After 31 years, this outdoor Columbus market is closing for good

Pearl Market closed for the season earlier this month, and when it did so, it also closed for good.

The market, which populated the intersection of Pearl Street and Gay Street Downtown, had been a staple of the summer and early fall for 31 years. It typically featured more than 30 local vendors, selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods and even artisan jewelry.

According to Mark Klinger, program coordinator for the group behind the market, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District (CCSIDS), CCSIDS operations are being taken over by Downtown, Columbus, Inc. (DCI), and DCI is “not interested” in continuing the Pearl Market.

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According to Madison Cole, director of communications at DCI, the ending of federal grant funding and construction of the Capital Line next year affected the Market’s future as well.

“The Pearl Market had been receiving federal grant funds, but that term has ended, and the SID did not receive an extension. With construction on the Capital Line planned for 2026, our team is taking a holistic look at the event landscape to determine how best to further activate Downtown Columbus,” Cole said. “We’re grateful for the Market’s long history of bringing people together Downtown and are exploring ways to continue that spirit while complementing the more than 250 events Downtown Columbus Inc. produces each year.”

She added DCI plans to host vendors for “small shopping experiences” at the Columbus Commons next year as well.

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