Farmers markets are many people's preferred way to buy locally grown fresh produce during the summer months, and if that isn’t enough to draw you in, they often have much more to offer.
Many exist as or are part of organizations dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious food to people who don’t always have access to it in other ways. These markets often operate in some capacity year-round and have a wider variety of goods available than you might think.
Some even host various community events, and many markets are considered destinations for socializing. There are dozens of farmers markets just in our region of southeast Michigan and hundreds more beyond that, but let’s focus on a few shining stars in our area.
Canton Farmers Market
First up, it’s none other than our very own Canton Farmers Market.
Started in the 1950s to help local farmers of the “Sweet Corn Capitol of Michigan” sell their produce, it drew in vendors and customers from miles around, which continues to be the case to this day.
The 2025 regular season market will run every Sunday at Village Arts Factory, which is located at 50755 Cherry Hill Rd, from May 11 to October 12. The market will be closed on June 15, July 6, August 31 and September 28.
Details about other services, such as the mobile farmers market and holiday artisan market, can be found on their website.
Eastern Market
Next, we have Detroit’s famous Eastern Market. Founded in the 1800s, it became a cornerstone of the community when the modern Eastern Market Partnership developed infrastructure to support the market's central mission: the nutritional, cultural and economic enrichment of Detroit.
Eastern Market stalls are open from 6:00 AM-4:00 PM on Saturdays year-round. From June through September, there is a Sunday Market from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM and a Tuesday Market from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM. Visit the Eastern Market's website for details about vendors and parking.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Third on our tour is the renowned Ann Arbor Farmers Market, established in 1919 on 4th Street and later moved to its current location in 1931. The current stalls, sporting roofs to help with inclement weather and pavement to improve access, were built by WPA workers between 1938 and 1941.
The market regularly draws in vendors and customers from near and far and runs year-round. The traditional produce-focused Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM from January through April and 7:00 AM-3:00 PM from May to December. A Wednesday Farmers Market from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM also runs from May through December 20.
You'll also want to check out the Artisan Market, which features hand-crafted items from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM every Sunday from April 2 through December 20.
Ypsilanti Farmers Market
Ypsilanti’s farmers market is run by Growing Hope, a community-funded organization that provides healthy, affordable food to all Ypsilanti residents.
Founded in 2003, Growing Hope initially focused on school and community gardens. In 2006, they founded a downtown market specifically targeted toward locals within walking distance. Not only did the new market address the local food desert, but it also helped revitalize the city of Ypsilanti.
The market is held on South Washington St. in Ypsilanti from 3:00-7:00 PM on Tuesdays between May and October. Growing Hope also manages occasional off-season markets hosted by local restaurants and a year-round online market.
Royal Oak Farmers Market
Founded in 1925 by the city of Royal Oak and Oakland County to serve the growing community, the Royal Oak Farmers Market has drawn farmers from miles away for decades. The original 1927 brick and tile building is still in use today. Since then, the market has expanded its activities to include artisan markets, flea markets and numerous activities for community organizations.
What started as a way to support a small community in growing and shipping fresh rhubarb has grown into an institution symbolic of the city. In 1996, residents took direct action to prevent it from being sold to developers. The result was the county selling its interest in the market to the city, so it remains a thriving and dynamic part of Royal Oak.
With numerous weddings, food truck rallies and craft shows using the venue year-round, it’s no wonder the Saturday market runs 52 weeks a year from 7:00 AM-1:00 PM. They also have a Friday market with the same hours that runs from May through Thanksgiving and an antiques and collectibles market on Sundays from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Lincoln Park Farmers Market
Lincoln Park’s Farmers Market is a relative newcomer, founded in 2007 as Downriver’s first farmers market. It’s also the first Sunday market in all of Wayne County, making it a vital way for the local community to access fresh food and produce.
With farmers coming from Wayne, Monroe and Washtenaw counties and special events throughout the season, it’s no wonder this relatively new market draws crowds into the hundreds during their June 1 to October 26 season, plus a fun Holiday Market on November 23.
Check out the market on Sundays from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, located at the southwest corner of Fort Street and Southfield Road in Lincoln Park.
Farmers markets have always been important parts of the communities where they take place. They offer fresh and healthy food, economic opportunity, social cohesion and support to the people and places that make them possible.
If you’ve never been to one, pick a market to visit and see for yourself what’s so special about them. If you’re already a market fan, let us know what you love best.
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