Farmers markets are growing in popularity in Evansville and it’s no surprise. These local markets make it super easy to get fresh produce and homemade goods, and they provide a relaxed, outdoor activity for hanging out with family and friends. Farmers markets aren’t only beneficial for you, but they also make improvements to your local community.
How? Well, for starters, small family farms struggle to compete with large national agriculture businesses. When you shop at local markets, you support local farmers and the local economy by keeping 54 cents on the dollar within the community. You’re also improving the local environment when you buy food locally, since food at farmers markets is transported shorter distances and usually grown using sustainable methods. Your thumbs are turning green just thinkin’ about it.
During the summertime, there is no shortage of weekly farmers markets in Evansville and the surrounding areas. No matter where you’re located, there’s a farmers market in the area you’re sure to enjoy!
More than 100 vendors (!!!) sell their products at the Franklin St. Bazaar. Here you can find producer direct goods, produce, art, specialty crafted items, homemade baked goods, and hot, delicious food. In addition to grocery shopping, you can also take a class or two! Right now the bazaar is offering free yoga at 9 a.m. and free guitar lessons at 11 a.m.
When: Saturdays, mid-June through mid-September from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: West Branch Library on Franklin Street
The Newburgh Farmers Market is more than just your average produce shopping experience. You’ll find pasture-raised meats, colorful produce, baked goods, fresh pressed juices, jewelry, handwoven rugs, flowers, herbs, + more from local vendors all within a 60-mile radius of Newburgh. If you have kids, you’ll definitely want to bring them along to join the Power of Produce (POP) Club where children of all ages learn about food, nutrition, and food growing. Adults will get a learning experience, too, with local chef Adam Edwards who gives cooking demos at 10 a.m.
When: Saturday mornings, May 26th – Sept. 29th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Corner of State St. and Water St. in the Edgewater Grille parking lot
Downtown Evansville Farmers Market
The farmers market in Downtown Evansville is an entire experience with live entertainment from local artists, lunch from local food trucks, and of course, locally-grown and locally-made products. Bring your bags because chances are, you’ll want to stock up on produce, fresh herbs, flowers, baked goods, homemade sauces, cooking oils, soaps, farm-fresh meat & eggs, regional wine & cheeses, dog treats, and so much more! You’ll even find local restaurants like Lamasco’s, Pizza Revolution, and Millers BBQ (find these spots on Towny as well!).
When: Fridays, May through September from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The corner of 3rd, 4th, and Bond Streets
One of the many great things about shopping at a local market is the variety. Farmers markets tend to carry a much greater variety of produce than most national grocery stores. The Warrick County Farmers Market provides locally grown, fresh quality farm products and locally produced crafts such as jam, fresh fruit, plants, fresh cut flowers, arts and crafts, honey, herbs, soap, nuts, meat, fresh vegetables, and baked goods.
When: Saturdays, June through October from 7:30 a.m. to noon
Where: 611 West Main St. (the West side of Boonville Square)
You’ll find all of your favorite local products such as berries, meats, honey, wine, potted herbs, and more at the Henderson Farmers Market in Freedom Park. This market is especially known for its friendly and hospitable vendors, so come on out for good food and good conversation.
When: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, May 1st thru October 31st from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Cates-Porter Pavillion in Freedom Park
New Harmony Farmers and Artisans Market
Residents of Posey County and New Harmony can purchase fresh – often organically produced – vegetables, fruit, and eggs, along with a wide variety of baked goods and canned goods produced locally at the New Harmony Farmers and Artisans Market. In addition to food, you’ll also find jewelry, linens, handmade soap, quilts, arts & crafts, and more made by local artisans. Get into the shopping mood with live music from local artists and have a great time!
When: Saturdays, April through November from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Where: 406 Tavern St., New Haven
Mt Vernon Farmers Market
The Mt. Vernon Farmers’ Market Association was created to offer growers and producers in Posey County and the surrounding areas alternative opportunities for their agricultural commodities and farm-related products. If you visit the Mt. Vernon Farmers Market, you’re in for a treat with locally-grown products and a variety of fresh, nutritional produce at a reasonable cost.
When: Tuesdays, June through August from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 1006 E. 4th St, Mt. Vernon (parking lot between McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza)
Getting to interact with the people who grow and produce your food is a special treat– a treat you’ll get at the Wadesville Farmers Market. Plus, it can be a learning experience! The farmers and bakers will be able to answer your questions and share information about the food your purchasing. Shop for local fruits, veggies, meats, herbs, and other items.
When: Thursdays, June through August from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 7238 Hwy 66, Wadesville
Unlike farmers market pop-ups, this farmers market is in place all year long. Mayse Farm Market is the largest and most complete family owned farm market in the Evansville area. They’ve been providing fresh produce to the Tri-State for more than 70 years! They specialize in fruits and veggies, and also offer country sausage, ham, bacon, liver sausage, and other pork products in the winter.
When: Daily, year-round. Check the website for hours, which vary throughout the year.
Where: 6400 N. St. Joseph Ave., Evansville (just north of Mill Rd)
Market Wagon (online farmers market)
When you want to buy your groceries local but can’t make it out to your local weekly farmers market, Market Wagon has a solution. This online platform provides a virtual marketplace for Indiana farmers and artisans to sell their products. The process is simple: go online and pick the farms you want to buy from and what food you want for the week. Once your order is placed, they deliver your order to your home, office, or you can pick up at a Market Host for free. Simply build your cart and check out before Tuesday at midnight in order to receive a delivery that Thursday. It’s a year-round service with no subscription or minimum order required.
Whether it’s time to do some grocery shopping, or you just want to get out in the community, these Evansville area farmers markets are the place to shop! For other ways you can shop and support local, download Towny– a free app that connects you with your local business community.