Summerlong Urban Festivals Loved by Locals

The sunny days and warm nights of summer make the perfect backdrop for market hopping, open-air yoga, foodie adventures and more. Many USA cities host festivals that grow so popular that they morph from weekend events to weekly or monthly ones. Join locals this summer as they shop for handcrafted goods, dine on food truck fare and find a moment of zen at these four beloved summerlong festivals.

Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, New York

Get ready to indulge your inner foodie during a decadent summer feast you’ll remember: Smorgasburg, a gathering of more than 100 food vendors from New York City and surrounding New York destinations. You’ll dig into Filipino street-food-inspired pork skewers, rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches and creamy matcha lattes. This outdoor all-food fest takes place Fridays in Lower Manhattan, Saturdays in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood and Sundays in Prospect Park from April through October. It’s a prime opportunity to sample the flavors of each neighborhood, enjoy some fresh air and meet the locals that give the city its vibrant energy.

Anchorage Market and Festival in Anchorage, Alaska

After a snowy Alaska winter, Anchorage locals celebrate warmer temperatures at the Anchorage Market and Festival, a weekly gathering of more than 200 vendors — many of whom are Alaska Natives — selling locally made goods and food. Tents pop up all across the heart of downtown, allowing locals and visitors to browse booths selling everything from hand-carved wood sculptures to artisan jewelry and fur-lined clothing. Depending on when you visit, you’ll enjoy special surprises on select weekends: You might stumble upon a classic car show, hear live music or enjoy carnival rides and bounce houses. The festival takes place Saturdays and Sundays from May through early September.

Portland Farmers Markets in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon’s thriving culinary scene makes it a favorite destination for food lovers, and it’s no surprise the city plays host to an exceptional farmers market scene. Although you’ll find several options around the city during the warmer months, the farmers market on Portland State University’s campus is the longest-running. The Saturday market, which began in 1992 with just 13 vendors, now features nearly 100 purveyors who rotate throughout the season. Fill your bags with fresh oysters, artisan chocolates and freshly roasted coffee beans. Other events include a Sunday market in the Lents neighborhood, as well as a Wednesday-night outing in Shemanski Park. All Portland farmers markets include special events such as craft demonstrations and live music from local bands, solidifying them as beloved community centerpieces.

Yoga in the Park in Denver, Colorado

Find your center and perfect your downward dog pose during Denver, Colorado’s summer outdoor yoga extravaganza, Yoga in the Park. Nearly every day of the week, yogis of all ability levels flock to City Park for mindfulness and tranquility guided by local instructors. Classes are free, but donations are appreciated. An all-ages potluck and kickoff event takes place at the end of May, with classes continuing through the end of October.