The Best New York Street Fairs

I'm sure you've been hearing about street fairs, they're nothing new but they're gaining buzz.   They're known for the one of a kind trinkets and delicious food ranging from West Indian to Italian!  Let's take a closer look at what five of New York's street fairs have to offer, and why they are becoming increasingly popular.

Hester Street Fair

Where: Corner of Hester and Essex.

When: Every Saturday 10 am to 6 pm

A collaborative effort of MTV correspondent SuChin Pak and others, this fair aims to give patrons a pushcart market of 1895 vibe.  Hester Street will keep you coming back with the yummy Candied Bacon with Maple Cream cheese macarons from Macaron Parlor, authentic Mayan chicken tacos, and yummy guava popsicles to beat the heat.  What makes this street fair stand out from the masses is the rotation and debut of vendors; this is very important, it's known that street fairs can be redundant.  You can even bring your four-legged friend for a ruff and tuff dye job with Les Pets En Voyage!

Stuyvesant Park Neighborhood/ 2nd Avenue Fair

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Where: Due to construction will be held on 3rd Avenue

When: July 9th, 2011; 11 am to 5:30 pm

The 2nd Avenue Fair is known to attract about 1 million attendees, but that's a given with over 800 vendors and 2 entertainment stages!  The performers that hit the stage are local talent, which is consistent with the purpose of street fairs.  What makes the 2nd Avenue Fair unique this year is the "Green Block"  Vendors who provide enviro-friendly products and services.

Brooklyn Flea Market

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Where: Saturday, 176 Lafayette Avenue (Fort Greene) ; Sunday, East River Waterfront (Williamsburg)

When: Saturday & Sunday 10 am- 5 pm; Rain or Shine.

Brooklyn Flea Market is my favorite of the bunch.  If you're like me, who loves thrifting and buying unique items, you will love the energy of Brooklyn Flea.  On Saturdays the all-food "Smorgasbord" takes place, this an opportunity for foodies to really throw down on the scrumptious treats of over 100 food vendors.  Brooklyn Flea keeps it interesting for shoppers with an opportunity to win free vintage items with a scavenger hunt.  Most locals often wish for a little booze to go along with the street fair experience, luckily for them Brooklyn Flea vendors are available at the Central Park SummerStage.  Street fair food paired with your favorite alcoholic beverage, seems as if your wishes have been granted.

Bastille Day on 60th Street

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Where: 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Avenues

When: Sunday July 10th, 2011

This festival celebrates French culture, giving New Yorkers a unique taste of what a day in Paris is like.  Hosted by The French Institute Alliance, the celebration marks the first day of the French Revolution.  You can taste wine and cheese as you walk to streets, and listen to the sounds of French musicians.  To make it even better, there are cancan dancers.  French vintage cars are showcased, to interest the significant other we all know will get dragged along to the event.

There are even macarons with Parisian decor, tres chic.