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Now that Metro Detroit’s farmers markets have been open for the season for a few weeks, hopefully you’ve had the opportunity to check one or two out. While some of you might be sitting here thinking, “why would I want to get up early on a weekend and go purchase vegetables?” I am here to tell you that there is much more to a farmers market than just that.
Did you know that several farmers markets in the area hold special events throughout the season? There’s also a brand spankin’ new farmers market in downtown Detroit. Let’s explore them both!
Corktown Farmers Market is located at 1236 Michigan Ave., Detroit, outside of the Detroit Institute of Bagels. The market is held every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and celebrated its official grand opening last Thursday.
From now through October, you can find a variety of vendors including Brooklyn Street Local (providing paninis, salads and beverages), Detroit Food Academy (a group selling student-made treats), Detroit Marshmallow Co., Fresh Cut Flower Farm, Motor City Soap and What Up Dough (locally made cookie dough and ice cream cookie sandwiches). You’ll also find plenty of produce from the likes of Rising Pheasant Farms and Labrosse Farm.
Westland Farmers Market can be found at 1901 N. Carlson Rd. in Central City Park. This year, the market is open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through the beginning of October.
Don’t miss out on Pet Palooza on Thursday, June 18! Bring your pup to the market, where you can shop together or adopt a friend for Fido through the Last Day Dog Rescue. Behavioral training demos and behavior assessments will also be available.
Thursday, July 9 is Kid’s Day, when children can enjoy crafts, story time and children’s music. Later in the summer, don’t miss out on Good Health Day on Thursday, Aug. 27, when health vendors will participate in the market. There will also be a raffle to win a basket full of items from various vendors at the farmers market.
Mount Clemens Farmers Market can be found at 141 N. River Rd. from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of November. A bit further into the season, the Wednesday downtown market is also open at the corner of S. Gratiot and Pine Street beginning on Wednesday, July 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, June 6, enjoy Flower Daze at the Mount Clemens Farmers Market! If you’re looking for flowers or vegetable plants for your yard or garden, the farmers market will have a great selection of flowers, accent plants, perennials, trees and more. It’s a great event to kick off the warm season and beautify your surroundings at once.
Oakland County Farmers Market, located at 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd. in Waterford, is open year round, with summer operating hours from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The market sees approximately 300,000 visitors each year, and there is a combined 70 indoor and outdoor vendor stalls.
Upcoming special events include Flower Day on Sunday, May 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and a Community Garage Sale on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In July, head back for a Food Truck Rally on the 11th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some of the area’s best food trucks will be on site serving up tasty creations while you shop.
Free educational programs are also held on farmers market days, courtesy of the MSU Extension Health and Nutrition program. On Saturday, May 30, learn how to prepare asparagus recipes while sampling one, too. Next month, be sure to attend the strawberries program on Saturday, June 20, where you’ll see a demonstration on making freezer jam. Each program is held from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., is also a year-round market, and one that holds a plethora of events throughout the year. You’ll find plenty of produce during market hours on Fridays (7 a.m. to 1 p.m. during summer months only) and Saturdays (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
There is always something going on at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, many events which take place outside of normal business hours. Metro Detroit Tastefest is coming up on Thursday, June 11, as well as The Big Grill Burger Bash on Thursday, July 23.
While any farmers market is a great place to find fresh produce, it’s also a terrific venue for special events. Keep your eyes peeled for fun happenings at your local farmers market this season, and don’t miss out on the ones listed above.
