Long before popping down to the local farmers’ market was a staple weekend activity, New Yorkers were flocking to the Union Square Greenmarket.
It is hard to imagine the city’s food scene without it. This week, the legendary outdoor market is officially blowing out the candles for its 50th anniversary.
To celebrate five decades of supplying us with the freshest local produce, they are hosting a completely free birthday bash this Friday, July 31.
An evening of local bites and live jazz
The festivities will take over the plaza from 4 pm to 8 pm. You can expect the historic space to transform into a vibrant evening festival.
There will be a pop-up beer garden to help you cool off, plus live music performances provided by the Jazz Foundation.
Come hungry, because a stacked lineup of local restaurant favorites will be selling exclusive food and drinks. You can grab bites from Long Count, Osteria 57, Cmartys Jerk, Brooklyn Curry Project, Lighthouse BK, Breads Bakery, and Abigail’s Kitchen.
Just make sure you stick around for the main event. A short anniversary program will take place, leading up to the official cake-cutting at 6 pm.
50 years of fresh food in NYC
The beloved market has come a long way since it first launched back in 1976. It originally began as just a small handful of regional farmers looking to sell directly to city dwellers.
Fast forward to today, and it is a defining pillar of the city’s culinary landscape.
During the peak summer season, 140 regional farmers, bakers, and fishers set up shop here. On any given market day, up to 60,000 visitors pass through to browse hundreds of seasonal varieties.
How to share your market memories
If you have a special connection to the market, GrowNYC wants to hear about it.
Organizers are currently gathering nostalgic memories from longtime shoppers. You can submit your personal stories, essays, poems, favorite recipes, or photographs to help commemorate the milestone.
Everything you need to know
Friday’s celebration is entirely free to attend and open to the public. It is a family-friendly affair, with organizers promising plenty of activities for all ages.
While entry is free, you will need to pay for any food and beverages from the local vendors.
Whether you are stopping by for the freshest summer tomatoes, a famous babka from Breads Bakery, or just want to enjoy a summer evening outdoors, it is the perfect way to honor a true NYC institution.
📍 17th Street (between Broadway & Park Ave South) and Union Square West (between 17th Street & 15th Street)
📆 Friday, July 31
🕜 4 pm to 8 pm (Cake cutting happens at 6 pm)