FAD Market brings its curated roster of 40-plus emerging NYC makers and designers to Governors Island for a summer-residency weekend of handmade jewelry, ceramics, art and home goods. Set on the car-free island a short ferry from Lower Manhattan, it pairs the shopping with sweeping harbor views and acres of open lawn to wander. If you want to combine a scenic day-trip on the water with genuinely good local shopping, this free-to-browse market is the weekend's easiest yes.
What to expect
You'll find rows of independent vendor booths — the lineup rotates, so it's different makers each weekend — spread across a Governors Island green. Browsing is free once you're on the island; you only pay the ferry and whatever you buy. Make a day of it with picnicking, biking, and the island's art installations nearby.
Good to know
- Reach Governors Island by ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan or from Pier 6 in Brooklyn; the island itself is car-free.
- The market is free to browse; you pay only for the ferry ride and any purchases.
- Book a ferry slot in advance on busy summer weekends and give yourself buffer time.
- Bring a tote and a card — you'll want to carry finds around the island for the day.
- Pair it with the island's lawns, art, and food stands to make it a full outing.
- It's outdoors with plenty of open sky; sun protection and comfortable shoes help.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Do I have to pay to get in?
The market is free to browse; you only pay for the ferry to Governors Island and anything you buy.
How do I get to Governors Island?
By ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan or from Pier 6 in Brooklyn; the island is car-free.
Is it the same vendors both days?
FAD Market rotates its lineup of makers, so the mix can differ across the weekend and its summer dates.
More this weekend
