Greater Lansing area farmers markets ready to open for the season

Jack Moreland, Lansing State Journal

May 5, 2023 at 2:49 PM·9 min read

STOCKBRIDGE — Farmers markets, which during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic provided people a way to get out, find fresh food and connect with their neighbors are continuing to offer those benefits, one local manager said as the season gets underway.

Suzi Greenway, market manager for the Stockbridge Open Air Market, remembers residents and others visiting the market during the pandemic to interact with their neighbors and friends in a safe, outdoor setting.

"We were actually incredibly busy," Greenway said. She expects to continue seeing crowds at the weekly market.

Farmers markets are a summer staple in mid-Michigan, bringing fresh produce, local goods and various activities to communities, usually on Saturday or Sunday each week. And people in charge of the markets, like Greenway, take pride in bringing support to local businesses and positively impacting the community.

"I love my market," Greenway said. "It's so gratifying making the community come together and feel happy."

While some markets start up later this spring, many open early in May. Here's a look at where you can shop this spring and summer.

Live music and movies return to Stockbridge, food trucks join the fun

Stockbridge Open Air Market | 4 - 7 p.m. Fridays (May-October), music and movies will run throughout the evening after normal market hours, Stockbridge

The market has a summer schedule with plenty of vendors and live music weekly. The market will host monthly movie nights on the town square and, new this season, food trucks will visit the first two weeks of each month from May through September.

The market and live music start May 5. The first movie night of the summer will be May 19 after the first day of that weekend's two-day Pop Up Flea Market event.

For more information, visit the Stockbridge Open Air Market website.

Bringing fresh produce and garden basics to Lansing

Allen Farmers Market | 3 - 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays (year-round), summer season - May to October — 1629 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing

The Allen Farmers Market operates in Lansing year-round, but will begin its 19th summer season May 10 with a free ice cream giveaway from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Eastside Lansing Food Co-Op.

The market occupies the Eastside Lansing Food Co-op parking lot and functions as an indoor/outdoor market where anyone can visit to purchase fresh produce and enjoy food and crafts, and weekly live entertainment each Wednesday.

Each month, the market will host a special festival to celebrate a specific crop in-season. The Seed Festival is May 17, and there will be a free seed giveaway and resources to encourage community members to start their own gardens.

The market is offering a free pedicab service to pick up and drop off customers. To schedule a pedicab ride to or from the market, visit the market's booking site. The market is still accepting applications on the market website and Facebook page.

South Lansing Farmers Market | 3 - 7 p.m. Thursdays (May 18-Oct. 19) — Parking Lot of Soldan's Pet Store, 5016 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing

The South Lansing Farmers Market offers plenty of "fresh, affordable, locally grown foods" and is kid and pet friendly, according to the market website. The market is still accepting applications for summer vendors.

More information on the market and vendor applications can be found on the market website and Facebook page.

Growers-only market brings homegrown goods and summer fun to East Lansing

East Lansing Farmers Market | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sundays (June 4 - Oct. 29) — Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court, East Lansing

The growers-only market is near downtown and Michigan State University's campus. Products sold are "100% homegrown" by Michigan vendors, according to the market website. The 2023 season will feature five special market days, including opening day; a Juneteenth celebration; a Parks, Recreation and Arts Day in July; a Spartan Appreciation Day in September; and an Autumn Feast in October.

For dates and more information, visit the market's event website. General information on the season can be found on the market's main website and its Facebook page.

Marketplace on the Green brings multiple market days and live entertainment to Meridian Township

Meridian Township Farmers Market | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays (May-October) — Marketplace on the Green, 1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos

The year-round market, now underway, has moved back outside for the season and will host about 60 food and produce vendors, along with live entertainment every Saturday.

The Marketplace on the Green will be busy during the week as well, hosting additional market hours with around 30 vendors from 3 to 7 p.m. and the Summer Concert Series from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday. The Wednesday markets will take place from June through October, while the Summer Concert Series will run from June through September.

For information on market hours or concert series, visit the market website and Facebook page.

Laingsburg's second market location brings variety to the food and fun

Laingsburg Farmers Market | 5 - 8 p.m. Thursdays (year-round beginning in June) and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sundays (June-October) — Thursday markets in the Laingsburg Congregational Church, Saturday markets along Roosevelt Row

This summer the Laingsburg Farmers Market found a second home inside the Laingsburg Congregational Church that will allow the market to operate on Thursdays year-round. Vendors will set up along Roosevelt Row on Sundays. Market Manager Kayla Shaffer said the second market day will help improve variety each week, providing an additional opportunity for vendors who have limited availability.

Shaffer hopes the market dates and locations will encourage customers to explore the town a little bit. The Thursday market hours will coincide with Laingsburg's weekly music in the park and the Sunday markets downtown is expected to draw attention to other local businesses.

For more information, visit the market website and Facebook page.

Williamston market to open May 14

Eastern Ingham Farmers Market | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sundays (May 14-October) — 228 Putnam St. at McCormick Park, Williamston

The market offers fresh, local goods and handmade artisan products to the community. According to the market website, about 25 vendors are expected each week with a variety of goods.

In its fifth year operating the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market, the nonprofit Sowing Growth hopes to elevate the vendor, customer and volunteer experience at the market. Opening Day for May 14. and the market is still inviting local vendors, food trucks and volunteers.

To find out how to help out at the market, visit the market Facebook page. To read more on Sowing Growth, visit the organization's website and for information on the market, visit its website.

Holt hosts year-round market

Holt Farmers Market | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays (year-round) — 2150 Cedar St., Holt

The market operates year-round in the former Delhi township Fire Department building, with space for vendors and customers both inside and outside. In addition to the open market hours on Saturdays, the market will host a "Food Frenzy" event on one Wednesday each month from May until October.

For the special event dates, vendor applications and further information, visit the market website.

DeWitt hosts mid-week market

Downtown DeWitt Farmers Market | 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays (June 6-Oct. 10) — North of the intersection of Main and Bridge streets, DeWitt

The market will be in full swing with at least 35 different vendors and eight food trucks already expected to make appearances throughout the season, starting in June.

Vendor applicants should apply more than a week ahead of their desired date. For more information, visit the market website and Facebook page.

Portland market to host extravaganza

Old Red Mill Farmers Market | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays (June-October) — Old Red Mill Pavilion and Grounds, 450 N. Water St., Portland

Before the Saturday markets start in June at the Old Red Mill, the market will host its 14th annual Porch and Garden Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 20 to welcome spring to mid-Michigan. Vendors will be selling flowers, starter plants and homemade products in addition to various goods and services to help with outdoor home, garden and lawn care.

For more information, visit the market Facebook page.

Dimondale market kicks off May 13

Dimondale Farmers Market | 3 - 7 p.m. Thursdays (June-September), (3 - 6 p.m. in October) — 136 N. Bridge St., Dimondale

The Dimondale village square will turn into a marketplace for fresh, local produce once a week, starting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13. For more information, visit the Dimondale Farmers Market website.

Mason boasts of creekside market

Mason Farmers Market | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays (July 8-Sept. 30) — Lee Austin Park between Maple and Ash streets, Mason

On the banks of Sycamore Creek, customers at the market will be able to find a variety of fresh, local produce and other homemade goods. New faces selling dried flower works and wood crafts are expected in Mason this summer.

Market Master Elaine Ferris said the market's pavilion location near the creek has a "100% breeze" and is always a cooler place to spend a hot summer day.

For updates and more information on the happenings, visit the market Facebook page.

St. Johns hosts Saturday market downtown

St Johns Farmers Market | 8 a.m. - noon Saturdays (June 10-Oct. 28) — 100 Maple St., St Johns

The market offers variety for morning shoppers throughout the summer. The market is expecting both familiar and new vendors bringing a variety of goods to the market venue right near the town courthouse.

For more information, visit the market's Facebook page.

Charlotte market to open

Charlotte Artisans & Farmers Market | 2 - 6 p.m. Thursdays (May-October) — 120 W. Lovett St., Charlotte

The Charlotte Artisans & Farmers Market will be open throughout the summer with live music once a month. Visit the market's Facebook page for updates to the summer schedule.

Fowler market starts in May

The Fowler Village Market | 4 p.m., Second Tuesday of every month (May-October) — 11135 W. Clinton St., Fowler

Each month the market will provide fresh produce, crafts, food and fun, organizers said.

Visit the market Facebook page to see announcements about new and returning vendors who will be present at market days throughout the summer.

Maple Rapids market starts in May

Maple Rapids Farmers Market | 4 - 7 p.m., Every other Wednesday (May-October) — Dewey's Trading Post, 104 S. Maple Ave., Maple Rapids

The market gets underway May 31 at its new location in Dewey's Trading Post's parking lot. Markets take place every other Wednesday.

Visit the market's Facebook page for more information.

Market on the Grand starts May 20

Market on the Grand | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays (May-October) — at Jaycee Park, 525 River St., Grand Ledge

The market gets underway May 20 at the park.