Welcome to the Market
Rochester's City-run Public Market has served the community at its 280 North Union Street site since 1905. The Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, year-round (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Days, or Independence Days that fall on Market days). Vendors--selling from over 300 vending stalls on busiest Saturdays--offer local produce; produce from around the country and world; meats and seafood; eggs and dairy products; baked goods; ethnic delicacies; prepared and packaged foods; specialty items; general merchandise; and more in three covered outdoor vendor sheds and also a fully indoor shed. In addition, an array of independent local businesses--cafes, food stands, coffee shops, specialty food purveyors, breweries, retail shops, and more--can be found on Market grounds and in the surrounding Market District.
Contact:
Market Days Schedule
6 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tue & Thu
6 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sat
(Closed on federal holidays)
Plus 50+ special events per year!
See the Special Events page
Transportation and Parking
There are five free City-owned Market parking lots:
- A large lot across Union Street from Market grounds, accessible from N. Union and Scio Streets (the Scio Street entrance is highly recommended on Saturdays);
- Small lots off Railroad Street (accessible from Railroad St. or Pennsylvania St.)
- Union Street (a very small lot inside the Union St. arch/gate)
- A small lots at the corners of Pennsylvania and First
- A small lot at Pennsylvania/Union.
Public street parking and paid private lot parking are also available in the surrounding Market District. A pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Union Street is available to and from the large Trinidad/Scio Street lot.
Market Token Program for SNAP 'Food Stamp' Benefit Recipients
The Market Token Program provides special wooden Tokens to those with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits that can be used to buy food products from over 100 participating Market vendors. Often, SNAP recipients using their benefits at the Market also can receive up to a 50% bonus via the New York State Fresh Connect Program.
The Market Token Program Center is behind the Market Office (two-story brick house) in the small white boxcar-like building, and is open year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vendors & Friends
Vendor Applications and Instructions
The Market offers merchants a volume and variety of enthusiastic, loyal customers. There are four vending sheds: three outdoor covered open-air ("A", "C", and "D") and one enclosed ("B"). Open-air and enclosed shed stalls are available on a daily basis; some open-air outdoor stalls may be available for seasonal or annual licenses. For specific rental rates, license availability information, and other vending information: call the Market Supervisor, Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (585) 428-6907, or email pmarket@cityofrochester.gov. Or click here for a page that includes information, instructions, and applications for regular market and special event vendors.
Friends of the Rochester Public Market: Making the Market More
The Friends of the Public Market is a non-profit organization that exists to "make the Market more." The Friends serve the Market in many important ways: they manage the Market Token Program for SNAP recipients, Market-branded merchandise sales, Market Tours, run the annual Artist Row event, and much more. If you love the Market, the Friends are a great way to get more involved and immersed! Learn more about the Friends and connect with them at www.marketfriends.org.
Free-Admission Special Events Throughout the Year
The Market hosts over 40 free-admission special events every year! Garage Sales and Super Fleas, Flower City Days, Bands on the Bricks, Food Truck Rodeos, Gospel Jubilee, Artist Row, Halloween at the Market, Holidays at the Market .. these and more events add to the Market's variety and offerings to the community!
Market-branded Merchandise and Market Gift Tokens
The Friends of the Public Market sell a wide array of Market-branded merchandise, to include shopping bags, hooded sweatshirts, tee shirts, caps, travel mugs, "onesies" for baby, history books, cookbooks, aprons, bumper stickers, and more. The Friends also sell Market Gift Tokens, which guarantee glee for the Market lovers in your life! Look for the merchandise table at the Market on Saturdays (it may be in the outdoor sheds or indoor shed).
More Info
Public Market Tours
The Friends of the Rochester Market, our non-profit partner, offers Market tours to adults and youth. The tours focus on the past, present, and future of the Market. Learn more about our tours; make an inquiry by calling 585-428-7292.
Flower City Pickers
A fully volunteer non-profit, the Flower City Pickers are dedicated to collecting food on Market days and providing it to community organizations and neighbors in need. They also divert food waste to farmers for animal feed and for composting. Learn more about the Pickers
Well Over a Century of Service
The Market has been a hub of commerce, culture, and community on its Union Street site since 1905. Explore the Market's marvelous history, and see some great pictures from yesteryear.
The Market in Many Media
The Market is a magnet for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, writers, TV and radio stations, publications, and many other kinds of creatives. See a sampling of their work
Important Rules and Regulations
- No vending any product without approved application, payment, and vending space assigned by Market Supervisors.
- No smoking under/inside or near the sheds or where food is displayed or consumed. If you see smoking in off-limits places--which includes places where smoke could easily drift under or inside vendor sheds, please report it to security or the Market Office.
- Drive very, very carefully on the grounds of the Market -- the Market is a pedestrian place. Vehicular speed limit on the grounds of the Market is 10 mph at all times.
- No parking in places that are not obvious, designated parking spots.
- No dogs or other pets are allowed under the cover of the outdoor sheds, or in the indoor shed, except for service animals. And do not leave dogs in vehicles. A car can heat up to over 100 degrees even when it feels cool outside!
- No posting of flyers anywhere on Market grounds; no dropping of promotional literature of any kind without Market permission.
Stay Connected
Get Involved
There are many ways to get more immersed in the life of the Market.
For example: Volunteer with the Friends of the Rochester Public Market!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Connect
Address: 280 North Union Street, Rochester NY 14609 View a map
Market Office: (585) 428-6907
Email: pmarket@cityofrochester.gov