FAD Market lands on Governors Island with 40-plus independent makers lined up along King Avenue, the shady lane running between the island's early-20th-century officers' houses. Booths run from hand-thrown ceramics and small-batch jewelry to screen-printed apparel and artisanal pantry goods, and browsing costs nothing beyond the ferry ride over. If you want a shopping trip that doubles as a harbor day, build the weekend around this one.
What to expect
The market is a short walk from Yankee Pier, so you step off the boat and into the booths. Expect canopy tents on grass and gravel, makers selling their own work face to face, and easy detours between purchases to the island's free art commissions, hammock grove and food vendors.
Good to know
- Manhattan ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street; weekend boats also run from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in
- The market is on King Avenue, an easy flat walk from Yankee Pier, and the whole island is bike-friendly if you bring wheels.
- The market itself is free and open to all ages; you only pay for the ferry and whatever you buy.
- Bring a tote, since many vendors sell small ceramics and glass that travel badly in a backpack.
- Tree cover along King Avenue is good, but pack water and sunscreen for the open stretches.
- Most makers take cards, though cell signal near the water can be patchy, so a little cash helps.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
How do I get to the market?
Take the Governors Island ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan, or from Pier 6 or Red Hook in Brooklyn on weekends. The market is a short walk from Yankee Pier along King Avenue.
Is it worth going if I am not shopping?
Yes. The island is a destination on its own, with free public art, hammocks, waterfront paths and skyline views, so the market works well as an add-on to a day out.
Are kids and dogs welcome?
The market is open to all ages and the island is very family-friendly. Leashed dogs are permitted on the island on most days, but check the current pet policy before boarding.
More this weekend
