Boston, MA · Founded 2003
New England Open Markets
Founded in 2003, New England Open Markets was the first weekly outdoor market in the Northeast focused exclusively on handmade goods — and we've been going strong ever since. We curate a unique market experience bringing together independent makers, artists, vintage dealers & local food in some of the most iconic locations across New England.
We believe in activating public spaces, driving foot traffic to local neighborhoods, and boosting the local economy one Saturday at a time.
We're proud to have served as a launching pad for hundreds of microbusinesses — giving makers a venue to grow their audience, build their brand, and thrive.
To spotlight and uplift New England's local artisans and small businesses — creating markets that are not just shopping destinations, but hubs of connection, discovery, and community. Every purchase at a NEOM market supports the dreams and livelihoods of independent makers and entrepreneurs.
How It Began
New England Open Markets began in 2003 with the South End Open Market and a vision. NEOM founder Chris Masci, freshly arrived from New York City, missed his Sunday treks to NYC's open-air markets — the energy, the eclectic mix, the direct connection between makers and community. He set out to bring that experience to Boston.
At the time, weekly open-air artisan markets were a new concept for the area, and the handmade revolution was just beginning. Online platforms for small businesses were essentially non-existent (Etsy wouldn't be founded for another two years). NEOM became a home and launching point for hundreds of small businesses in those early years — and it still does today.
As the seasons changed, NEOM expanded into holiday markets across the region, which have become beloved annual traditions. More recently, the organization has grown to include queer-centered markets that celebrate LGBTQ+ makers and artists — a reflection of NEOM's identity as a gay-owned and operated business.
Over 23 years, NEOM has had many homes — from the South End to the Rose Kennedy Greenway, from Central Square in Cambridge to Salem and Plymouth. Today, the Boston Open Market on Boylston Street is our flagship, running weekly from May through October with 50+ makers every Saturday.
Our Markets
Who We Are
Chris founded New England Open Markets in 2003 after moving from New York City and wanting to bring the energy of open-air artisan markets to Boston. Today, he leads NEOM's mission to spotlight and uplift local makers and small businesses across New England through curated markets and community-forward events.
Mia is a Massachusetts-based artist and surface designer with a BFA in Art Education from Boston University. Her work explores florals, botanicals, and pattern through acrylic gouache and digital techniques, inspired by vintage design and art history.
Mia manages the backend of the Boston Open Market, overseeing vendor scheduling, communication, and all city permitting and logistics planning. She also contributes to website updates, social media, and on-site operations across NEOM's full market lineup.
Mary-Kate is the owner and artist behind Copper & Print, an art and stationery brand run from her home studio in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. With a BFA in Studio Art focused on printmaking, she blends traditional printmaking with modern digital illustration to create bold, colorful stationery and art prints.
Mary-Kate oversees permitting and backend vendor logistics for NEOM's one-day and special events, working closely with local city and state officials. She also supports website management, social media, and on-site operations across all markets.
Questions about our markets, vendor applications, or press inquiries? We'd love to hear from you.
info@newenglandopenmarkets.com Contact Form →