Farmer Fresh

by Aja Martin 

Saturday Haymarket Farmers Market

Q & Canopy Street
Saturdays 8am-12pm
May through mid-October
downtownlincoln.org/haymarket/farmers-market

This Lincoln staple has been sharing farm fresh foods and products for almost 40 years now. In that time it has expanded to more blocks, seen the creation of Canopy Street, and been nurtured by the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation.

Set-up begins at 6am and you can look around prior to the 8am start. Sales cannot begin until after an actual whistle blows but you can ask vendors to set items aside until then. Just make sure you return for them before the noon market close time. Family-friendly performances are scheduled between 9-11 and are held in Iron Horse Park. There is a retired train engine there that make for excellent tourist photos.

This market features food stalls from Lincoln’s favorite restaurants. The shops and restaurants that make up the Haymarket keep their regular hours making it convenient to grab a sit-down lunch before hauling your treats and treasures home.

Sunday Farmers Market at College View

4801 Prescott Avenue
Sundays 10am-2pm
May through October
sundayfarmersmarket.org

This is a producer-only market, which means that all products being sold have been made by the vendors themselves. The focus on producer-only options makes this a slightly smaller market at 50 vendors. Due to this, there are less artisan stalls but they make up for that with interactive options that other markets lack.

There is music from 11am-1pm, yoga or meditation at 10am, and a Master Gardener booth to ready to answer gardening questions for the whole of the market. 

In November and December, the Holiday Harvest Market opens in place of the Farmers Market. While there is a continued dedication to fresh foods, this seasonal Market places an emphasis on holiday preparation. Visitors can find unique gifts to bring home with them.

Thursday Farmers Market in Fallbrook

600 Fallbrook Boulevard
Every other Thursday, 4-7pm
Mid-June through mid-October
thursdayfarmersmarket.org 

This is both the only weekday and evening market. It has 20 regular vendors plus a bounce house and an area dedicated to games.

Nestled in a neighborhood green space, it offers the most kid-friendly experience of all the markets. There is a major focus on local community but its abundant activities make it a great destination of free fun for locals and visitors alike. 

East Campus Discovery Days and Farmers Market

East Campus Mall
Second Saturdays, 10am-2pm
June, July, and August
discoverydays.unl.edu

Hosted on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, this Farmers Market is just west of the Dairy Store. This is a dual market + science event. There are only two dozen vendors but that is to make space for family-friendly learning experiences. Get garden plants with care cards, do a 4-H sponsored activity, discuss landscaping options with a Master Gardener, play in some dirt, and braver souls can visit the entomology booth.

There are food options other than the Dairy Store but try to save some room for an ice cream treat at the end of the market