Maxwell Street Market

Specialty: Outdoor market

Features: 480 vendors, sketch artists, live music

Location: Southside

Hours: Sunday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm

General Info

Newcomers settled into American life by finding jobs, frequently selling wares from pushcarts at a vast outdoor market on Maxwell Street, and eventually opening small businesses. When their business became more successful, they moved out of the Maxwell Street area only to be replaced by other newcomers. Some of America's most influential entrepreneurs and political figures got their start in the shadow of Maxwell Street including William Paley - founder of CBS, Benny Goodman - famed clarinet player and big band leader, and Arthur Goldberg - Secretary of Labor for President John F. Kennedy.

In the 20th Century, many of the Jewish immigrants moved out. African-Americans and Spanish-speaking immigrants moved in and out. Many of the old Maxwell Street buildings were torn down to make way for new development. The Market itself was relocated several times, most recently in 1994 to Canal and Roosevelt.

More than 480 local and international vendors participate in the Maxwell Street market. With this variety of vendors, you'll have the chance to buy imported items, fresh produce, prepared foods, antiques, clothing, household goods and much more.