Eastern Market Detroit | History, Culture, Foods and More

With a legacy that dates back to 1841, Eastern Market in Detroit isn't just a marketplace—it's a living, breathing testament to Detroit's rich history and cultural vibrancy. This iconic location marries past and present, offering a vibrant hub where farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs converge. Whether it's the early morning hustle of farmers setting up their stalls, the infectious energy of Eastern Market Flower Day, or the blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, there's something here to captivate everyone.

Dive in, and let's take a journey through the historical streets of the Eastern Market District, a place that truly epitomizes the resilient spirit of Detroit.

HISTORY

Eastern Market traces its beginnings back to 1841 when it first opened in Cadillac Square. Initially, it was a hay and wood market, crucial for businesses and residents owning horses. As Detroit expanded, so did the market, and in 1891 it was relocated to its present location. The name Eastern Market was adopted at this point, and the expansion continued, with additional sheds and stalls added up until 1929. However, the onslaught of the Great Depression in the late 1920s almost eradicated the market entirely.

The resurgence of the Eastern Market took place following World War II, when it once again became a bustling hub for wholesalers, food processors, and farmers. These vendors breathed new life into the market, and the stalls came alive with the fresh produce and goods they provided. A vibrant artistic expression of the market's spirit took place in the 1970s when farmers painted lively murals of animals on their stalls, many of which can still be appreciated today.

The Eastern Market is an early riser's dream, with the busiest time often being before sunrise. In the early morning hours, one can witness the exciting flurry of activity as farmers and vendors set up for the day. This time of day has traditionally attracted professional chefs and restaurants from across metro Detroit, eager to secure the freshest produce for their patrons.

Stretching across 43 acres, the Eastern Market is recognized as the largest historic public market district in the United States. The market is famed for its wide variety of offerings, ranging from fresh produce, meat, and spices to an assortment of other goods. Particularly, Saturdays are a bustling affair, with upwards of 40,000 people filtering through the market. On these days, farmers often bring in their poultry and livestock, contributing to the vibrant and diverse offerings.

Despite its status as a historic public market district, today Eastern Market is operated through a public-private partnership with the Eastern Market Corporation. This partnership, formed in 2006, has allowed the market to undergo extensive infrastructure renovations, attract increased visitor numbers, and spur development in the surrounding neighborhood.

Culture

One might also note the Eastern Market's importance in local Detroit culture, particularly in relation to sports. While official Detroit Lions tailgating takes place at Ford Field, many fans choose Eastern Market as their preferred spot. There, they celebrate and prepare for home games, adding yet another layer of communal vibrancy and tradition to this beloved location.

Further enhancing the vibrancy of the Eastern Market district, a bevy of art galleries, studios, and makerspaces have sprung up in the area, such as The Red Bull House of Art, OmniCorp Detroit, Inner State Gallery, Riopelle, and Project. Independent eateries, shops, and performance spaces, including Trinosophes, Antietam, and People's Records, have made their home along Gratiot Avenue. Meanwhile, light manufacturing and e-commerce retailers like 1xRun and Cyberoptix have found their footing in the district's upper floors.

markets & Events

Adding to the cultural richness, the Detroit Festival of Books, a free annual event, is hosted at Eastern Market on the third Sunday of July. This vibrant literary event draws in over 10,000 bibliophiles each year, creating a pulsating, literature-loving crowd.

Arguably the highlight of the Eastern Market calendar is the Eastern Market Flower Day. This annual event, first established in 1967, attracts over 150,000 attendees, making it the largest open-air flowerbed event of the year. For one day, the 15-acre market is transformed into a sea of vibrant color and fragrance, showcasing an array of flowers like orchids, snapdragons, zinnias, and geraniums. Adding to the lively atmosphere, live music performances entertain attendees, while families enjoy this enduring tradition. The Flower Day takes place on the Sunday after Mother's Day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., although exact times may vary.

On regular days, the Eastern Market stands as Michigan's biggest and most diverse farmers market. Unlike typical farmers markets that have one or two general areas for vendors, Eastern Market sprawls across several buildings and blocks. The Saturday Market, open all year round, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, featuring over 225 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, jellies, and even live livestock. The market is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Sunday Market offers a slightly different flavor, embracing more of an artisan vibe. It showcases local jewelers, cooks, musicians, artists, and more. The Sunday market is open from June through September, operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a stage for the city's creative talents to shine.

One of the most innovative features of the Eastern Market is the newly redesigned Shed 5. This modern space houses a commercial kitchen where food enthusiasts of all ages can participate in engaging cooking classes. Aspiring chefs can sign up to learn a variety of skills, from pickling vegetables to creating tempting pasta sauces, and even making homemade ice cream. Classes are offered to adults, children, and also grandparent-grandchild teams, making for a unique bonding experience.

Another distinguishing feature of Eastern Market is the annual Murals in the Market festival, which has been gaining widespread recognition since its inception in 2015. However, the excitement doesn't stop there. The market’s website offers a diverse list of events that appeal to all tastes, from beer festivals and harvest galas to burger battles and taco cook-offs. There are book festivals, Detroit Lions tailgating parties, flea markets, and even nighttime happy hours.

Tours

In terms of tours, Eastern Market offers a variety of exciting options. On-site walking tour guides are always ready to share their knowledge about the market's rich history, point out where to get the best crepe, or recommend lunch options. Preservation Detroit Eastern Market Tours transport visitors back in time, recounting stories of rumrunners, breweries, prisons, graveyards, horse-drawn carriages, and the Underground Railroad.

For the more adventurous, the Wheelhouse Detroit tour offers a bike tour around Eastern Market, highlighting the agricultural origins of the food available at the market.

One of the most popular and entertaining options is the Feet on the Street tour, initiated in 2007 by a woman named Linda. These tours showcase the historic sites of the city, including Eastern Market, and feature her acclaimed "Come Hungry, Leave Happy" strolling brunch tours. Linda even offers the option of a customized tour for those with specific interests.

Finally, two standout local clothing shops warrant special mention - Detroit Hustles Harder and Detroit Vs. Everybody. These shops represent the resilient spirit of Detroit and are well worth a visit for unique, locally made clothing items.

Eastern Market may be a great place to go shopping, but it’s much more than just a marketplace; it's a vibrant hub of culture, history, and community connection that's deeply rooted in the heart of Detroit. Its ongoing evolution from a hay and wood market in the 1800s to the largest historic public market district in the United States today demonstrates the resilient spirit of Detroit. With its colorful murals, diverse food offerings, locally-owned businesses, engaging cooking classes, and a myriad of events and tours, Eastern Market invites locals and tourists alike to partake in a truly unique experience that encapsulates the past, present, and future of Detroit.