Photo Courtesy of Fondy Food Market
As the summer season comes upon us, local farmers markets elevate our collective expectations of what fresh means. Alongside the abundant harvest, many markets include bakery, meats and prepared foods. More than that, farmers markets foster a sense of community by bringing the consumers and producers together. Plus, cutting out the middleman typically brings lower prices, so you’ll save money, too. To experience the ultimate buy-local experience this summer, check out one of the many farmers markets in our area. The list below represents only a sample of the opportunities available in Milwaukee County.
Brown Deer Farmers Market
6700 W. Brown Deer Road
414-354-4117
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 10-Oct. 28
The Brown Deer Farmers Market offers lots of fresh veggies, fruits, bakery, plants, handmade candles and jewelry, and some prepared foods. This growing market was set to move to new digs this year, but due to summer construction conflicts, it will be located in the old American TV parking lot as in previous years.
Cudahy Farmers Market
3500 Library Ave.
414-856-5485
3:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3-Oct. 28
While Cudahy has had erstwhile farmers markets in the past, this year they have a new location and have already attracted vendors like Apple Holler, Kettle Range Meat Co. and Jen’s Sweet Treats to round out the fresh produce available.
East Side Green Market
Cramer St. and North Ave. (next to the East Side Milwaukee Public Library)
414-502-9489
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, June 20-Oct. 3 (No market July 4)
You’ll find much more than vegetables at the East Side Green Market. Live music, artists, makers and crafters are well represented at this lively, weekly gathering. Veterans of this market should note that this is the first year at the new location, just across the street from the previous spot in the Beans & Barley parking lot.
East Town Market
Cathedral Square Park
414-271-1416
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, June 6-Oct. 3 (No market July 4 and July 11)
The Cathedral Square Park farmers market boasts more than 100 venders of fresh produce, bakery, prepared foods and crafters. Live music and activities like dance or yoga lessons keep the vibe fresh.
Fondy Farmers Market
2200 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
414-933-8121
9 a.m.-noon Saturdays, May 9-June 13 and Nov. 7-21; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, June 20-Oct. 31
The Fondy market is one of the most well-established farmers markets in the area. Everything sold at Fondy comes from within 50 miles or closer. Highlights include wonderfully fresh produce, cooking demos, live music and other performers, BBQ contests, food trucks and other vendors.
Garden District Farmers Market
3980 S. Sixth St. (across from the Town of Lake Water Tower)
414-430-4711
1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, June 13-Oct. 17
Appropriately located adjacent to the Garden District’s community garden area, this market features all of the expected fresh fruits and veggies, plus entertainment and educational events. This year, a solar array has been installed, using green energy to make the market more efficient.
Greenfield Farmers Market
5151 W. Layton Ave. (Konkel Park)
414-329-5275
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, May 3-Oct. 25 (No market Memorial Day weekend)
The Greenfield market has more than 50 vendors selling everything from lovely local produce and bakery to freshly brewed beer and specialty meats. This year, a new Makers Market will be included the first Sunday of each month featuring artists and crafters.
Outdoor Urban Market of the Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St.
414-336-1111
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, June 6-Sept. 26
Regulars at the Milwaukee Public Market know they can get all sorts of local goodies year round, but when the outdoor market opens on summer Saturdays, shoppers will be amazed at the additional options. Special bonus, if you don’t find what you want outside, you can always check out what’s good inside.
Riverwest Gardeners Market
821 E. Locust St. (Garden Park)
414-367-9389
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, June 21-Oct. 25
The Riverwest market is as laid back and free spirited as anyone familiar with the neighborhood would expect. Gluten-free bakery and tarot card reading is available right next to free-range eggs and live music.
Shorewood Farmers Market
2100 E. Capitol Drive (Atwater School playground)
414-502-7164
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, June 28-Nov. 1
Brand new to the farmers market game, Shorewood’s planned market has already generated a lot of excitement from locals. Anticipated highlights include live music, cooking demos and loads of fresh produce.
South Shore Farmers Market
2900 S. Shore Drive (South Shore Park)
8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 13-Oct. 10 (No market July 11)
It’s pretty hard to beat a farmers market with a view of Lake Michigan, which is what shoppers at the South Shore market can look forward to. Great veggies, bakery, tamales, music, food trucks and smoked fish are also popular draws.
Tosa Farmers Market
7720 Harwood Ave.
414-301-2526
8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, May 30-Oct. 17 (No market July 4)
Located in the heart of Wauwatosa’s downtown, this market has grown quite a bit in the past few years. Features include yummy SA Braai sausages, apple cinnamon doughnuts, farm-raised buffalo, Valentine Coffee and, of course, fresh veggies. New this year, on the first Saturday of the month the regular market will also incorporate a Makers Market.
West Allis Farmers Market
6501 W. National Ave.
414-302-8600
Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-6 p.m. Saturdays, May 2-Nov. 28
The West Allis farmers market is the granddaddy of all the markets in the area. This biggest, longest-running market in southeastern Wisconsin opens later in the day so that the farmers can bring in fruits and veggies picked that very morning—now that’s fresh! The market mostly consists of produce stands with some prepared foods, cut flowers, fresh meat and poultry.
