Indianapolis Farmers Market Guide: Where to get fresh produce this summer
Cheryl V. JacksonIt doesn't get any better meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
And farmers markets across Central Indiana are buzzing with the goods starting this month.
Many have food trucks, crafts vendors, live entertainment and the chance to connect with local nonprofits.
Check out theses Central Indiana farmers markets.
Avon Farmers Market
avonindiana.gov/285/Farmers-Market
Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m., June through August (excluding July 2)
Avon Hendricks Regional Health Building, south parking lot, 8244 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon
The town of Avon hosts this market to bring fresh produce, baked goods and handcrafted items. And it has a theme song!
Binford Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon., May through September
Northview Church Binford Campus, 6620 Northview Way, Indianapolis
More than 80 vendors are selling fresh fruit, veggies, meats, cheeses and handmade crafts. Look for gardening and cooking demonstrations, opportunities to enroll in the Indy Public Library summer reading program and a no-cost electronics recycling drop-off at the dog-friendly market.
The market accepts SNAP and Fresh Bucks.
Broad Ripple Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May through September; 9 a.m. to noon in October
6001 N. Rural St., Indianapolis
The outdoor summer market features more than 90 vendors, including those serving breakfast items, coffee and tea. All farmers use organic (chemical-free) growing practices.
There's also live music each Saturday morning.
Open rain or shine, the market is dog-friendly, but there are rules at broadrippleindy.org.
SNAP and Fresh Bucks are available to customers with Hoosier Works or SNAP EBT cards.
Brownsburg Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., June through August
Brownsburg Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg
The market supports small businesses, local growers, producers, and artisans from Brownsburg and Central Indiana, offering affordable, healthy, fresh food and handcrafted goods.
Food truck vendors will be in the mix.
The Brownsburg Public Library booth will have a kid's activity each week.
The market accepts SNAP and WIC; and special nights focus on music, kids, dogs, business and specific produce.
Carmel Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8- 11:30 a.m., May through September
Carter Green, 2 Carter Green, Carmel
The Carmel Farmers Market attracts more than 70 vendors each week. Guests can listen to live music from the Carmel Rotary Amphitheater and check out special events like the Carmel Firehouse Cook-Off, Jim Keckley Donut Day and an Independence Day kazoo parade for kids.
Cumberland Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May through October
Cumberland Town Hall, 11501 E. Washington St., Cumberland
More than 20 vendors with offerings that include maple syrup, crafts and chair massages.
Farmers Market at the Fairgrounds
farmers-market-at-the-fairgrounds.mailchimpsites.com
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May through October
Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 N. Apple St., Greenfield
More than 40 vendors are selling produce, baked goods, goat milk products and sauces.
Fishers Farmers Markets
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, May through September
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Dr., Fishers
An international food section is a new feature of the market in 2024.
More than 70 vendors at the rain-or-shine and dog-friendly market sell local goods made, grown, baked, and harvested by farmers and area makers.
Each market kicks off with a free yoga or fitness session led by a local yoga studio.
There’s live music and a tent for kids activities weekly, and special themed days and events such as the Health & Wellness Expo, Non-Profit Day and Biz Kidz Day throughout the summer.
Market vendors do not provide plastic bags, so bring reusable shopping bags, or stop by the Fishers Parks tent directly in front of the amphitheater stage to grab a free Fishers Farmers Market reusable bag.
Visit playfishers.com for doggie visitor guidelines.
Fort Ben Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., June 6 through Oct. 3
Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence
Fort Ben Farmers Market showcases vendors from Central Indiana offering fresh produce, baked goods, honey, specialty food items, meats, coffee and plants. Food trucks are on site.
SNAP and Fresh Bucks are available for customers with a Hoosier Works card or SNAP EBT card.
The campus features the renovated historic theater, a visual arts center, an artist walk, a history walk, an amphitheater, and the world's first set of musical swings.
Fortville Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4 -7 p.m., May through September
Landmark Park,201 E. Staat St., Fortville
Due to construction, the market relocated to Landmark Park for 2024.
From the Northern Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, the downtown market showcases vendors from Central Indiana offering fresh produce, baked goods, honey, specialty food items, meats, cheeses, coffee and plants.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
Garfield Park Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May through October
Garfield Park, at the corner of Southern Avenue and Shelby Street, Indianapolis
This not-for-profit market draws about 70 vendors.
The market accepts SNAP, WIC and Senior vouchers. It also provides Fresh Bucks.
Pets are allowed, provided they are on non-retractable leashes, no longer than 6 feet.
Greenwood Farmers Market
facebook.com/Greenwood-Farmers-Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, April through September
Greenwood United Methodist Church parking lot, 525 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood
About 40 vendors are selling produce, plants, crafts, baked goods and pet treats. Most of the early weeks are heavy on plants and early spring produce.
The market is dog-friendly, and many of its vendors accept WIC.
Healthway Park Farmers Market
facebook.com/HealthwayParkFarmersMarket
Tuesdays, 4 -7 p.m., May through September
4055 S. Roy Wilson Way, New Palestine
More than 20 local vendors are selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, jewelry, soaps and lotions.
Irvington Farmers Market
irvingtongardenclub.com/farmers-market
Every second Sunday, noon -3 p.m., June through October.
Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair St., Indianapolis
The lineup of about 100 vendors and nonprofits each week varies, but expect those with produce, crafts, baked and canned goods, ready-to-eat foods, body care, vinaigrettes, pet adoption, rescued and repurposed items, clothing, and Irvington business promotion.
Some vendors at the rain-or-shine market accept credit or debit cards; others are cash or check only.
Noblesville Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon., May through Oct 12
Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St., Noblesville
The pet-friendly market has 90 to 95 vendors each week (honey, meat, flowers and candles), along with live music, yoga and free kids classes. Noblesville Farmers Market accepts SNAP and WIC.
North Church Farmers Market
First and third Thursdays, 4-6 p.m., July through September
3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
Formerly known as the 38th and Meridian Street Farmers Market, this is among the oldest in Indianapolis, providing locally-grown food, educational information and health screenings.
The market participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and accepts WIC and SNAP vouchers.
The Original Farmers’ Market
indycm.com/original-farmers-market
Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., May through Oct. 4
Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The Original Farmers’ Market, with meats, cheeses, baked goods and spices, is at a new location due to the temporary closure of Indianapolis City Market.
The market matches dollars spent using Fresh Bucks and SNAP. WIC is accepted.
It administers the Buy 2 Give 1 food gleaning program that encourages individuals to buy additional products for those in need.
Pendleton Indiana Farmers Market
facebook.com/pendletonindianafarmersmarket
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May through October
Pendleton-Falls Park, Pendleton
This is the 30th season for the Pendleton market, where more than 60 vendors, local nonprofits and multiple food trucks set up shop along the banks of historic Fall Creek.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
Pike Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon, June 8 to Sept. 21
Common Ground West Church parking lot, 5429 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis
Entering its third season, the market features local nonprofits and live music as well as monthly special events including author visits, a back to school day and a dog day.
It accepts SNAP and participates in the Fresh Bucks Program.
Pittsboro Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., June through August
Pittsboro United Methodist Church parking lot, 227 E. Main St., Pittsboro
Pick up barbeque, sweets and other goodies at this outdoor market.
Plainfield Chamber Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m., June 5 through Sept. 11
Plainfield Friends Church lawn, U.S. 40 and SR 267 North, Plainfield
The downtown market runs, rain or shine, with about 40 vendors, including produce and meat farmers and those selling prepared foods, crafts and goat milk soaps. Food trucks also are on hand. Special days include those focused on wellness, children and non-profits.
Sheridan Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through August
Biddle Memorial Park, 608 E. 10th St., Sheridan
Visit for locally-sourced products, including flowers, produce, handcrafted soaps, baked goods and homemade crafts.
Leftover funds are donated to local charities and organizations.
SoBro Farmers Market
facebook.com/SoBroFarmersMarket
Wednesdays, 4:30-7:30 p.m., May through September
Next to Upland Brewing Co., 4842 N. College Ave., Indianapolis
More than 30 vendors are in the lineup this year offering produce, juices and prepared foods.
Statehouse Market
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 9 through October
Robert D. Orr Plaza, Indianapolis
This market provides an opportunity to promote locally grown products and produce as well as more than 40 local food trucks. About 30 vendors and food trucks are on hand each week. Visit statehousemarket.com for the schedule.
Westfield Farmers Market
westfieldwelcome.com/westfield-markets
Thursdays, 5-8 p.m., May 30 to Sept. 26 (excluding July 4)
Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S. Union St., Westfield
All items sold at the market are grown, raised or produced in Indiana; and the emphasis is on products grown or raised using environmentally responsible, sustainable and humane methods.
The event is dog-friendly.
Food trucks will be on site.
Zionsville Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8-11:30 a.m., May 18 through Sept. 28
340 S. Main St., between Pine Street and Hawthorne Street, Zionsville
This market features plant, food and drink vendors. While most of the 50 or so vendors attend event week, some substitutions are made. It’s dog-friendly.
Look for live music performances and special events.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.