Not only does June 20th mark the official start of summer, but it’s also National Fresh Food Month. Americans have celebrated the month of June designated for connecting communities with their farmer neighbors for more than 30 years.
Farmers markets showcasing the fresh produce, meats and dairy produced by local growers is one of summer’s most popular traditions to do just that.
Don’t let the “farmers” in “farmers markets” fool you. Markets are also great places for the whole family to support local artisans, try a new food truck, enjoy live music and more.
So, grab your grocery bags and make your shopping list for what’s in season. Show up early rain or shine—you won’t want to miss what the growers and makers of your community have to offer!
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Where: 5920 NW 13th St.
Also known as the “441 Market” located off U.S. Route 441, the Alachua County Farmers Market is a “growers only” market. This means the primary ingredients of all things sold have been grown, raised and produced by the vendors, whose facilities are inspected throughout the year. You can even bring your empty plant pots to add to the “pot corral” for vendors to reuse.
From April 1 to July 31, the market accepts WIC/Eldercare Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons for produce.
When: 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mondays
Where: Cypress & Grove Brewing, 1001 NW 4th St.
On top of craft and fresh produce vendors, the Grove Street Farmers Market offers a beer garden and live music. Grove Street runs all year long, so you’ll never miss what’s in season. Make sure to ask vendors for recipes and cooking tips.
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Where: 5213 SW 91st Terr.
Since 1998, the Haile Farmers Market has operated with the belief that, “A happy and healthy community is not a fairytale. All you need is a seed.”
More than 50 vendors attend, and all the produce vendors are the farmers themselves. On-site plant nurseries provide plenty of starters for growing your own garden.
Waldo’s Farmers and Flea Market
When: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
Where: 17805 US-301, Waldo
Love local produce and antiques? Why not shop for both at the same time? Featuring farm-fresh produce and spread over 50 acres, Waldo’s Flea Market is the largest and one of the oldest flea markets in North Central Florida. The indoor antique village next door is a great spot for taking a break from the heat.
Luckily, the sun in the “Sunshine State” keeps Florida farmers in business all year. Tuck these markets away for when the summer sun eases up and September rolls around:
When: noon-4 p.m. first Sunday of every month (September-May)
Where: Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, 12626 NW County Road 231
Mix up your grocery haul with a stop at Gainesville’s only all-vegan market. The Farmers Moo-kets are hosted at Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, the largest cow sanctuary in the United States.
As you shop through the 100 percent plant-based vendors, you’ll have opportunities to feed the cows treats and take an interactive tour of the pig pasture. Make sure to stop by the Vegan Gator food truck on-site.
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays (September-May)
Where: Depot Park, 619 S. Main St.
Featuring over 40 vendors, craft beer and live music, Depot Park is the place to be in Gainesville on Thursday evenings. The market’s partnership with Heartwood Soundstage supports local artists and provides a lively backdrop for shopping and picnicking from one of the food trucks. Pets are welcome.
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