THE MARKET’S MISSION

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market is operated by the DDA and is managed by SEEDS on a contract basis. The purpose of the market is to create a sales venue for local area farmers, provide opportunity for local residents and visitors to purchase quality farm-grown goods, to provide a community gathering place, and to promote and stimulate economic development and create traffic downtown.


WHEN
May: Saturdays, 7:30a-12p
June-October: Wednesdays 8a-12p & Saturdays 7:30a-12p

WHERE
Rotary Square
Union and State Streets
Traverse City, MI



ABOUT THE MARKET

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market was taken over by the DDA in 1984. Named after one of the area’s leading philanthropists, our market has been a grassroots market that started with less than ten vendors. It has now grown to be one of the top 3 largest markets in the state (and the largest growers only market)! We serve over 115 local area farmers throughout our season and hope to accommodate more in the coming years.

We are governed by the DDA Board, but have a passionate Farmers Market Advisory Board that helps the DDA with major decisions in the management of our market. The Farmers Market Advisory Board consists of vendors, customers, DDA representative(s), and City Commission representative(s).

Our market also firmly believes in food accessibility in our region and support the following Food Assistance Programs: EBT/SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project Fresh, Project Fresh, & Hoophouses for Health.

In 2016, the Michigan Farmers Market Association conducted an Economic Impact Study. To view that report, please visit our reports page here.

Our market is a pet free and smoke free market. We apologize for any inconvenience. 


WHEN IS THE SARA HARDY FARMERS MARKET?

The Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market runs every Wednesday and Saturday: the Saturday market begins the first Saturday in May, the Wednesday market begins the first Wednesday in June. The Farmers Market will take place on the ground floor of the Old Town Parking Deck during the National Cherry Festival.

TIME

  • Saturdays starting in May through October: 7:30 am to Noon
  • Wednesdays starting in June through October: 8:00am to Noon

WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

The Market takes place at Rotary Square at the corner of Union and State Streets in Downtown Traverse City. Please make note that the Market is moved to the Old Town Parking Garage during the National Cherry Festival.

Location: Rotary Square, Union & State Streets, Downtown Traverse City


APPLICATIONS TO VEND:

CLICK HERE for the 2024 application.