In the heart of Somerville’s Union Square, Bow Market stands as an amazing example of what happens when creativity and community collide. What was once a neglected storage building has transformed into a lively courtyard filled with more than 30 small, independent businesses. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, Bow Market has become one of the area’s most beloved destinations for art, food, and local culture — a space where chefs, brewers, artists, and makers all share the same open-air home.

Wander through the market and you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops that reflect the neighborhood’s spirit. Sidequest Books & Games invites readers and gamers to browse fantasy novels or join a tabletop campaign, while The Bright Spot bursts with cheerful ceramics that make everyday objects feel like art. For those drawn to fashion and craftsmanship, KEEPER offers custom embroidery and vintage pieces stitched on the spot, and Finding YoYo displays handmade jewelry that blends playful design with timeless style.

Between browsing sessions, visitors can refuel at eateries like Nagomi Bento, known for its authentic Japanese lunch boxes, or grab a box of jewel-toned macarons from the tiny, pastel-pink bakery Maca. The market’s central courtyard ties it all together — a sunlit gathering space lined with café tables, plants, and string lights that turn evenings into something quietly magical.

Beyond its shops, Bow Market’s deeper success lies in its mission: to celebrate small businesses and foster collaboration. Expansion plans this year will welcome even more local entrepreneurs, ensuring that Bow continues to grow without losing its close-knit charm. Whether you come for the food, the shopping, or simply to feel the pulse of Union Square, Bow Market is proof that the best things often grow from the most unexpected spaces.