With summer heating up and fresh produce season in full bloom, we’ve rounded up eight farmers markets in the Kansas City area to satisfy your appetite.
Overland Park Farmers Market
In 2022, Overland Park Farmers Market was named the winner of American Farmland Trust’s 14th Annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, which aimed to emphasize the importance of farmers’ markets within their communities. With products carefully labeled to indicate their nature and origin, whether they are locally purchased or USDA-certified organic, buyers are able to choose appropriately from a vast selection of goods.
This year, the market is expanding beyond its usual pavilion, through Marty Street and into adjacent parking lots. Now open every Saturday in April through November and every Wednesday in June through September, this change spaces out the stalls, provides more parking and includes restrooms.
7950 Marty St., Overland Park, KS.
Independence Uptown Market
Less than a half an hour from KC, the Independence Uptown Market is nestled in the historic Independence square and has both an indoor and an outdoor pavilion that combined can hold up to 300 people. While the market provides a supply of local meat, produce, sweets and handmade crafts, the 14000-square-foot space is also available for rent for events like wedding receptions, banquets and more, and is complete with a catering kitchen, sound system and restrooms.
Operating nearly year-round, the farmers’ market is open Wednesdays during May–October, Saturdays and Wednesdays June–August during summer, and on the first Saturday of every month December–April for the winter season.
211 W Truman Rd., Independence, MO.
Brookside Farmers Market
The Brookside Farmers Market prides itself on being community-oriented, with performances from local musicians, kids activities and a free community tent available to groups and businesses, the market ensures that all feel welcomed. Brookside Farmers’ Market is also committed to sustainable farming, only selecting vendors who pledge to uphold practices that protect the environment. As of this year, buyers are encouraged to visit the vendors’ farms at least once a season.
With the help of an indoor space for the winter, the Brookside Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday all year long.
HJ’s Community Center, 6425 Wornall Rd., KCMO.
Lawrence Farmers Market
More than just a simple market, at the Lawrence Farmers Market balloon artists, clowns, singers, drummers and various kinds of local musicians and entertainers perform every week. There are also scavenger hunts centered around finding different produce and products around the market for even more family fun. Even well-behaved dogs are welcome to join.
Tuesdays, May–October, 1142 Massachusetts St., Lawrence. Saturdays, April–November, 824 New Hampshire St., Lawrence.
Lee’s Summit Farmers Market
Along with various goods and produce sold by over 40 local vendors, such as Brooks Family Farm and Love at First Bite Custom Bakery, Lee’s Summit Farmers Market also provides food trucks from local businesses like Pura Vida KC, Chef Aristo and Rolling in the Dough. As participants in the Senior & WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the Lee’s Summit’s Market also hosts several vendors who are committed to providing nutritional produce for low-income seniors.
Wednesdays & Saturdays, April–November, 2nd & SE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, MO.
City Market Farmers Market
With City Market’s history as a center of community and commerce dating back to 1857, it’s no wonder that today it is home to the largest farmers’ market in the KC area. Boasting over 140 local vendors, there are homegrown or locally grown products, handcrafted items and alcoholic beverages. Buskers are also allowed to perform with music, dance, magic and juggling acts at eight locations throughout the market.
While you’re visiting the farmers’ market, make sure to check out the surrounding attractions. City Market is home to over 30 shops and restaurants like Brown and Loe, a former Merchant’s Bank which now uses local ingredients for their American cuisine, Hyper KC, which sells locally designed and printed clothing, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which preserves pre-Civil War history through various artifacts—all easily accessible by the KC Streetcar.
Saturdays & Sundays, March–December. Saturdays, January & February. 20 E 5th St #201, KCMO.
Merriam Farmers Market
Near Turkey Creek Streamway Trail and Werner Park, Merriam Farmers Market’s picturesque surroundings are only one of its many attractive features. Now celebrating its 25th year, the market hosts plenty of local farmers and bakers, and has live music performances on the first Saturday of every month. The market is children-friendly and has kids’ activities like an apple taste test and summer book giveaway on the third Saturday of each month as well as the Kids Maker Market, where anyone between the ages of six and 16 is welcome to share their handmade goods.
Saturdays, May–September. 5740 Merriam Dr, Merriam, KS.
Young Family Farm
At this family-owned farmers market, three generations of farmers sell a variety of vegetables and herbs every Saturday according to the season. Currently, the Young Family Farm will also have raw honey through July and August, sold by their farm beekeeper. This urban farm and market is proud to be able to provide fresh produce to those in their community who might not otherwise have access to these products. In an effort to be eco-friendly, the family uses no-till, spin farming techniques and organic methods.
3819 Wayne Ave, KCMO.
