Sarasota Farmers’ Market

The Sarasota Farmers’ Market is a bustling farmers market held in the heart of downtown Sarasota.  The market is held every Saturday morning, year-round, from 7:00 a.m. to noon, on Lemon Avenue at the intersection of Main Street.

The Sarasota Farmers’ Market has been held in downtown Sarasota for nearly 30 years.  The market is able to operate throughout the year because of the mild weather afforded to Florida’s residents and visitors, and has become a favorite destination where people come together to shop for the freshest flowers, produce, and numerous other products, as well as to socialize.

Approximately 50 regular vendors participate in the weekly Market.  In addition, the Sarasota Farmers’ Market is a great place to discover more about the greater Sarasota community.  For example, the weekly Market includes an informational booth that offers information about local non-profit events and volunteer opportunities.  The Market is a wonderful place for newcomers to the Sarasota area, as it provides insight into what the city has to offer and allows people to meet others in a casual and fun environment.

A wide variety of products are available at the Sarasota Farmers’ Market.  Food selections are fresh and plentiful, and include typical market fare such as fruit and vegetables as well as other, diverse foodstuffs such as freshly-baked breads and pastries, locally-made coffee, fresh spices sold by the gram, and fresh seafood.

One vendor offers a beautiful selection of flowers, bromeliads and orchids.  Others sell various live plants and cut flowers.  Other offerings at the farmers market include impressive artwork and artisan-made crafts and products such as handmade soaps.

The Sarasota Farmers’ Market requires that all produce is freshly-grown so that consumers truly get the best available product.  In addition, handmade arts and crafts are required to have been handmade by the vendor.  These requirements ensure that everything bought and sold at the Market is of the highest available quality, safe and healthy, and fairly priced.  Resale items are not allowed, so everything purchased at the Market comes to buyers from its very source.

People interested in becoming vendors at the Sarasota Farmers’ Market can download an application at http://www.downtownsarasota.com/market/vendorInfo.cfm, or can get more information by contacting the Market’s organizer, Sarasota’s Downtown Partnership, at (941) 951-2656 or via email at info@downtownsarasota.com.  Information is also available at these resources regarding vendor insurance, fees, and licensing.

The Market does encourage competition, but advises prospective vendors that it does limit the number of vendors selling the same or similar products, and that applicants should be sure their product is unique.  This means that visitors to the market have a wide variety of options for purchase rather than numerous vendors selling just one item or type of item. 

Live performances are also common at the Sarasota Farmers’ Market.  Entertainers play music, sing, dance, juggle, and more along the street, making the Market a great place for people-watching and at which children are welcome and amused.  The Market welcomes local musicians, performers, or anyone else with a desire to share their talent with the Sarasota public to participate in the live entertainment on Saturday mornings.  Applications and more information are available at http://www.downtownsarasota.com/market/vendorInfo.cfm, or by calling (941) 951-2656 or emailing  info@downtownsarasota.com