A Bounty of Farmers Markets Found in Sarasota County

Looking for fresh produce, artisan baked goods, the finest flowers and unique art? Then look no further than one of the many 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.

Sarasota Farmers Market

The Sarasota Farmers Market, held every Saturday in Downtown Sarasota, from 7am - 1pm (rain or shine!) year-round, is considered the granddaddy of the local farmers markets, as it’s been around since 1979 and features 70-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 to lemonade to seafood and crepes to raw food to sushi, you can find it 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. 

Venice Farmers' Market

A trip to the Historic Downtown of Venice just isn’t complete without a visit to the Venice 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!

Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch, now held at Waterside Place every Sunday from 10am to 2pm year-round, has grown quickly – now welcoming more than 100 curated vendors. From Myakka’s Pure Gold Honey to Red’s Farm with non-GMO chicken and heritage pork to Gran Arepa, you’ve got a diverse mix of produce and prepared foods as well as chef demonstrations and other events to entertain you. Stay cool with a coconut water straight out of the husk or shop unique items such as handmade soaps, seashell jewelry, gourmet dog treats and more. 

Aside from all the goodies you can shop, find your flow in a free yoga class, enjoy live music from a rotating lineup of bands or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops in The Yard (the green space next to Good Liquid Brewing Co.).

Siesta Key Farmers Market

Many visits 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 8am – 12pm. 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!

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

Sarasota County's newest market takes place at the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market in the newly developed, waterfront gathering hub of Downtown Wellen Park. Held every Sunday from 9am - 1pm, 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 Olde Englewood Village 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 to strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. This market is operated by the Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset. You’ll find produce, plants, prepared foods and plenty of other interesting vendors selling artisan goods such as local honey and specially made salsas.

Meadows Farmers Market

A newer addition to the menagerie of Sarasota farmers markets is the Meadows Farmers Market. Back for its 3rd season, reserve one Sunday a month, from 10am - 2pm, to check out the Meadows Shopping Village and it's themed market of the month. The market already is home to 40 vendors and plans to expand further with even more artisans, food and local farmers. 

Newtown Farmers Market

The Newtown Farmers Market, held in the historic Newtown district at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, welcomes visitors every Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and every 1st and 3rd Friday, same time. From locally grown produce and presliced veggies upon request, the market serves as an affordable way to reach local residents with healthy food and to support local businesses.

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

We all need a midweek pick-me-up, and that’s just what you can get at Phillippi Farmhouse Market – held every Wednesday from October to April, 8am - 1pm, just a little south of Sarasota off Highway 41. Over 50 vendors offer produce and plants from local growers and producers, as well as specialty and sustainable items, and Florida agricultural products. In fact, each week brings a new selection of seasonal local produce to the market. 

Some of the area’s best-known food and farming businesses participate at the Phillippi market, including Maggie’s Seafood, Sarasota Honey Company (famous for its small-batch honey), Brown’s Grove, and Bushdoggie’s Real Maryland Crab Cakes. Yet the vendor mix also includes some great florists, artists and ready-made food vendors.