Watch CBS News

NYC's 5 Best Springtime Street Fairs

Of all the events, happenings and traditions that roll in with the warm weather, street fairs are one of the best. This New York City custom has seen a surge in recent years. With the new season officially upon us, here is your guide to the best street fairs to visit in the city this spring.

Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg Food Fair in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(credit: brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/)

East River between North 6th and 7th Streets
brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg

This Williamsburg food market, born out of the legendary Brooklyn Flea, kicks off its season April 7th. This market is solely dedicated to food, with stalls for everything from doughnuts to jam to Greenmarket vegetables. Held every Saturday on the Williamsburg waterfront (rain or shine), vendors from across the city are featured. Some of our favorites: Big Tree Farms, Danny Macaroons, Chonco's Tacos and Electric Blue Baking Co.

Hester Street Fair
(credit:Hester Street Fair)

A tradition since the 1800's, Hester street Fair is open every Saturday from 10:00 - 6:00 p.m. on the Lower East Side. Located at the site of Manhattan's original pushcart market, the Hester Street Fair is a curated collection of goods from local vendors. Find unique jewelry from Michelle Raymond and Hippie Pills and peruse up and coming designer clothes from BUSOG. Hungry? Try a fully dressed oyster po' boy from Cheeky Sandwiches or a bourbon sweet potato cup cake from The Chibi Chef.

World Financial Center Food Truck Court

Schnitzel & Things
Schnitzel & Things at the Vendy Awards. (credit: Schnitzel & Thinngs)

More: NYC's 7 Best Food Trucks

The weekday food truck gathering, WFC Food Truck Court, is in a dead end on N. End Ave just west of 4 WFC. It's a beautiful setting right by the water, and there are plenty of places to sit outside by the water when the weather's nice. When it's not, the Winter Garden is one of the most stunning public spaces in the city, and a perfect place to eat lunch indoors. Participating trucks include Kimchi Taco, Mexicue, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Schnitzel & Things, Cupcake Crew, Eddie's Pizza and Frites n Meats, among others. The World Financial Center Food Truck Court operates five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through 2013.

9th Ave Food Festival
credit:ninthavenuefoodfestival.com)

May 19th and 20th

The 9th Avenue Food Festival will stretch from Hell's Kitchen through the Theater District. Local restaurants will show off their signature dishes during the event, which will also feature music, jewelry and clothing vendors. Foodwise, you'll find lamb and chicken souvlaki from Uncle Nick's near 50th street, corn fritters from Bali Nusa Indah near 45th, and chorizo sandwiches from Esposito Pork Shop at 38th.

Vermont Bean Crafters
(credit: New Amsterdam Market)

A favorite for locals, the New Amsterdam Market operates at the old Fulton Fish Market (on South Street between Beekman and Peck Slip). Every Sunday from 11am-4pm, find fresh produce from Do Re Me Farm or grab some artisan ice cream from The Bent Spoon. Vendors change weekly so there's always something new to discover or taste.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.