, decorate, and fly your own kite! This event also features professional kite flyers, live music, and other entertainment!
- When: Saturday, May 10th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Where: Markey Memorial Bridge, 220 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere
- Admission: Free
- Details: Revere Beach Partnerships
👚 Small Mart Vendor Market
40+ local artists, makers, and vintage vendors, plus drinks at the bar, and plenty of room to browse and connect with small businesses.
- When: Saturday, May 10th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square, Somerville
- Admission: Free
- Details: Small Mart Vendor Market
🎶 Somerville PorchFest
Somerville PorchFest is an annual community-driven music festival that transforms Somerville into a sprawling live music venue for one day. Local musicians and bands of various genres perform on the porches, front yards, and gardens to offer a unique way to experience live music.
- When: Saturday, May 10th, 12:00 PM – 6:00PM
- Where: Citywide, 93 Highland Ave, Somerville
- Admission: Free
- Details: PorchFest
