Published November 7, 2024
Festive events, opportunities to shop local at the 2nd Street Market this season
The 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton, will offer visitors unique shopping and programming opportunities during the holiday season starting this November. A Five Rivers MetroParks facility, the Market features more than 50 small businesses that offer fresh, local food; pantry staples; hand-crafted items; and more.
“There is a seasonal excitement the community and our vendors bring to the Market during the holidays,” said 2nd Street Market Manager Lynda Suda. “We’re also thrilled to partner with local organizations that extend our ability to connect people with small businesses – which are the best destinations to patronize during the holidays. Shopping small supports our local economy and can often be a more sustainable gifting choice.”
The shopping season at the Market kicks off with the Global Artisan Market on Sunday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Welcome Dayton and Missing Peace Art Space have collaborated with the Market to host artisans who have immigrated from countries such as Colombia, Sudan and Ukraine. Vendors will offer hand-crafted items that reflect their culture and heritage, including jewelry, crafts and baked goods.
Before the Thanksgiving holiday, shoppers have an opportunity to grab meal essentials during Stock-Up Wednesday on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors offer pre-made desserts, sides, spices, fresh produce, meats, and floral arrangements during this special-hours event.
The Market will once again collaborate with Friends of the Dayton Arcade for a fun, festive evening of dining and shopping in downtown Dayton in December.
The final Sunset of the Market of the year is Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will offer evening shopping hours, dining, festive holiday activities and roaming carolers. Additionally, Deeply Rooted Landscapes will host its annual Native Christmas Tree Sale outside the Market. The Arcade, 35 W. Fourth St., will also be hosting an event, Holly Days at The Arcade, from 3 to 8 p.m. The Arcade’s multiple levels will be filled with live entertainment, shopping, cash bars and more.
The Dayton RTA will offer a free shuttle, running every 15 minutes between the two events and the Oregon District Garage. Punch cards will be available to shoppers and those who visit both destinations and make a purchase will be entered to win a holiday vendor basket and MetroParks Money.
Due to its popularity, the Market has extended its Breakfast with Santa program to two sessions on both Sunday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 22. Participants will enjoy a vendor-curated buffet with Santa and his elves. Registration is required and is available online at metroparks.org/localfood.
Shoppers can also meet the Market’s vendors off-site during Holiday Mini Markets at RiverScape MetroPark’s MetroParks Ice Rink on select Saturdays in December. Visit metroparks.org/riverscape to learn more.
The 2nd Street Market’s regular hours of operation are Fridays and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full list of the Market’s programs and events, and to register, visit metroparks.org/localfood.
MetroParks Money
MetroParks Money is an e-gift card program of Five Rivers MetroParks that gives you the flexibility to support your favorite 2nd Street Market businesses and enjoy the outdoors.
MetroParks Money allows you to support Five Rivers MetroParks and the small businesses at the 2nd Street Market that provide jobs, tax dollars, contributions to our schools and nonprofits, as well as the character that makes Dayton unique. Purchase MetroParks Money at metroparks.org/money.
Equitable Eats
Most grower and grocer vendors food-related businesses at the 2nd Street Market accept SNAP and Produce Perks benefits. Those who utilize SNAP/EBT can pick up SNAP and Produce Perks tokens at the exchange located at the East end of the Market.
Conservation Mission
By providing the community access to fresh, local food – which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment – the Market supports Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission to protect the region’s natural heritage. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shoppers’ carbon footprint.
Learn more about the 2nd Street Market and sign up for its monthly email newsletter at metroparks.org/localfood.
