DC’s Outdoor Market Smorgasburg To Close For A Month: Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After opening in Washington, D.C. two months ago, the Smorgasburg outdoor food market in Navy Yard will temporarily shut down, according to a report. The decision was made due to the heat in addition to local residents tending to leave the city during the summer months, organizers said.

Billed as the world’s largest outdoor food market, Smorgasburg DC sets up shop in the Tingey Plaza at Navy Yard on Saturdays. Smorgasburg was started by the founders of Brooklyn Flea, who first launched the market in Williamsburg in 2011, and later expanded to markets in Los Angeles and Manhattan.

The closure affects approximately 30 market vendors, Eater DC reported. While vendors paid a flat fee for participating in the market, many are still on the hook for labor and equipment they may have arranged during the affected Saturdays. However, market management said they are looking out for vendors by canceling events that might make it difficult for them to cover overhead costs.

Smorgaburg plans to return for its fall season Sept. 7, hosting markets until at least the end of October.