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 on Saturdays in downtown Sarasota, 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 juices. It’s be hard to leave the market without visiting The Empanada Girl, with meat, vegetarian, and vegan yummy empanadas.

Dearborn Street Market

The Thursday morning Dearborn Street Market in Englewood offers a nice mix of prepared foods, produce and art. Make Thursday mornings more enjoyable with your visit to Dearborn.

Olde Englewood Village Farmers Market

Englewood is known for its popular outdoors markets, one of which includes the Olde Englewood Village Market on Thursdays. It’s operated by the Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset. You’ll find produce, plants, prepared foods, and plenty of other interesting vendors.

The Market at Lakewood Ranch

The Sunday Market at Lakewood Ranch, held at Downtown Waterside in Lakewood Ranch, has grown quickly, now welcoming more than 75 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.

Meadows Farmers Market

A newer addition to the menagerie of Sarasota farmers markets is the Meadows Farmers Market, which opened in October 2021 and is held on Sundays at the Meadows Shopping Village. The market already is home to 40 vendors and plans to expand further. Check out Meadows for artisans, food, and local farmers.

Newtown Farmers Market

The Newtown Farmers Market, held in the historic Newtown district, welcomes visitors on both Fridays and Saturdays. 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 on Wednesdays. 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.

Rosemary Art and Design District Night Market

The Rosemary Art and Design District Night Market, held the third Thursday of October through April, prides itself as a unique place for local businesses, artists, nonprofits, and food vendors to come together. Market attendees and vendors feel the creative vibe that comes from the Rosemary Art and Design District. 

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 organic produce to plants and locally produced food, this market has a little bit of everything.

Venice Farmers Market

A Saturday trip to the town of Venice just isn’t complete without a visit to the Venice Farmers Market, where you can nosh on kettle corn, buy grass-fed Florida beef, try mushrooms from Mr. Fun Guy (as in fungi—get it?!), and, of course, buy Florida-grown fruits and veggies.