Markets in the City

Lincoln hosts several farmers’ markets throughout the year, from spring to winter. These markets feature fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, local art, and live performances. Here are a few popular farmer’s markets you won’t want to miss.

Saturday Haymarket Farmer’s Market

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

This Lincoln staple has provided farm-fresh foods and products for nearly 40 years. Over the decades, it has expanded to cover more blocks, witnessed the creation of Canopy Street, and thrived under the care of the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation.

Set-up begins at 6 am, and while you can browse before the official 8 am start, sales don’t commence until a whistle blows. However, you can ask vendors to set items aside until then. Just be sure to return before the market closes at noon. Family-friendly performances are scheduled between 9 and 11 am in Iron Horse Park, where a retired train engine offers a perfect backdrop for tourist photos.

The market also features food stalls from some of Lincoln’s favorite restaurants. The shops and restaurants in the Haymarket area maintain their regular hours, making it easy to enjoy a sit-down lunch before taking your finds home.

Sunday Farmer’s Market at College View

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

College View Farmer’s Market is producer-only, meaning the vendors themselves make all products sold. This focus on locally produced goods results in a slightly smaller market, with around 50 vendors. While there are fewer artisan stalls, the market offers interactive experiences that other markets often lack.

Enjoy live music from 11 am to 1 pm, and start your day with yoga or meditation at 10 am. A Master Gardener booth is available throughout the market to answer any gardening questions.

In November and December, the Holiday Harvest Market takes over, continuing the commitment to fresh foods while emphasizing holiday preparations. Visitors can find unique gifts and seasonal items to bring home.

Thursday Farmer’s Market in Fallbrook

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

This is the only market held on a weekday evening. It features 20 regular vendors, a bounce house, and a dedicated game area. Located in a neighborhood green space, it offers the most kid-friendly experience of all the markets. With a strong emphasis on the local community, its wide range of activities makes it a fantastic destination for free fun, whether you’re a local or just visiting.

East Campus Discovery Days and Farmer’s Market

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

Hosted on UNL’s East Campus, just west of the Dairy Store, this Farmers Market combines a market with a science event. Though only about two dozen vendors exist, the space is filledwith family-friendly learning experiences. You can pick up garden plants with care cards, participate in a 4-H activity, discuss landscaping with a Master Gardener, play in the dirt, or, for the more adventurous, visit the entomology booth.

While other food options are available, save room for a delicious ice cream treat from the Dairy Store at the end of your visit!

Meat Markets

Several meat markets open year-round and sell lots of Nebraska-raised meats, including grass-fed beef. Here are a few to check out. One of Lincoln’s oldest and best-known butcher shops is at Leon’s Gourmet Grocer at 2200 Winthrop Road. A few newer and popular butcher shops that Lincolnites frequent are:

The Mercato-Certified Piedmontese has two locations at 4841 North 84th Street, and 8601 South 30th Street. 

The Fareway Meat Market is located at 3033 South 84th Street.

And Del Gould Meat can be found at 3520 North 20th Street.