TCD’s 2012 Farmers Market Guide

Photos by Michael Newman, Ashley Dryden, Nicholas Nikolic and Brian Jacobson via flickr.com (CC Lic.)

The sweet taste of summer is just around the corner! We know you can’t wait for that first crisp bite of sweet corn, the earthy taste of a juicy sun-ripened tomato, and the delight of sumptuous summer berries. Use this handy farmers market guide to plan a season of healthful, flavorful, local eating. Support your local farmers and meet your neighbors at a market near you, and explore the unique products, traditions, and communities highlighted by each different market. You’re sure to uncover hard-to-find ethnic varieties of produce and lovingly made artisanal foods. Beyond food to buy, you’ll find themed cooking contests and events, educational demonstrations and workshops, live music by local artists, as well as handcrafted arts and crafts.

We’ll be sure to keep this list updated as additional markets open. Bon appetit!

Brown Deer Farmers’ Market
Location TBA
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., June – October
Find annuals and perennials, herbs, fruits and vegetables.
414-354-6923

Brookfield Farmers’ Market
2200 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., May – October
Get your choice of annuals, perennials, fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, maple syrup, cheese, yogurt, mushrooms, Elk and other meats, chickens, eggs, baked goods, dried floral, garden art, crafts and much more. Enjoy weekly entertainment, demonstrations and hand-crafted items. Market & More handmade craft sale is held on the plaza on the third Saturday of each month.
262-784-7804

Historic Cedarburg Farmers Market
Corner of Mill St. and Washington St., Cedarburg (grass lot across from Tri-City Bank)
Fridays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 8 – October 26
Visitors will find a wide variety of fresh farm produce, organic foods, flowers, herbs and perennials, fresh coffee, bakery and artisan crafts.
262-673-3122; katbeads9@hotmail.com

Clare Oasis Indoor/Outdoor Farmers Market
Marian Center for Nonprofits; 3211 S. Lake Drive, St. Francis
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., May 1 – October 9
Buy from the market’s artists, crafters, farmers, producers and food preparers.
414-530-0916; maccetturo@clare-oasis.org

 

East Side Green Market
Beans and Barley parking lot; 1901 E. North Ave., Milwaukee
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 16 – October 13
Featuring locally grown produce from right here in Milwaukee, local artists, designers & craftspeople, sustainable living/growing demonstrations, delicious local food & drinks and great local entertainment.
414-502-9489; todd@sweetwater-organic.com

East Town Farmers Market
Cathedral Square Park; 520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee (corner of Kilbourn Ave. & Jefferson St.)
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., June 2 – October 6
Live it up with over 100 Wisconsin farmers, craftsmen, bakers and chefs offering fresh produce, locally made crafts, and prepared foods. Scheduled events most days, including live bands, yoga sponsored by the WAC, vendor demonstrations, kids activities, games, Spring and Fall Yard Sales and the Chili Cook-Off.
414-271-1416; elinn@easttown.com

Fondy Farmers Market
2200 W. Fond du Lac Ave., Milwaukee (one block north of North Ave.)
Open Saturdays all season, May 5 – November 17
Open 4 days/week, June 23 – November (Sat, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sun, Tues, Thurs, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Farmers offer locally grown fruits and veggies, including a wide variety of greens and Asian produce. Stay for cooking demos, live entertainment, festivals, and made-from-scratch foods.
414-933-8121; info@fondymarket.org

Fox Point Farmers Market
Stormonth School; 7300 N. Lombardy Rd., Fox Point (west parking lot at Mall and Lombardy Rd.)
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., June 16 – October 13
Find produce, honey, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, mushrooms, native plants, flowers, maple syrup, herbs, cheese, bakery, chocolate truffles, Mexican bakery and tamales, Greek pastry, coffee, and artisanal soap at this producers-only market. Events each week include chef demos, kids activities, and music.
414-352-0555; mj8049@sbcglobal.net

Garden District Farmer’s Market
6th St. and Howard Ave. on Milwaukee’s South Side (adjacent to community gardens)
Saturdays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., June 23 – October 20 (Grand Opening is July 7)
Located on Milwaukee’s  designated Green Corridor, this market transforms an underutilized stretch of land into a beautiful, environmentally-friendly community asset. Along the brick-paved farmer’s market are community garden plots, a public composting area, and there will soon be a green-roofed amphitheater for community events. Anchor vendors include Growing Power and Apple Holler.
414-331-7864; market@milwaukeegdna.com; stiegs@gmail.com

Germantown Farmers Market
Germantown Center Mall; Life Church parking lot, W164N11325 Squire Dr., Germantown (corner of Mequon Rd. and Squire Dr.)
Saturdays, 8a.m. – 2 p.m., May 5 – October 27 (closed May 19)
Offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
262-250-4710

Grafton Farmers’ Market
Twin City Plaza Lot; 1720 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton
Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., July – growing season
Get your fresh produce, flowers, elk meat and herbs.
262-377-1650; chamber@grafton-wi.org

Greendale Open Market
Greendale Municipal Parking Lot, just west of Broad St.
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 6/23, 7/7, 7/21, 8/4, 8/18, 8/25, 9/8, 9/22, 10/6, 10/20
A wide variety of unique vendors and community groups feature their wares from flowers to fresh produce to bakery and arts & crafts. Peruse bakery, honey, crafts, apples, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and bread.
414-423-2790; jackie.schweitzer@greendale.k12.wi.us

Hales Corners Harvest on the Homestead
Stahl-Conrad Homestead; 9724 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 6/16, 6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/11, 9/1, 9/15, 10/13, 10/27
Harvest at the Homestead farmers’ market recalls the Hales Corners Stock Fair which was held monthly from 1871 to 1958 on Forest Home Ave. north to Grange Ave. Unlike the Stock Fair, however, there won’t be any farm animals for sale! Delight in produce, bakery, arts and crafts. Contact the market manager to get email updates about produce availability and events.
414-708-0584; robertstockinger@mac.com

Hartford Farmers Market
Hartford Parks & Rec Dept.; 147 N. Rural St., Hartford (parking lot, one block north of Hwy. 60 on Rural St.)
Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 5 – November 10
Browse fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade products brought to you by area vendors.
262-673-7193

Hartung Park Farmers’ Market
Hartung Park; Menomonee River Parkway and Keefe St., Milwaukee/Wauwatosa
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., June 13 – September 19
Find fresh fruit and vegetables here!
414-535-1392; hartungpark@gmail.com

Historic Horticultural Hall Farmers’ Market
Horticultural Hall; 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva
Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 10 – October 27
847-867-8684; market@horticulturalhall.com

Kenosha HarborMarket
Kenosha Harbor Park; 2nd Ave. between 55th and 56th St.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., May 19 – October 13
Kenosha Winter HarborMarket
Rhode Center for the Arts; 514 56th St., Kenosha
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., October 20 – May 12 (closed December 22 & 29)
Year-round market sets up outdoors May 19 through mid October 13. Find a wide range of natural meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, produce, arts, crafts and activities such as garlic and strawberry contests.
262-914-1252; forgianniray@hotmail.com

Lake Mills Farmers’ Market
Downtown, Commons Park; 200 Water St., Lake Mills (North Main St. and East Lake St.)
Wednesdays, 2 p.m.  – dusk (approx. 7 p.m.), May – October
Featuring something for all the senses. Situated in beautiful Commons Park, the market offers an array of locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables, baked goods, honey, preserves, meat, plants and flowers. Also find handcrafted items, including jewelry, rugs and decorative accents.
920-397-9582

Menomonee Falls Farmers’ Market
North Junior High Campus Parking Lot (one block west of the corner on Appleton & Main)
Wednesdays, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m., May 2 – November 21
Sundays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., July 1 – October 30
Grab fresh vegetables, eggs, bakery, fresh flowers (annuals and perennials), crafts and honey, cheeses and meats.
262-251-8797; vcmenfalls@wi.rr.com

Milwaukee Public Market Outdoor Urban Market
Milwaukee Public Market; 400 N. Water St., Milwaukee (on St. Paul Ave. side of Public Market)
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 2 – October 6 (closed June 30)
Enjoy unlimited free parking on the weekends and events every week including live music while you shop Wisconsin-grown produce, jewelry and accessories artwork.
414-336-1111

New Berlin Farmers Market
16300 W. National Ave., New Berlin
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., May 5 – October 27
Shop jewelry and bedding plants early in the season and apples, sweet corn, baked goods and produce and more as the season progresses.
262-786-5280

Oconomowoc Farmers Market
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; 210 E. Pleasant St., Oconomowoc (church parking lot)
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 17 – October 27
This market offers produce, flowers, arts and crafts, music, chefs, education booths, natural cleaning products, honey, fresh meats, bakery, music and entertainment. Free parking and admission.
262-567-2666; pat@oconomowoc.org

Port Washington Farmers Market
The corner of Main St. & Franklin St., Port Washington
8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturdays June 4 through October 29.
Shop this lakeview farmers market for seasonal foods, baked goods, flowers and more. You’ll often find music and other entertainment, as well as food and refreshments.
262-305-4220; sgrover@portbid.com

Riverwest Gardeners Market
Garden Park; corner of Locust St. and Bremen St., Milwaukee (2 blocks west of Humboldt)
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 17 – October 28
Featuring local produce, organics, flowers, herbs and live music.
414-367-9389

South Shore Farmers’ Market
South Shore Park; 2900 South Shore Dr., Bay View
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., June 16 – October 13
Enjoy vegetables, organics, coffee, bakery, jellies, syrup and fruit, artisan cheeses and meats. Listen to live music in the scenic South Shore Park abutting Lake Michigan.

Thiensville Farmers Market
Bonnywell Apartments Shopping Center, Main St. & Friestadt, Thiensville (behind Walgreens)
Tuesdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., June – October
Take home exclusively homegrown vegetables, meats and poultry, flowers, honey, herbs, bakery and associated edible items.
262-512-1790; Nicole.schneider10@yahoo.com

Tosa Farmers Market
7720 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa (in the Hart’s Mill parking lot across from the Little Red Store)
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., June 2 – October 13
Over 3o vendors featuring fruits and veggies, annuals and perennials, meats and cheeses, baked goods, specialty items and much more. Handcrafted items featured at Makers Markets, held the first Saturday of every month during the season.
414-875-0883; tosamarket@gmail.com

Walker Square Farmers’ Market
Walker Square Park, between 9th St. & 10th St. and Washington St. & Mineral St. in Milwaukee
Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., May 27 – October 28
Purchase fresh, healthy, affordable locally grown fruits and vegetables from area farmers. New this season: more space, easier parking, bike racks, restrooms, and a playground for children! Events include community rummage sale on June 16th, Grand Opening on June 24th featuring The Squeezettes, Milwaukee Mijas‘ “Hecho en Milwaukee” on July 25th, and Milwaukee Mijas’ Day of the Dead parade on November 2nd.
414-301-3110; jason.cleereman@gmail.com

Watertown Fair Day
Riverside Park; 815 Labaree St.
Tuesdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 1 – November 13 (market closed July 3 and August 7)
Pick up lots of produce within season, bedding plants, floral arrangements, honey, crafts, specialty meats, bakery, specialty demonstrations.
920-261-6320; andi@watertownchamber.com

Watson Street Farmers Market
Village Green; 400 Watson St., Ripon (downtown on the corner of Watson St. and Seward St.)
Saturdays, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Tuesdays, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., June – October
Locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, preserves and numerous other products.
920-748-7466

Waukesha Farmers Market
Riverfront Plaza, just south of Fox River between Broadway and Barstow
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., May 5 – October 27
Shop a wide selection of locally grown produce, naturally raised meats including buffalo, chicken, lamb and pork, Wisconsin cheeses, honey, bakery, preserves, jams and crafts, fish, yogurt milk and cream.
262-549-6154; bid@downtownwaukesha.wi.us

West Allis Farmers’ Market
1559 S. 65th St., at National Ave., West Allis (on the corner of W. National Ave. & S. 65th St.)
Saturdays, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., May – November
Locally grown plants, produce, flowers, meat, herbs and much more.
414-302-8000

Downtown West Bend Farmers’ Market
Old Settler’s Park; 1115 S. Main St., West Bend (Downtown Main St. & Cedar)
Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., June 2 – October 27
One of the largest in the area with over 65 regular and seasonal vendors selling the freshest locally grown produce, flowers, bakery, frozen meats and poultry, dairy, eggs, cheese and so much more. The North Main Expansion hosts more specialty vendors selling organic produce, doggy bakery items, handmade oils and personal care items and more. Stop by Old Settler’s Park for live entertainment.
262-338-3909; events@downtownwestbend.com

 

Westown Farmers’ Market
Zeidler Union Square; 301 W. Michigan St., Milwaukee (Michigan St. between 3rd St. and 4th St.)
Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 6 – October 31
A vibrant and diverse marketplace in the heart of Downtown Milwaukee. Meet more than 60 vendors offering locally grown fruits, vegetables and flowers, prepared food items, and handmade artwork,  with lunch by downtown restaurant vendors. The year was extended in November and December by offering an indoor version of the market in the Grand Avenue mall.
414-276-6696; marissa@westown.org