Eastern Market

History
Must-Sees

Why Visit?

Come to Detroit’s Eastern Market to discover the largest open-air market in the United States. Stay to explore the eclectic foodie and shopping district beyond the market’s sheds.

The best day to visit Eastern Market is undoubtedly Saturday, when the sheds come alive with farmers from across southeast Michigan selling their wares. Expect everything from freshly-picked Michigan apples and hot fried donuts in fall, to gorgeous Michigan-grown strawberries and colorful flowers in summer. Stop for an authentic Breton crepe at The French Cow, or a hot coffee from Germack Roasting, before wandering the sheds alongside Detroiters and visitors alike.

You can also drop by for select seasonal markets on other days of the week. On Tuesdays in
May, you’ll find the flower market. Sundays in November and December are for the festive holiday market. There are also markets on Sundays and Tuesdays from June to September.

Don’t forget to explore the wider Eastern Market neighborhood, where over 150 businesses
thrive. You’ll find everything: edgy vintage and record shops, craft beer bars and coffee roasteries, and even the country’s oldest hatter.

Featured Image
Credit: Gerard and Belevender

History of the neighborhood

Eastern Market wasn’t always the bustling foodie environment we know it as today. Back in the 1800s, the market sold hay and wood. The historic sheds were built between 1891 and 1929 as the hay and wood market expanded.

After World War II ended in 1945, Eastern Market shifted to primarily wholesale foods, in response to post-war food rationing. Food remains the heart of the market today. For decades, Eastern Market has been a hub to shop directly from Michigan farmers, choosing among seasonal produce, meat, cheeses, flowers, plants, and artisan crafts.

In 1974, the Eastern Market district was designated as a Michigan Historic Site, and in 1978 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since then, the market and its surrounding neighborhood have continued to evolve and thrive. Today, the entire Eastern Market district spans 43 acres, with the market itself and its sheds occupying 14 of those acres.

Neighborhood Must-sees

Beyond the obvious (visiting Eastern Market!) there are plenty of things to get up to in this neighborhood. Here are the best activities in Eastern Market:

  1. Browse the stalls at a Saturday market. Eastern Market is particularly known for its Saturday farmers’ market, which happens 6am to 4pm, year-round. You’ll be accompanied by up to 40,000 other shoppers on an average summer Saturday, but due to the market’s open-air nature it never feels too crowded.
  2. Explore the Eastern Market murals. This neighborhood is packed with colorful murals, thanks in part to the annual Murals in the Market public art festival which began here back in 2015.
  3. Stop for a drink at one of Eastern Market’s breweries or distilleries. Enjoy a cold one in the taproom or outdoor picnic tables of Eastern Market Brewing Company, or head to Detroit City Distillery where you can take a tour of the whiskey factory, enjoy a cocktail-making class, or pass time in the tasting room.
  4. Walk or bike the Dequindre Cut Greenway from Eastern Market all the way to the Detroit riverfront. This two-mile pedestrian and bike path is a favorite among Detroiters, featuring murals, workout machines, and even a seasonal wine and beer garden along the way.
  5. Bonus: Discover the immersive Heidelberg Project, a totally unique found-art project developed over decades by Detroit artist Tyree Guyton. This street-long art project is technically located in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood. However, it’s only a five-minute drive from Eastern Market so is a great addition to any visit to the area.

How Can I Get to Eastern Market?

The easiest way to reach Eastern Market is by driving or rideshare. There are also DDOT and SMART buses that stop in Eastern Market. You could even walk to Eastern Market via the Dequindre Cut Greenway.

What is the best way to explore Eastern Market?

Eastern Market is a walkable neighborhood that’s best explored on foot, so you can make the most of discovering its food and shopping options.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of parking in Eastern Market. There are multiple large, free parking lots surrounding Eastern Market, as well as the pay-for-use Eastern Market Parking Garage. Free street parking is available, but can fill up fast. For metered street parking, use the Park Detroit app to find available spots and pay ahead.

Distance from DTW

Eastern Market is a 25 to 35 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

Explore our Neighborhoods