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    Sowa Open Market

    4.5 (70 reviews)
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    Reviews With Photos - Sowa Open Market

    SoWa
    Hilliary H.

    This is such a delightful surprise on our trip. There's so many vendors with food, drinks, coffee, pastries, T-shirts, soaps, artwork, jewelry. Just a giant plethora of artisans. It's a great event if you're visiting Boston

    Jen K.

    Sowa Open Market is the best place to be on a Sunday! Parking is limited on the street or $10 in the lot down the block (cash only). If you're visiting (like me), this is the BEST place to hear a thick Boston accent: PAAAAAAA-KIN for the MAAAAAAAAA-KET, 10 DAAAAAAAA-LAAAAAAS RIGHT HERE (glorious!) There's food trucks and food vendors GALORE! Yes they have coffee drinks! Yes they have alcohol drinks! Everyone takes card but obviously cash is king. Bathrooms are open! And clean! Thank God! The artisans! The vintage! Yes yes yes! Please DON'T bring your double wide stroller. Please DON'T bring your boyfriend who's going to follow you into every single booth like your shadow and be bored scrolling on his phone. Please DON'T say things like "I don't need anything right now"- these are artisans. Buy from them! Please DO bring your pups! Please talk to everyone and hear their story! Please take photos. Please come again! I know I will for sure!

    The scene
    Michelle C.

    I expected a different experience, supporting local artisans as an artist and an avid supporter of small businesses. The SoWa Winter Festival's curation could use improvement. Parking and entry each cost $10. We arrived at 6:30 pm, faced a short line, and found well-organized stalls with a couple of bars for those into alcoholic beverages. There was an abundance of similar items like dog treats, poster prints, candles, small clothing brand items, and fashion jewelry from emerging designers all catered to a younger demographic. If these align with your aesthetic, it's suitable, but if you're over 40, this might not match your holiday market preferences. This space caters more to Gen Z.

    Turkey, Bacon & Avocado Sandwich from The Herb Lyceum
    Jenny T.

    Food: LOVE SOWA, it's SO fun. SO many good food options, fun food trucks - I got this Turkey, Bacon & Avocado sandwich from the Herb Lyceum - DELICIOUS. Drinks too (I'm not a big drinker but). Art: SO MANY CUTE art stalls. My friend and I went there specifically for the jewelry, I LOVE earrings and she loves rings. Lots of choices. Some are stalls are def significantly more expensive than others, but it's fun to even go window shopping. Great way to #supportlocalbusinesses. Location: I LOVE THE SOUTH END. Having gone to Northeastern, I was quite familiar with this area. LOTS of good restaurants around incase you don't want to grab food there (i.e. The Elephant Walk, Burro Bar). Overall, SOWA is REALLY FUN I 11/10 recommend but there are no bathrooms nearby - I think I went into a restaurant or cafe to use a bathroom there lol.

    Pork tamale
    Cyrus A.

    The open market at SoWa is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning/afternoon. There's a great indoor flea market with lots of random knick knacks on display, in case you're in the mood for eclectic stuff. In the outdoor courtyard, there are lots of tents that feature local and regional businesses. Even if you aren't going to buy, it's still a great way to find ideas for future purchases/gifts, get contact info for interesting companies, and support local business in the process. I most recently bought some awesome dress socks from the Pierre Henry booth, as well as a chemistry-themed coaster from another local vendor. Neither were on my shopping list Sunday morning, but I'm excited at making a couple of good buys! In the other part of the market there are a bunch of food vendors. Some serve meals - I got tamales this time, and have had sandwiches from another booth in the past. It's a nice way to incorporate lunch into your SoWa experience. Even if you're not eating, though, the other food vendors are selling take-home products; everything from pickled beets to honey, and further still to hot sauces. The whole market is approachable, interesting, and a great way to spend a few hours before realizing you're about to go back to your miserable existence Monday morning!

    Amber S.

    Local shops representing with delicious foods, awesome handmade jewelry, clothing designs, knick knacks and a little bit of everything for everyone made for a great Sunday showing my family the farmers market in SoWa! There is something for every budget too with variety for those with dietary restrictions as well with non dairy, gluten free, vegan products here and there! The parking was $10 not bad a few feet to the right of the main location. Be sure to walk through the breezeway to see more shops down the back (we almost missed this entirely) thankfully we explored and found over 10+ vendors out there.

    Fresh blackberries
    Claire S.

    Had such a nice time at Sowa Market last weekend!! We started by walking around the food market, which had such a nice variety of stands. Last Sunday they had a few food trucks (Mexican, Vietnamese, Cookies and Ice cream, Sandwiches), a few farm stands with tons of fresh produce, and tons of local speciality stores (jams, honey, cupcakes, doughnuts, drinks, frozen dinners) ... we loved the variety of food options! They also had tons of outdoor tables with umbrellas which was nice with the rain. They also had corn hole and other outdoor games! And great spot to spend your Sunday (for all ages) and they're dog friendly! I definitely recommend also stopping by the vintage market and local artist studios that are right next door.

    Ayatt A.

    Sowa is an amazing outdoor market that spans a few blocks in the south end! They have an art section, a vintage market, a farmers market, food trucks and a beer garden! Its an amazing place to spend a sunny sunday afternoon. All of the vendors are top notch and there is something there for everyone.

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    20 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    So much fun, love all of the vendors. Can't wait to go back again sometime soon. The food trucks are great too

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    2 years ago

    Lots of interesting things for sale the food, smelled great, lots of choices of food trucks, check out the antique market as well!

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Not baby friendly. The line was was out the door across the parking lot and onto the sidewalk while freezing cold out.

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

    What a fun time to spend my morning. Great vendors, plus the studios are absolutely amazing to walk through.

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Some good stuff. A lot of crap. Food trucks are good. Different vendors every week outside. Nothing you haven't seen elsewhere.

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    9 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Sowa Open Market

    Is the farmers market part expensive?

    It can be but some of the farms are reasonable

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    Review Highlights - Sowa Open Market

    It was great to walk in and out of the tents and see all that Sowa Market had to offer.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Harvard Square Chocolate Festival

    Harvard Square Chocolate Festival

    4.5
    (2 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    I love chocolate and I can't think of a better way to kick off the weekend in the middle of what I…read morefind a gloomy, harsh winter. With some light entertainment (music troupe) and chocolate, what more can you ask for at this 10th year of the festival? Line started forming around 12/12:15PM. We were lucky that today was warmer in comparison to weeks ago but it easily could have been frigid. I do suggest being prepared attire wise in case. By the time I left with a full plate of samples (fudge, ganache, chocolate dipped bacon, tiramisu, Starbucks brownies, Crema Cafe brownie/chocolate cake, JP Licks hazelnut ice cream and more), the line extended over 5 blocks long. I wish I was able to document all the goodies and vendors but it was too crowded to take pictures of every stand. As per the event website (http://harvardsquare.com/events/legendary-10th-taste-chocolate-festival-harvard-square), these are the vendors: Benedetto Cabot's Candy DAVIDs TEA Flour Bakery Freepoint Hotel Harvest Henrietta's Table JP Licks Parsnip Pressed Juicery Roseadela's Seacoast Sweets Starbucks Tatte Bakery & Cafe Toscano Zinneken's Suggestions for a more organized event though I could see how some of these may be difficult to execute: - Have previous registration - Use a fenced in area to ensure that those waiting in line can get a fair chance at getting samples - it seemed like anyone off the street could just join in at lightly crowded vendors instead of waiting in line for a plate that organizers hand out at the beginning; vendors are too busy to regulate who waits in line or not - Token/raffle ticket system - i.e. give a string of 12 tickets and each patron can use their tickets how they choose; in this way, there are more samples to go around Overall, I enjoyed the event, recommend it, and would definitely come again.

    Who doesn't love free chocolate? The Harvard Square Chocolate Festival is an annual tradition (now…read morein its 8th year) and occurs over one weekend in late January. The festival culminates in a one-hour free chocolate tasting event that is held in Brattle Square, usually from 1-2pm on a Saturday. I attended the one-hour tasting today, and it was fantastic! The lines start to form around 12:30pm, so getting there early is a must. Also note that the event is outside, so dress warmly since you will probably be standing in line in the cold for 30 minutes to an hour. Once the line starts moving, it goes fast. The event features a lot of local businesses like J.P. Licks, Ben and Jerry's, Crema Cafe, and so on, and you basically pick up a plate and then move along the line to different tents in order to grab free samples. Some of the goodies that I got today were: - cup of hot chocolate from Shake Shack - scoop of chocolate ice cream from Ben and Jerry's - scoop of chocolate ice cream from J.P. Licks - mini chocolate covered cannoli from Toscano (delicious! My favorite item) - chili chocolate mini cupcake from Crema Cafe - Chocolate chip cookie from UNO's - Bite-sized portion of chocoalte cake from Wagamama - Chocolate square with a dab of honey from Follow the Honey - Sponge cake from El Jefe's - Fudge from Cabot Candy Most of the vendors also have free coupons and discounts that you can grab to encourage you to visit their stores. There was also a music group that was playing, and it contributed to the festive atmosphere of the event. Overall, I was very happy with the event - I just wish it could happen during the summer when it isn't so cold to stand outside!

    Photos
    Harvard Square Chocolate Festival
    Long lines wrap around the corner and past the red awning
    Long lines wrap around the corner and past the red awning
    Chocolate dipped bacon

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    Chocolate dipped bacon
    Outside The Box Festival

    Outside The Box Festival

    5.0
    (8 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Sadly, we only caught two of the nine days of this massively amazing (and FREE) festival, but boy…read morewere they good ones: - Saturday night (7/20) - 2-hour Mighty Mighty Bosstones concert in the Boston Common - Sunday afternoon (7/21) - Variety of musical acts and food/vendor tents at City Hall Plaza The vibe during the events was extremely vibrant and friendly, and there was incredible energy throughout both days, ESPECIALLY during the Bosstones concert on Saturday night. From the announcements and some Googling, this entire thing was carefully assembled (and funded) by Ted Cutler, and I have to say, this was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced in an already awesome city! I hope this festival returns next year, and if it lines up with a Yanks/Sox series at Fenway (as it did this year) we'll definitely be scheduling our next Beantown visit so we can enjoy it all! Thanks for an unbelievable time!

    9 days of FREE ENTERTAINMENT? YES...at the Outside The Box…read moreFestival! In it's first year taking over the Boston Common, this festival was lightly attended by mostly locals. I predict next year, if there is one, to be HUGE. This event featured many types of artists, and something for every taste and age. I saw Dean and his touring band, of Jan and Dean fame, followed by The Dunwells, a young, English pop band. Also took in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" as well. THE DEAL: Plan your vacation to Boston next year to coincide with this fun festival. This is a family friendly way to spend the day... or even the entire week. I went back for more every day!

    Photos
    Blue Faces by Puppeteers Cooperative
    Blue Faces by Puppeteers Cooperative
    #NBD
    #NBD
    OTBF 2015

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    OTBF 2015
    Boston Night Market

    Boston Night Market

    4.0
    (24 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Great event! The lines were huge though. Please just take my money and give me food sooner! Perhaps…read morethe event numbers could have been calculated better. The line for what looked like the most popular stall- for street food, including lots of grilled meat on sticks, papaya salad, and tons of other yummy looking options stretched beyond the food designated area and into the carnival games area. A couple of lines were like that, and I just had to live with not getting food or drink from those stalls. I remember the egg roll cafe truck from a past year. Their fusion egg rolls do not disappoint! So crisp. Got the Buffalo chicken one. Also got Japanese curry fries, which definitely worked flavor wise- the curry had kind of a gravy quality, and there was a creamy sauce, seaweed, and scallions. Also tried Nigerian food for the first time, which I was surprised to find there. I appreciated the way all the flavors came together- the special rice, plantains, and spice encrusted thin piece of beef on a stick. I was stuffed, but I wish I could have kept eating. Also saw some awesome drinks in the drink section- including one AAPI owned brand, and boozy boba that had an awesome presentation (it lit up!) The carnival games were also a hit. I secretly would have loved to win a snorlax or a two sided octopus. I was one bean bag away from winning! I guess it just wasn't my day, because at the MUJI tent I also only won a gel pen- they had a wheel that you spun. I preferred a past year, where they gave everyone notebooks. Loved those notebooks- sadness. Will just have to buy them at the store, lol.

    Visiting from California and this was a great treat! At the end we snacked on Apple cider and…read moretoasted almonds!

    Photos
    Nigerian food
    Nigerian food
    MUJI wheel
    MUJI wheel
    Eggroll cafe

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    Eggroll cafe
    Fisherman's Feast of Boston

    Fisherman's Feast of Boston

    3.8
    (6 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    A wonderful annual Festival in the North end. They have the best live entertainment and food!!! Yes…read moreseafood and Italian. A lot of fun vendors which include games and local restaurants and products. Most importantly, buy a raffle ticket to support a great organization to make this fun neighborhood event.

    Why is this policeman band playing the same some over and over again? Why are there little girls…read morechanting in Italian? One is suspended over the crowd from a wire. AND SO MANY DOLLA BILLS. On ribbons and banners. Being passed through the streets and wrapped around a statue of the Virgin Mary. I'm confused. But admittedly intrigued. The Fisherman's Feast is an interesting cultural festival that you should experience at least once in your life. There's food and music and bursts of confetti fill the air (I don't envy the street cleaners the next morning). But the repetitive, drawn-out ceremony and crowded North End streets don't make me yearn to return next year. As with your typical North End festival, this Fishy Feast boasts the standard (overpriced) arancini/pizza/cannoli stands, some games for kids, and musical performances on the main stage. But if you want something unique, stick around for the closing ceremony. Sunday night is when the real action happens, as a statue of the Virgin Mary is processed through the streets of the North End. The statue is hoisted up and carried by some large, polo-wearing men who are accompanied by a band (playing the same song again and again and again). About an hour after commencing her journey in front of a church, Mary ends up in the middle of the festival where ribbons of money are rolled out of windows and wrapped around her. I'm not about to ask where these Italians obtained all the $1 bills, but those ribbons sure are long. The band's still playing. Some other ceremonial happenings take place (an old woman needed to go touch the statue for some reason). It takes a while. Then two girls in balconies on opposite sides of the street (lovingly called "side angels") begin chanting in Italian, complete with corresponding arm movements. Although we had no idea what they were saying, the "Marias" and "Reginas" made it pretty clear that Mary was the focus of their long, repetitive diatribes. Now it's time to fly! The band finally begins playing a different song as the smiling, air kiss-blowing main angel appears on her balcony and is hoisted into the air on a wire. She dangles above the crowd and is slowly moved to a position in front of the statue, where she too (amidst even more confetti) speaks to her for a while in Italian. And that's pretty much it! I have to admit I was impressed by these girls' memories, and they looked so happy and honored to be part of the ceremony (what little girl doesn't want to dress up like an angel and fly, after all?). The North End locals really drive the festival; their immense pride and sense of community is palpable. For that reason alone I would recommend checking it out. The Italian food and funny dollar bill obsession also help.

    Photos
    Fisherman's Feast of Boston
    Fisherman's Feast of Boston
    Fisherman's Feast of Boston

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    The Donna Summer Disco Party

    The Donna Summer Disco Party

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE ANNUAL OUTDOOR EVENT FOR ALL AGES IN BOSTON! The Queen of Disco Donna…read moreSummer gets her childhood Street she grew up on renamed after her. People flew in from all over the country to experience the Queen of Disco getting her childhood Street renamed Donna Summer Ave. Donna has left the earth but will never be forgotten. Even Beyoncé has sampled Donna Summer several times including her latest album which features the track Summer Renaissance which samples I Feel Love. This is a FREE OUTDOOR EVENT that they have every year in Boston - the city where she grew up. Lots of people were dressed up in vintage 70's clothing for this special occasion. Some of the outfits were Amazing! The DJ was pumping out all the dance grooves of the 70's & 80's including The Bee Gee's, The Trammps, KC & The Sunshine Band, Michael Jackson, Chic, The O'Jays, Tavares, Abba, & of course Donna & many others. They had a very energetic crowd. There were even some Roller Skaters & Roller Bladders here as well. Back in the day, Donna Summer's music was featured on the Soul Train TV program for many years. Donna herself even appeared on Soul Train as a musical artist. Well they brought back an Old School Dance - The Original Classic Soul Train Line Dance in honor of Donna Summer. They had the whole place boogieing down the aisle showing all the crowd their best dance moves to the Funky Beats of the DJ. All the people were Dancing & singing along to all the 70's songs including Donna's music to Dancing Queen by Abba. There were people here of all ages from Kids to Adults. Donna Summer's sister Mary provided the Live Entertainment & covered a few of Donna's songs. She sounds very much like her sister Donna. What a Fun Event & they have this 70's Donna Summer Retro Party going on every year in Boston. What a Fun Time! If you missed it mark it on your calendar for June of next year! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

    The party was a super way to kick off the summer and honor a Boston legend! Bring skates if you…read moregot 'em ... get out and put on your disco flare, too

    Photos
    The Trinity Church lights up the night sky @  The Free Annual Donna Summer Disco Party in Copley Square Boston 2022
    The Trinity Church lights up the night sky @ The Free Annual Donna Summer Disco Party in Copley Square Boston 2022
    People of all Ages were here to celebrate Donna Summer Ave @ The Free Donna Summer Disco Party in Boston 2022
    People of all Ages were here to celebrate Donna Summer Ave @ The Free Donna Summer Disco Party in Boston 2022
    The Skyscrapers of the city light up the night sky @  The Free Annual Donna Summer Disco Party in Copley Square Boston 2022

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    The Skyscrapers of the city light up the night sky @ The Free Annual Donna Summer Disco Party in Copley Square Boston 2022

    Sowa Open Market - festivals - Updated August 2026

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