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A Bounty of Farmers Markets Found in Sarasota County

You may need more than one weekend to explore the many farmers markets and downtown gatherings in Sarasota County.

Looking for fresh produce, artisan baked goods, the finest flowers and unique art? Then look no further than one of the farmers markets found right here in Sarasota County. At any time of year, the area’s commitment to supporting local food and craft vendors is evident at these vibrant markets. 

The farmers market offerings in Sarasota continue to expand over time. Here’s the skinny on some of the area’s most popular farmers markets.

North Sarasota County Farmers' Markets

Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch

lakewood ranch farmers market

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, held at Waterside Place every Sunday from 10am to 2pm year-round, has grown quickly—now welcoming more than 100 curated vendors. Plus, get this–it's been named the #1 Farmers Market in the U.S. by American Farmland Trust! 

From Myakka’s Pure Gold Honey to Reds Farm with non-GMO chicken and heritage pork to Petrichor Mushrooms, you’ve got a diverse mix of produce and prepared foods as well as chef demonstrations and other events to entertain you. Stay caffeinated with a flavored cold brew at the Roma Rosa mobile beverage bar, or stay cool with a coconut water straight out of the husk. Then shop for artisan items such as handmade soaps, seashell jewelry, gourmet dog treats, beef tallow skincare and more. 

Aside from all the goodies you can shop, find your flow in a free yoga class at the nearby park, enjoy live music from a rotating lineup of bands or have the kiddos get creative during weekly events.

The Market at NBP

There are more reasons to check out Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota beyond taking a stroll beside its massive, scenic lake. Come on by the lake for The Market at NBP, taking place on Wednesdays from 9 am to 2 pm. This brand-new market features local artists and crafters, food trucks, small businesses and a kids zone.

Meadows Farmers Market

Enjoy a friendly market vibe at the Meadows Farmers Market, held one Sunday a month from 10 am - 2 pm, December to March. Check out its website for specific locations and monthly themes, including a Winter Art Walk and Market in January and a Love Yourself Wellness in February. 

Newtown Farmers Market

pineapples at the newtown market

The Newtown Farmers Market, held in the Historic Newtown District at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, welcomes visitors Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 12pm – 6 pm, and every Saturday, from 10am – 4pm. This is where you'll find a large selection of locally grown produce, Florida fruit and pre-sliced veggies upon request. The market serves as an affordable way to reach local residents with healthy food and to support area farms and businesses. 

Mid Sarasota County Farmers' Markets

Sarasota Farmers Market

sarasota farmers market

The year-round Sarasota Farmers Market, held every Saturday in Downtown Sarasota, from 7am - 1pm (rain or shine!), is considered the granddaddy of the local farmers markets, as it’s been around since 1979 and features 80-plus vendors. The market is a major draw for residents and tourists looking to catch an early morning bite or a midday meal while they also stock up on locally grown produce and baked goods. From barbecue, lemonade and seafood to crepes, bone marrow and guacamole, you can find just about any food item here!

The Sarasota Farmers Market also has a cool health-oriented bent with vendors such as Fermentlicious, selling healthy fermented foods; and Ionie Organic Juice, with healthy cold-pressed juices. It’s hard to leave the market without visiting The Empanada Girl for hot empanadas or Dream Earth Bowls for refreshing acai bowls. As for shopping take-home gifts and goods, find everything from locally poured candles and tie-dyed clothing to handmade baskets, wallets and pet toys. 

Siesta Key Farmers Market

Many visitors are lured to the Sarasota area because of the award-winning beaches like Siesta Key. So, why not combine beaches with a love of locally produced food and craft items? That’s just what you can do at the Siesta Key Farmers Market, held on Sundays in Siesta Key Village, from 9am – 1pm. From organic produce, native plants and boutique clothing from shops down the street such as Casa del Sol to locally produced food, handmade goods and oil paintings, this market has a little bit of everything for the beachgoer and market thrifter!

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

We all need a midweek pick-me-up, and that’s just what you can get at the Wednesday Phillippi Farmhouse Market, held from October to the end of April, 9 am - 1 pm, just a little south of Sarasota off Highway 41. The 50+ vendors offer produce, arts and crafts, breads, coffee and fresh-baked pizzas, bouquets of flowers and more. Plus, take advantage of the onsite tour of historic Edson Keith Mansion and Edson Farmhouse.

South Sarasota County Farmers' Markets

Venice Farmers' Market

A trip to the Historic Downtown of Venice just isn’t complete without a visit to the Venice Florida Farmers Market. Every Saturday morning, year-round  (rain or shine), from 8am - 1pm, join the community for live music, local entertainers, specialty foods and drinks. Nosh on kettle corn, buy grass-fed Florida beef, try mushrooms from Mr. Fun Guy (as in fungi—get it?!), grab a freshly-baked loaf of Baca bread or a slice of traditional key lime pie from Caribbean Pie Company. Find also fun souvenirs and take-homes such as essential oils, photography prints, pet bandanas, coastal jewelry and many more unique finds!

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

wellen park

Don't miss out on the fun at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market in the newly developed, waterfront gathering hub of Downtown Wellen Park. Held every Sunday from 9 am - 1 pm, shop fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, fresh-cut flowers from the flower bar and more! Grab a hot cup of coffee or matcha latte at Foxtail Coffee Co. or an after-market bite at Oak & Stone while grabbing a seat on The Great Lawn to enjoy the live entertainment from the main stage. The kids will love the nearby kayak/paddleboard outfitter and launch, the splash pad and playground. 

Olde Englewood Village Farmers Market

Englewood is known for its popular outdoor markets, one of which includes the Englewood Farmers Market on Thursdays, from October through May from 9am - 1pm.  Located at the newly remodeled Pioneer Plaza on Dearborn Street, enjoy the new concrete walkways—easily accessible for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. With that identifiable Old Florida-feel, you’ll find farm-fresh produce, plants, prepared foods and plenty of other interesting vendors selling bottled goods such as local honey and specially made salsas.

Shop Local North Port Market

Every Saturday morning, North Port comes alive at Shop Local North Port Market—a friendly, open-air community hub hosted at North Port High School. From 8:30am – 12pm, locals and visitors wander through rows of vendors offering farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, baked goodies, raw honey, pet treats and artisanal finds. It’s a great place to meet neighbors, support small businesses and soak up that small-town, community-first vibe that makes North Port special.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Vanessa Caceres

Vanessa is a travel, food, business and health writer that has called the Sarasota, Florida area home for more than 15 years.