[Editor’s Note: The photograph originally published with the story depicting a flower market by R.T. Facts was removed May 9 because the flower market will not be held in 2025.]
KENT, Conn. — Things are about to pick up downtown.
In just a few days, the Kent Barns Second Saturdays series will kick off for the season.
Outdoor markets, pop-up shops, and live music will be featured throughout the Kent Barns complex at 6 N. Main St.
The event will be held May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
Many of the shops and galleries will offer new exhibits, and dining establishments will serve up specials and everyday fare.
“We kicked this idea off years ago and it’s finally taking hold,” said Karolene Carlson, who handles marketing and media relations.
James Boehmer, co-Founder of Peggy Mercury in the complex, said one of the main “objectives when we opened at the Kent Barns last May was to become a meeting place and creative hub for the community of Kent [and] that the Second Saturdays events help to foster that sense of community.”
“Whether it is the Kent Flower Market, Rock Cobble Farm Farmer’s Market, or events we host with our brand partners and artists, Second Saturdays have helped to confirm the Kent Barns as a destination,” he said.
Patrons come from near and far to attend the special one-day-a-month event. Many appreciate the mostly self-contained setting with a courtyard, manicured landscape, and stroller-friendly walkways.
“The events attract visitors from all over the Northwest corner, and we are so happy to welcome all with the diverse offerings in art, culture, dining and retail found at the Barns,” Boehmer said.
Benjamin Rybeck, general manager at House of Books, said the store loves Second Saturday “because it brings tons of people to town and because it spotlights all the businesses in Kent Barns.”
“I think what’s special about our retail area here is that all the businesses complement each other,” Rybeck said. “They feel hyper-curated, and you really can have a full day just wandering around this small area.”
Carlson described the Kent Barns complex as “framed by nature, filled with culture” and highlighted the assortment of fine art galleries, shops, and dining establishments for patrons to explore.
“There are rising mountains around us, we’ve got beautiful landscaping designed by a well-known landscape architecture….people can sit at beautiful tables and chairs in a peaceful setting, it’s relaxing,” she said.
The 12 Kent Barns businesses offer a variety of events, including pop-ups, author and artist talks, workshops, specialty programs, and more.
Attendees often visit local restaurants and enjoy a picnic at Kent Barns, where picnic tables and tables and chairs are available for dining experiences.
“It’s kind of like wandering the streets of France with a baguette, and music floating in the air,” Carlson said. “It’s a high-end cultural experience but you can include the kids.”
The general Second Saturdays schedule remains the same each month. It will open at 10 a.m., at which time the farm market will open. Music will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gallery receptions tend to run from 4 to 6 p.m.
Rock Cobble Farm’s market is an outdoor market featuring “rare breed of plants, meats, and cheeses,” among other things, Carlson said.
Swyft will sell some provisions, such as homemade bread, Blood Mary mixes, pickles, salad dressings, and more, at the market.
Times for offerings vary each month. It’s recommended patrons follow @kentbarnsct on Instagram for updates.
