Cambridge Gets Its Own Open Market, Thanks to the Creators of SoWa

Illustration of the Cambridge Market by Carrie Wagner of Sepia Lepus / Image provided

When it comes to open-air markets in Boston, there’s no question that the SoWa Open Market in the South End is one of our favorite sources for everything local, quirky, and unquestionably unique.

But there is a point to which our (fairly) condensed city and (relatively) good transportation fail us. That all changes on Friday, however, when the masters behind the SoWa and Greenway markets along with Harvard Common Spaces open the Cambridge Open Market at the Plaza at Harvard University. Marking the 10th anniversary of the SoWa market, the founders took this year as a chance to expand their reach across the river, adding a Friday market to their Saturday and Sunday staples.

When Harvard Common Spaces came to New England Open Markets in July, it was a partnership made in heaven. “We’ve had our eyes on Cambridge for three years now,” says Chris Masci, Director of the SoWa Open Market, “but had difficulty in finding a space large enough to house our large number of vendors. We were thrilled with the news, and jumped on board right away.”

A natural extension of everything the Harvard Square area is known and loved for, this market will be another place in Cambridge to score a bite from food trucks, learn exactly how your new necklace was made, or find the perfect poster to jazz up your living room.

“We love the hipster, hippy, intellectual, world vibe Cambridge has,” says Masci. “The market will reflect that eclectic flavor with some awesome new talent and SoWa regulars.”

Want to know what you’re in for? Check out some quick facts below.

What’s different from SoWa?

Public Transportation: You can now get to the market directly from the T. No Google Maps, no finding your way through the streets of the South End arts district—just a leisurely stroll through the Yard to see your favorite vendors.

New Vendors: Including environmentally friendly, casual clothing vendors BE-SPOKED Urban Bike Wear, and elegantly unique Nora Miller Jewelry from Somerville. Also look out for Ward Maps’ unique and quintessentially Massachusetts MBTA memorabilia.

What’s the same?

Food Trucks: Nom. Who could want anything more? Check the Harvard Common Spaces for the full schedule.

Vendors: Some SoWa and Greenway favorites will be returning to the game, including the perfectly preppy JHill Designs, the rustic and homey Fiber and Water wall hangings, and Sepia Lepus who designed the Cambridge graphic above. 

Cambridge Open Market, Fridays starting September 6 through October 18, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The Plaza at Harvard University. More info available at cambridgeopenmarket.com.