Guide to Bradenton and Sarasota’s farmers markets with year-round produce and more

If a stop at a farmers market isn’t part of your weekend routine, you’re missing out on a delicious tradition, and the Suncoast has several year-round fun and flourishing local markets to offer.

Regulars know the benefits: farmers markets encourage one to eat fresh and healthy and get creative in the kitchen. It’s a chance to grab unique knickknacks, locally-produced pantry staples, sweet treats and baked goods.

And, it’s a great way to get outdoors, meet people and see what’s happening in the community.

If you need yet another reason to stop by, many local markets offer live entertainment, demonstrations, special events and group activities like yoga.

Here’s a guide to farmers markets around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.

Downtown Bradenton Public Market

Formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market, this weekly community gathering happens on Saturdays from October through May.

You’ll find a bounty of produce, food, handcrafted goods, arts, music, cooking demonstrations and more along Old Main Street. The market offers more than 40 vendors.

• Details: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, October-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market

The Beach Market at Coquina Beach

Located along the scenic sands of Anna Maria Island, this market offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, health and beauty items, music and more. The market is held on Wednesdays and Sundays from December through March, on Wednesdays and Fridays from April through July, and on Sundays in November.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on market days. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
• Info: facebook.com/BeachMarketAtCoquinaBeach

City of Anna Maria Farmers Market

Find produce, baked goods, jams, honey, gourmet foods and more at this micro mid-week farmers market on the north end of Anna Maria Island.

• Details: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, October-May. City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.
• Info: annamariaislandchamber.org/event/city-of-anna-maria-farmers-market-at-city-pier-park

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch

Established in 2017, the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch has grown to boast more than 90 regional vendors. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats.

Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, year-round. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.

• Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR

Oneco Farmers Market

Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent indoor market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats.

There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.

• Details: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: onecofarmersmarket.com

Sarasota Farmers Market

Founded in 1979, the Sarasota Farmers Market is one of the area’s most popular and brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy, and the market is dog-friendly.

• Details: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, year-round. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
• Info: sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Newtown Farmers Market

The Newtown Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week at a community park in the Newtown neighborhood of Sarasota. The market also hosts community gatherings, including events for kids and food festivals.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Friday and Saturday, year-round. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

This mid-week farmers market brings over 50 vendors to Phillippi Estate Park. The bounty includes produce, plants, prepared foods, specialty items, sustainable goods and agriculture-related products. The market hosts live music every week.

Phillippi Estate Park is also home to scenic walking trails and the Edson Keith Estate, an Italian Renaissance-inspired home on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Details: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, October-April. Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail.
• Info: farmhousemarket.org

Meadows Farmers Market

Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music.

Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota.
• Info: sites.google.com/view/meadowsfarmersmarket

Red Barn Flea Market

Bradenton’s famous Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.

• Details: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: redbarnfleamarket.com

Siesta Key Farmers Market

Fruits, vegetables, home goods, tea, clothing, beauty services, local art and more await at the weekly Siesta Key Farmers Market. There’s also food truck fare and live music to enjoy.

• Details: 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, year-round. Siesta Key Village, 5104 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key.
• Info: siestakeyfarmersmarket.org

The Market on Longboat Key

The Market on Longboat Key is a brand new arrival on the local farmers market scene. It debuted in January, with only three dates planned so far in 2022.

The market offers dozens of vendors, including fresh produce, crafts, apparel, accessories, food trucks and live music.

• Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 11, 2022. 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.
• Info: facebook.com/The-Market-on-Longboat-Key-110882471409400

Straight from the farm

If you like to go direct to the source for your produce, several local farms offer their own on-site market stands.

• Fruitville Grove Farm Market, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. fruitvillegrovefarm.com
• Gamble Creek Farms, 14950 Golf Course Road, Parrish. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Fri. and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Info: gamblecreekfarms.com/indoor-farm-market
• Hunsader Farms Farm Market, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. hunsaderfarms.com
• Jessica’s Organic Farm, 4180 47th St., Sarasota. Open 8-6 p.m. Fri. and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. jessicasorganicfarm.com

This story was originally published March 17, 2022 at 12:00 AM.