The South End Open Market announced this week that after 13 years it has formed a new partnership with National Development and will move the popular market to the Ink Block on Harrison Avenue and Traveler Street.
New England Open Markets announced details for the South End Open Market @ Ink Block 2016 season on Monday. Now in its 13 year, the Market is New England’s largest open-air market and weekend shopping destination for locally made and locally sourced products.
“The market’s new home at Ink Block offers a more dynamic and centralized destination for visitors, and expanded opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs,” said Chris Masci, owner and operator of New England Open Markets. “The vendors are extremely excited about the untapped potential for growth and creative exploration that we have already seen as part of our new partnership with Ink Block. We are excited to kick off this season and this new journey for our 13-year-old market.”
Thanks to a newly formed partnership with National Development’s Ink Block, the Market will maintain its presence in Boston’s South End neighborhood, now at a single location consolidating the local artists, designers and crafters with the farmers, specialty food vendors, food trucks, and vintage antique dealers.
“The South End Open Market has had a significant positive economic impact on the businesses located in and around the neighborhood since its inception,” said Ted Tye, Managing Partner of National Development. “At Ink Block, our focus continues to be on creating an energetic and vibrant neighborhood for our residents and businesses, and we welcome the Market as a key partner.”
For The South End Open Market’s 2016 season, which runs Sundays from May 1-Oct. 30, Tufts Medical Center has made available its employee parking lot at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Traveler Street, directly opposite Ink Block. The Market will be held at the Tufts lot each Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, during this period. This 27-week arts, crafts, food & farmers market will be sponsored by Capital One, and Ink Block.
Only the best of the region’s artisans, designers and specialty food purveyors are accepted to the market. The Market has a loyal following including 900 vendors, many of which have been participating for over a decade. The Market features Boston’s best food trucks serving up a variety of mobile cuisines, ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches to brick oven pizza to organic and vegan specialties. The farmers offer an assortment of locally grown produce, flowers, plants, and gourmet foods. The Market also will continue to serve as a hub for all things handmade.
“I’ve lived in the Boston area for almost 20 years, and watching the change and growth of the South End over that time has been incredible,” said Renee Mallett, owner of Amaranth & Rue, and a long-time Market vendor. “I can’t wait to see that same community spirit spread to Ink Block. Having everyone together in one spot is such a huge bonus; it’s what the Market has always been about: the people, the community, the great vibe.”
To accommodate the new market location, Traveler Street will be closed between Harrison Avenue and Washington Street on Sundays in order to make for a more enjoyable experience for visitors.