Crops are blooming, farmers are selling and we’re buying.
Farmers markets are one of the quintessential summer and fall activities (and some of them even run all year long), providing fresh produce, meat and dairy from farms all around West Michigan.
When you want the best of the best ingredients without paying premium prices, farmers markets are the place to be—not to mention flowers, jewelry, art, beverages, and peoplewatching.
They all offer something a little different though, so here’s our round-up of some of the great farmers markets West Michigan has to offer.
Fulton Street Market
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
fultonstreetmarket.org
This year-round market has a Saturday-only “second season” through winter, but we’re entering the main season, which runs Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., now through October. More than 100 booths of rotating vendors and family farms offer fruits, veggies, baked goods, jams, cocktail kits, snacks, candles, desserts, handmade art, and so much more. Not to mention frequent food trucks and entertainment. If you live downtown Grand Rapids, Fulton Street Market is the place to be on Saturday morning.
Kentwood Farmers Market
4900 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood
kentwoodfarmersmarket.com
Over the past nine years, Kentwood Farmers Market has become a favorite in the area, growing in attendance, offerings and live concerts every season. Running every Thursday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., from June 15 to September 7, this market also has weekly events and rotating food trucks, so you can experience something different with every visit. Expect a variety of goods, including produce, breads, micro-greens, mushrooms, coffee, soaps and much more. To top it all off, Kentwood’s market is extremely welcoming in regards to food assistance programs.
Holland Farmers Market
Eighth Street Market Place
150 W. 8th St., Holland
More than 75 vendors offer a huge range of staples and treats at Holland Farmers Market each year. Starting May 17 and running through October 28, this market runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (not to mention holiday and indoor markets in the off-season). A food court provides ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch foods while the market itself has fresh-picked produce, flowers and plants, alongside natural honey, maple syrup, baked goods, sweets, meats and so much more. And it’s all guaranteed to be grown or made right here in Michigan.
Kalamazoo Farmers Market
1204 Banks Street, Kalamazoo
pfcmarkets.com
The Kalamazoo Farmers Market is big and bountiful, hosting more than 120 local farmers, food businesses and artisans every season. Last year, they returned with a newly renovated market, but still featuring the same huge and inclusive selection of food, flowers and handmade goods. Visit opening day on May 6, running 7 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday through November 18, along with Tuesdays and Thursdays from June to October. PLUS, a monthly Night Market on third Thursdays through September, featuring live music, handmade goods, food trucks and more.
St. Joseph Farmers Market
Lake Bluff Park
stjoetoday.com
Jams, honey and hearth-baked bread, oh my! This Saturday market in the scenic Lake Bluff Park offers all you could imagine, from fine pastries, perennials, cut flowers, organic vegetables and so much more! Take in all the sounds and scents of Lake Michigan while you buy some fresh groceries and delicious food—plus, extended market hours once a month to coincide with the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair.
Bowerman Blueberries
Farm Market
15793 James St., Holland
realblueberries.com
Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this market offers a diverse menu of items, from pre-picked blueberries, strawberries, cherries and peaches, to ice cream, pies, doughnuts, jams, salsas, sauces, beeswax, maple syrup and more.
Ada Farmers Market
7239 Thornapple River Drive
Held each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Community Church in Ada, this vibrant marketplace of more than 30 vendors is perfect for your next trip out with the family. Running June 6 through Oct. 31, the Ada Farmers Market hosts its “Kids in the Market” program every week, offering enhanced children’s activities that’ll keep your little ones entertained while you get some shopping done. Plus, Musicians in the Market most days, including folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues and everything in between!
Rockford Farmers Market
N. Main St., Rockford
Located in a brand-new city lot behind the Rockford post office, this market offers a long list of diverse businesses and vendors while also taking part in the SNAP program. If you have a Bridge or P-EBT Card, you can earn significant discounts through their “Double Up Food” program, purchasing up to $20 worth of groceries for half price! Head here every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from May 6 through October 28.
Grand Haven Farmers Market
Chinook Pier, Grand Haven
The Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce proudly manages this expansive farmers market, providing small business owners an opportunity to sell their fresh produce directly to customers—on Saturdays from May 6 to October 28, plus Wednesdays beginning in June. The convenient and beautiful location of Chinook Pier makes this market a community gathering place and hub. Plus, check out Spring Lake Farm & Garden Market at Tanglefoot Park on Thursdays!
