Is Smorgasburg in Williamsburg open on Saturdays?
Yes. The Williamsburg location of Smorgasburg runs every Saturday from 11am to 6pm during its seasonal window, which typically spans early April through late October. It does not operate in winter.
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in the country. The Williamsburg edition sets up at Marsha P. Johnson State Park (formerly known as East River State Park) at 90 Kent Avenue, right on the East River waterfront with Manhattan skyline views. Expect 75 to 100 food vendors on any given Saturday, plus a handful of non-food artisan stalls.
There is no admission fee. You show up, you eat.
Note: Smorgasburg also has a Sunday location at Prospect Park (Breeze Hill) during the same season. If your schedule only allows a Sunday visit, that’s your backup. But the Williamsburg Saturday market is the original and the most iconic.
What is the best way to get to Smorgasburg Williamsburg?
The L train is your best bet from most of Manhattan.
- Take the L train to Bedford Avenue. Exit the station, walk north on Bedford Avenue, then turn left (west) on North 7th Street toward the waterfront. Total walk: about 10 minutes.
- Alternatively, exit at the Lorimer Street station (L or G train) and walk west. Slightly longer, around 12 to 15 minutes, but useful if you’re coming from other parts of Brooklyn via the G line.
From Midtown Manhattan: Take the L from Union Square (14th Street). It’s three stops to Bedford Avenue. Door to door, you’re looking at 25 to 30 minutes.
From Lower Manhattan: The NYC Ferry East River route is the scenic option. Catch it at Pier 11/Wall Street and ride to the North Williamsburg stop, which drops you within a 5-minute walk of the market. Runs every 20 to 30 minutes on weekends. Fare is $4 per ride (same as a MetroCard swipe).
By rideshare or taxi: Straightforward. Tell your driver 90 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg. From Midtown, expect 20 to 40 minutes depending on bridge traffic. The Williamsburg Bridge is the usual route.
Driving is not recommended. Street parking near the waterfront on a Saturday is a losing game. If you insist, try side streets east of Wythe Avenue and walk over.
Tips a local would tell you
- Arrive by 11:30am if you want shorter lines. By 1pm, the most popular vendors (think Birria Landia, the Thai iced tea stall, and whatever the buzzy newcomer is that season) have 20-plus-minute waits.
- Bring cash. Most vendors accept cards now, but a few smaller ones are cash-only, and cash lines move faster everywhere.
- Pace yourself. The move is to split dishes with someone. Order from four or five vendors instead of filling up at one.
- Combine it with a Williamsburg walk. After eating, head south on Bedford Avenue for vintage shopping at Beacon’s Closet or L Train Vintage, or grab a drink at Westlight rooftop bar at The William Vale hotel.
What are the best vintage and thrift stores to check out in Williamsburg?
Since you’re already in the neighborhood for Smorgasburg, hit these on the same trip:
- Beacon’s Closet (74 Guernsey St): The gold standard for curated secondhand. Strong denim and outerwear selection.
- L Train Vintage (multiple locations on Bedford Ave): High volume, low prices. Good for digging.
- Awoke Vintage (132 N 5th St): Smaller, more curated. Leans toward 90s and Y2K pieces.
- 10 Ft Single by Stella Dallas (285 N 6th St): True vintage, not just secondhand. Owner-curated with a point of view.
All of these are within a 15-minute walk of Smorgasburg.
What are some indoor, rainy-day activities near Smorgasburg in Williamsburg?
If Saturday turns gray, Smorgasburg is outdoors and has no rain backup. But Williamsburg does.
- Brooklyn Brewery (79 N 11th St): Open for tours and tastings on Saturdays. Walk-ins welcome.
- City Reliquary Museum (370 Metropolitan Ave): A tiny, wonderfully weird museum of New York City artifacts. $7 admission.
- Nitehawk Cinema (136 Metropolitan Ave): Dine-in movie theater with a full food and cocktail menu served to your seat.
- Peter Luger Steak House (178 Broadway): If the weather’s bad, commit to a long, legendary lunch. Cash or Peter Luger debit card only. No credit cards.
- Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Ave): Bowling, live music, and Blue Ribbon fried chicken under one roof.
How does staying in Williamsburg compare to other Brooklyn or Queens neighborhoods?
Williamsburg is Brooklyn’s most visitor-friendly neighborhood. Hotels like The Hoxton, The William Vale, and Wythe Hotel are all within walking distance of Smorgasburg, the best restaurants, and the L train into Manhattan. The neighborhood is dense, walkable, and alive at night.
Long Island City, across the river in Queens, offers newer hotel stock and slightly lower rates, but the street-level energy is not comparable. Williamsburg has the restaurants, the bars, the shops, and the waterfront scene. LIC has convenience and views. Different trips call for different bases, but if Smorgasburg and Brooklyn culture are the draw, stay in Williamsburg.
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Frequently asked questions
- What days and hours is Smorgasburg Williamsburg open?
- Smorgasburg Williamsburg is open Saturdays only, from 11am to 6pm, typically April through late October. It does not operate during winter months.
- Is there an admission fee for Smorgasburg?
- No. Admission to Smorgasburg is free. You only pay for the food and drinks you buy from individual vendors, with most items priced between $5 and $15.
- What subway line goes to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg?
- The L train to Bedford Avenue is the closest subway stop, about a 10-minute walk to the market at Marsha P. Johnson State Park on Kent Avenue. The G train to Lorimer Street also works but adds a few extra minutes of walking.
- Does Smorgasburg happen if it rains?
- Smorgasburg is an outdoor market with no covered backup venue. It generally operates in light rain, but severe weather or storms can cause cancellations. Check Smorgasburg's Instagram (@smaborgsurg) the morning of for updates.
- Can I take the NYC Ferry to Smorgasburg Williamsburg?
- Yes. The NYC Ferry East River route stops at North Williamsburg, which is a short walk from the market. The fare is $4 per ride. It's the most scenic way to arrive, especially from Lower Manhattan (Pier 11/Wall Street).