SoHo’s cobblestone streets and cast-iron architecture create the perfect backdrop for some of New York City’s most vibrant weekend markets and pop-up experiences. From artisanal crafts to vintage treasures, here’s your local insider’s guide to making the most of SoHo’s weekend market scene.
The Classic Weekend Markets
Nolita Market
Location: Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets
When: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–7 PM (March through December)
What to Expect: The charming Nolita Market is a weekend staple that perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of the neighborhood. The market features beautiful handcrafted jewelry and operates on weekends along Prince Street between Mulberry & Mott Streets. Don’t be fooled by its compact size—you’ll find everything from handmade ceramics to vintage clothing from emerging local designers. The intimate setting makes it easy to chat with vendors about their craft, and you’ll often discover pieces you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
SoHo Street Vendors (Prince & Spring Streets)
When: Saturday–Sunday, weather permitting
What to Expect: The iconic street vendors along Prince and Spring Streets offer a more spontaneous shopping experience. You’ll find everything from vintage band t-shirts to handmade jewelry, often at prices that won’t break the bank. The key is to visit early in the day for the best selection, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. These street vendors have been a longtime fixture in SoHo, and provide a fresh alternative to the many chain stores that now populate the neighborhood.
Seasonal Pop-Up Experiences
Holiday Season Markets
During the holiday season, SoHo transforms into a pop-up paradise. Holiday markets featuring local makers, artisans, and small businesses appear throughout the neighborhood. These seasonal markets typically run from late November through December and feature everything from handmade gifts to artisanal food products perfect for holiday entertaining.
Fashion Week Pop-Ups
SoHo’s fashion credentials make it a hotspot for designer pop-ups, especially during New York Fashion Week (held twice a year, in February and September). Keep an eye out for emerging designers showcasing their collections in temporary storefronts throughout the neighborhood. These limited-time experiences often offer exclusive pieces and the chance to meet the designers themselves.
Current Pop-Up Scene
The pop-up landscape in SoHo is constantly evolving, with new experiences appearing regularly. Recent examples include the Yonex SoHo Pop-Up at 117 Wooster St., which ran from August 15 to September 7, showcasing how brands use the neighborhood’s stylish reputation for limited-time retail experiences. To find the latest pop-up info, keep your eyes peeled on Insta, or by checking the retail listings in magazines like The New Yorker and Time Out New York. You can also find pop-up info on sites like Eventbrite.
Food Breaks
Market hopping works up an appetite, but the good news is, SoHo delivers with a range of delicious food options. Between browsing sessions, duck into local spots like Balthazar for a classic French bistro experience, or grab quick bites from food trucks that often set up near the larger markets. The nearby Little Italy also offers authentic Italian options when you need a more substantial meal.
Making the Most of Market Day
The beauty of SoHo’s market scene lies in its walkability and variety. Plan a route that takes you from the more established markets to the spontaneous street vendors, leaving time to explore the neighborhood’s more established brand retail offerings in between.
SoHo’s weekend market scene reflects the neighborhood’s evolution from artist enclave to cultural destination. While the area has certainly gentrified over the years, these markets maintain the creative, independent spirit that first drew artists to SoHo’s iconic cast-iron buildings. Each visit offers the possibility of discovering something unique, meeting local creators, and experiencing the neighborhood through the eyes of those who call it home.
Whether you’re hunting for vintage treasures, supporting local artisans, or simply soaking up the creative energy that defines SoHo, the weekend markets offer an authentic slice of New York life that no guidebook can fully capture. The key is to embrace the unexpected discoveries and remember that the best finds often come from the most unlikely places.