After the longest non-spring ever (two months of rain tends to make a girl question whether or not sunshine will ever reemerge), summertime has finally arrived in Detroit! To celebrate my favorite season in the midwest (and also, to get the heck out of the house), I made a visit downtown for the Eastern Market’s first Tuesday Market of the year. Now, I’ve been a big fan of the weekend and holiday markets for several years now, but I was eager to see how visiting on a weekday would compare. Grabbing a couple of totes and some cash, I crossed my fingers for what I hoped would be a refreshing afternoon break.
Parking At The Tuesday Market
Because it was a Tuesday, I assumed that I’d have my fair share of parking spaces—so naturally, I was a little surprised to arrive and see the lot by Shed 2 nearly full. While I did grab the last empty spot in the lot, there were lots of other options along the street and (I believe) in the other surrounding lots. My advice: Regardless of how many people seem to be in the area, head to the lot by Shed 2 first, then make your way down Russell Street from there. Wherever you end up, you should be able to get a spot pretty easily (and you’ll probably be a lot closer than if you’d chosen to arrive midday on a Saturday).
What To Check Out First At The Tuesday Market
If you don’t arrive with a shopping plan, the Eastern Market can be a little overwhelming at first. There are tons of brick-and-mortar stores all around the perimeter (all worth trying!), but since outdoor market hours are limited, you’ll want to head to the sheds first (you can always hit up the shops later). On Tuesdays, all vendors will be housed under Shed 2, with a few things happening in Shed 3 (we’ll get to those in a minute).
Tuesday Market Vendors
Locally-grown produce and herbs, handmade crafts, and hanging flower pots: There was plenty to capture my attention from the moment I entered the market. There were far fewer vendors on that Tuesday than I was used to seeing on the weekends, but because of the reduced crowd size, I found it much easier to focus and find the things I was looking for. While I can’t guarantee that you’ll find the exact vendors you’re used to seeing on Saturdays and Sundays, the Tuesday market has lots of fun finds and go-to basics to help with mid-week dinner prep. Upon arrival, I made a beeline for a booth filled with beautiful, mix-and-match succulents (just $2 each!), where I immediately got into gardening mode . . . until I heard a very familiar voice.
You Never Know Who You’ll Run Into At The Tuesday Market
Looking up from my plant haul, I confirmed what my ears had picked up on: I was standing right next to Tati Amare from Live in the D! As co-host of the daily WDIV TV show, Tati shares news, trends, and local tips for Detroiters—a great resource for anyone who loves exploring the metro area. Saying a quick hello before Tati and her crew headed out, I was asked to participate in a quick interview where I gushed about my dad, French fries, and something else that I mostly remember as incoherent babble. Understandably, they chose to cut the fluff and keep the part about my dad, which you can watch here.
Health And Wellness Classes At The Tuesday Market
Shaking off the nervous energy I’d just racked up during my impromptu local TV debut, I paid for the six succulents I’d somehow picked out while my brain had shut off, then wandered around the shed to find more fun surprises. I secured a cherry apple ginger tea from Nikki’s Ginger Teas and a loaf of sourdough bread from Fostoria Bread Factory, then sauntered over to Shed 3 to take a peek inside the open doors. Inside, a Zumba class danced to upbeat tunes and I found myself wishing I’d brought along my gym clothes so I could join them. If this intrigues you, too, you’ll be glad to know that weekly Zumba and yoga classes are offered for FREE at the Tuesday market, and drop-ins are welcome. Cooking classes are also offered (RSVP and fee required—contact the Eastern Market for more details), so if you’re trying to reinvent your meal plan, consider signing up for an updated perspective on food prep!
Community At The Tuesday Market
Taking my time with one last pass-through of Shed 2, I saw another familiar face: Linda Yellin from Feet On The Street Tours! I’ve known Linda a couple of years now through her fun and informative Detroit tours (learn more about out her Detroit Riverfront tour here and her Eastern Market strolling brunch tour here), and was glad to catch up for a few minutes. After chatting and sharing recent life updates, I walked away smiling and feeling grateful to be part of such a warm, unique community. Detroiters really are the best, guys—I LOVE this city!
Outside The Tuesday Market Sheds
Done browsing the shed but not ready to leave? Try any of the surrounding Eastern Market stores or restaurants to locate additional groceries, grab lunch, or just take a shopping break! Some of my favorite go-tos are DeVries (a three-story, specialty grocer and gift shop that’s been around since 1887), Germack (grab a latte to go!), Supino Pizzeria (this place is always packed on the weekend, so give it a go on Tuesday for lunch), and Eastern Market Antiques (browse over 15,000 square feet of unique treasures). Afterward, mosey around the market for a look at all the colorful murals (there are tons, and more are being added all the time) for some fun photos.
How Does The Tuesday Market Compare To Weekend Markets?
Overall, I absolutely loved visiting the Tuesday Market. It’s laid-back, a fun way to break up a mundane workday, and a great opportunity to shop locally during the week. I wouldn’t say the Tuesday Market is a replacement for the weekend market (since that’s when you’ll find more options like out-of-town vendors, food trucks, and live music), but each day has its own perks and is worth visiting at least once to get a feel for what works best for you.
Detroit’s Eastern Market: Tuesday Market Details
Every Tuesday From June – September
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Shed 2, Eastern Market
2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
Have questions about the Tuesday Market or Eastern Market in general? Or maybe you prefer one of the market days over another: Leave a comment below to share your questions and what you look for in an outdoor market!
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