Where to Find the Best Farmer's Markets in Sarasota, Florida

Paul Thorpe and the Downtown Merchants Association founded the Sarasota Farmers Market in 1979, and it has blossomed into a community-centric gathering that gets huge visitor numbers every Saturday. More than 70 vendors sell locally grown produce, homemade loaves, pastries, marmalades, ready-to-eat food, art, starter plants, wellness goodies and gifts. Aside from giving Sarasota locals a place to share their wares, inherent in the market’s mission is a component of knowledge sharing between merchants and consumers and support for impactful non-profits that operate in the Sarasota area. Whether the sun is shining, or the Gulf of Mexico blows in some less-than-ideal weather, the Sarasota Market runs every Saturday of the year.

Held from October to June, at the Central Sarasota Farmers Market you’ll find growers such as Homestead Hydroponic Farm and Geraldson Community Farm selling freshly picked produce, while local beekeepers bring honey and beeswax products. The Florida House, where the market is held, also offers visitors lots of information about sustainable living and everyday environmentally friendly practices.

This year-round market celebrated its grand opening on 18 May 2019, and has since provided a platform for local growers to sell their straight-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables. The market is an extension of the Newton Nations, Inc, an eclectic group of locals who are dedicated to fleshing out solutions for a healthier, happier and safer community through cooperation and education.

What started as an al fresco dinner conservation between friends in 2011 turned into a wildly successful community venture that now comprises 60 vendors and up to 8,000 attendees a week. As the market has continued to grow, so have the donations to local non-profit organizations and efforts to improve the community’s quality of life. From October through May, every Thursday, you’ll find a tantalizing selection of local and organic produce, baked goods, prepared foods, artisanal cheeses, sauces, salsas and syrups, as well as straight-from-the-ocean seafood and ready-to-plant seedlings.

Siesta Key Village puts on more than just a plain old produce market. Every Saturday, attendees are treated to live music, plenty of breakfast food options and an inspiring array of local artists selling their creations. Of course, you can also stock up on locally harvested fruits, veggies and herbs. This is an excellent market if you are in the market for gifts and authentic souvenirs.

Fruitville Grove calls itself a Farm Fresh Family Market. Shelves and stands are stocked with organic Florida citrus and all sorts of in-season fruit and vegetables. December through March is peak organic season, but every month brings different bounties. This market also sells a scrumptious selection of locally made dairy products, jams, cheeses, snacks and even pet treats. Where Fruitville Grove really stands out is its giggle-inducing goat yoga, offered on select weekends.

Friends of Sarasota County Parks puts on the pet-friendly Phillippi Farmhouse Market every Wednesday, October through April. With more than 50 vendors, attendees will be pleased to find plenty of plant-based items, both picked and raw, as well as pre-prepared. This is the perfect little mid-week market for those wanting to venture a little out of Sarasota central. Plus, there is always live music to enjoy while you and your furry friend shop.