DETROIT – Anyone who goes to Eastern Market during the weekends in the summer knows that it’s busy, but nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever compare to Flower Day at Eastern Market.
This Sunday, May 19, is the annual Flower Day at Eastern Market. Instead of the usual mix of produce, meats, flowers and artesian goods, Eastern Market turns into an all out flower sale. From flats of flowers that you can plant in your garden, gorgeous hanging baskets and everything in between, it’s the perfect spot to get all the flowers you’ll want for the summer.
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The only issue is that it can be very overwhelming. Thousands will flock to Eastern Market on Flower Day, and it can be pretty overwhelming if you’re going to buy flowers for the first time.
As someone who has navigated Flower Day for the past few years, I have a few tips of up sleeve that will hopefully help you enjoy the special day, and help you get all the flowers you want.
1. Don’t try and park near Eastern Market
There are plenty of lots surrounding Eastern Market, but if you’ve been on Flower Day before, you know that finding a spot to park can be harder than competing in the Olympics. My suggestion is to park in the Eastern Market neighborhood, but at a parking lot that that isn’t super close to the sheds.
You maybe have a five minute walk or so, but that’s much better than being stuck in traffic while hunting for a parking spot. It’s a major headache, and it just takes away time that you could be shopping for flowers instead.
2. Bring your own cart/buggy
The last thing you want to be doing while at Flower Day is carrying around multiple flats of flowers, or multiple hanging baskets or plants. While it may be annoying to stroll around with a cart of buggy, your arms will thank you later when you’re not carrying around a bunch of stuff.
If you don’t have your own cart, there are people renting out little ones at Eastern Market, but again, it’s just easier to bring your own. Flower Day is already stressful enough, so if you can make your life a little easier by having a cart, do it!
3. Make sure you have cash
If you’ve been to Eastern Market, you know that cash is king. There may be a few vendors who will take a debit card or something like Venmo, but for the most part, cash is your easiest option. Plus, it’s quick!
There are a handful of ATMs scattered around Eastern Market, but there are always long lines at them to get cash out. Your best bet is to stop at one near your home so you can avoid that hassle.
4. Bring snacks and water
While there will be vendors selling food and drinks around Eastern Market, it’s always a good idea to bring essentials like food and snacks so nobody gets cranky during the day. Plus, with weather in Michigan, you never know if it’s going to get hot as the day goes along. With big crowds and lots of people, just having your own water bottle can save you from having a meltdown.
5. Make a fun day out of it
Flower Day only happens once a year, so it’s a fantastic excuse to get out and explore not only the Eastern Market neighborhood, but the surrounding neighborhoods in Detroit. You can check out some of the other shops in Eastern Market, like Well Done Goods or the Vintage Alley.
If you’ve had some restaurants you’ve wanted to try, this is the perfect excuse to have a Sunday funday all around Detroit. There are great spots in Midtown, Brush Park and even in Eastern Market that are perfect for lunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Whatever you decide to do, Flower Day at Eastern Market will always be a memorable time.