It’s just a few more weeks until Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg make their triumphant seasonal return, and the streets of Williamsburg become clogged with Manhattanites scoping out some sweet artisanal deals on our side of the river. If you were planning to head to Smorgasburg’s old lot at the the East River Waterfront come opening weekend, though, you’re out of luck, because the market’s moving its whole operation this year, $9 Porchetta sandwiches and all.
Well, Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea are sort of moving. They’re heading over to East River State Park, located just a few feet north of their old digs. Previously, the markets had been taking up space owned by the Edge, the evil rich-people monstrosity giant condo development right at the Williamsburg Waterfront, and while the property was cool with continuing to host the markets until new buildings were built, organizers have decided to move them somewhere a little more permanent. “Moving the Flea and Smorgasburg to East River State Park feels like a perfect fit,” Jonathan Butler, the markets’ co-founder, said in a statement. “Staying on the Williamsburg waterfront in this vibrant community is a big priority for us, and we love that the markets will now support one of New York’s truly great parks. And who can argue with that view!”
Smorgasburg and the Williamsburg Brooklyn Flea outpost draw about 5,000 people a day, so keep that in mind next time you want to do a little sunning at the park on a Saturday. But on the bright side, there are still some sweet deals to be had at both markets; the season kicks off on April 6th, with Smorgasburg every Saturday and the Flea on Sundays. Downtown Brooklyn will have its own chance to gorge and shop at the Flea’s Fort Greene location on Saturdays and Smorgasburg’s DUMBO location on Sundays. April can’t come soon enough.