Madison is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and farmers markets are a great way to experience it. When shopping at local Madison farmers markets, you can feast on delicious food knowing that it’s as fresh as it can possibly be (it might have traveled only a couple of miles down the road).
However, attending a farmers market in Madison is not only about prioritizing higher nutritional content and better flavor. It’s about supporting your community, as buying local means your dollars will stay local.
Of course, markets are also about having fun and catching up with your friends and neighbors. So, here are 15 farmers’ markets for you to choose from for the days when you decide to combine the pleasant and the useful.
Our Favorite Madison Farmers Markets
Table of Contents
Monday Markets
1. South Madison Farmers Market (at Rimrock Road)
Where: 2500 Rimrock Rd. – Novation Center
When: June-November, 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Why Visit:
The Rimrock Road Market is one of the five locations of the South Madison Farmers Market. This is the only market open on Mondays, so if you prefer to do your weekly shop at the beginning of the week, then this is where you should head to. The market features an array of vendors from the Greater Madison Region that offer locally grown produce, hanging baskets, fresh sprouts, veggie garden starters, organic and free-range meat, and much more.
Tuesday Markets
2. Eastside Farmers’ Market
Where: 202 S Ingersoll St
When: June-October, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Why Visit:
The sponsors usually keep the Eastside Farmers’ Market going in late fall and winter from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Even though there are only a handful of vendors during this time of the year, you’ll still be able to get your hands on quite a few items. During summer and the beginning of fall, this farmers market in Madison takes place in the lovely McPike Park. The event is vendor-run and managed, which means that you can count on the best prices on fresh produce in town.
3. Downtown Middleton
Where: Capital Brewery, 7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton
When: May-October, 3:00 PM-6:30 PM
Why Visit:
Even though this farmers market near Madison has been around only for a few years, it has rapidly gained popularity. The market is held rain or shine in the City’s parking lot, right behind the Public Library and the Hubbard Avenue Diner. Some of the things that the vendors have to offer include fruits, veggies, hanging baskets, baked goods, meats, mushrooms, cheese, popcorn, and even dog treats.
Last year, the Middleton Middle and High School youth had a table at the market where they presented their sustainability education program. You might want to check it out and support the young environmentalists while you’re there.
4. DeForest Farmers’ Market
Where: 120 S. Stevenson St, DeForest
When: June-October, 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
Why Visit:
DeForest Farmers Market is an agriculturally-focused market that aims to support the local small farm and food producer economy. The weekly event is held on the closed portion of the street adjacent to Fireman’s Park. There are a couple of dozens of vendors presented at the market who sell all the usuals, as well as gourmet jams, dog treats, micro greens, and gourmet cookies. The market has a unique theme each week and features live music, entertainment, and food carts.
Wednesday Markets
5. Hilldale Farmers’ Market
Where: 702 N Midvale Blvd
When: May-October, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Why Visit:
This particular Madison farmers market is also open on Saturdays, so if for some reason you can’t pay a visit to the mecca of homegrown goodness in the middle of the week, you can always come there during the weekend. The market features nearly 60 vendors who offer locally grown vegetables and fruits, farm-fresh cheeses, eggs, meats, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, and much more. There is plenty of parking available.
Hilldale Farmers Market has been voted one of the best markets in the city 4 years in a row, so you definitely wouldn’t regret spending a few hours here. By the way, four-legged friends are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere with you.
Also Read: The Best Farmers Markets in Milwaukee
6. Verona Downtown Farmers’ Market
Where: 101 W Railroad Street, Verona
When: April-October, 3:00 PM-6:30 PM
Why Visit:
The market is located at Hometown Junction Park, which includes plenty of off-street parking, picnic benches, water fountains, a bike trail access… In a nutshell, everything that’ll help you have a great time on a Wednesday evening.
Even though the town’s market is not a large one, you’ll be able to find practically anything you might need. It is also a wonderful place to have a delicious meal, as quite a few food vendors are selling yummy snacks you can eat on the go. A special section of the market is dedicated to showcasing the creations of youth under 20 years old.
7. El Mercadito De Centro
Where: Centro Hispano 810 W. Badger Rd.
When: August-December, 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Why Visit:
El Mercadito has been inspired by the staff of Centro Hispano – a non-profit organization that has been serving the Latinos in Dane County for over three decades already. The mission of ‘the small market’ is to offer a safe space where the community can share their culinary traditions and cultural heritage.
If you’re looking for an extra special way to spend your evening, then head to El Mercadito to enjoy the Spanish music, the performances of the colorfully dressed dancers, and, of course, the fresh produce from South and Central America, Colombian barista coffee, and Latinx street food.
Thursday Markets
8. Greenway Station Farmers’ Market
Where: 1650 Deming Way, Middleton
When: May-October, 8:00 AM-1:00 PM
Why Visit:
If you’re free on a Thursday morning, then you should get your weekly shopping taken care of at the Greenway Station Farmers Market. The location is nestled in the heart of Middletown, with strolling walkways and lush greenery.
Discover over 30 shops and eateries, as well as everything the farmers market offers, including flowers, veggies, fruits, cheeses, meats, baked goods, jams, and more. The design of the actual center replicates a nostalgic ‘Main Street’ shopping district, and the place also features a couple of convenient hotel options.
Also Read: The Best Farmers Markets in the USA
9. Fitchburg Center Farmers’ Market
Where: 5511 E Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg
When: May-October, 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Why Visit:
The market takes place outdoors during the summer and fall and moves indoors to the Promega BTC Atrium in the late fall and winter. On average, you can expect to see around 25 vendors from around Southern Wisconsin offering everything from flowers to baked goods.
The community market was launched way back in 1996, and it has been successfully running ever since. The weekly gathering takes place under the iconic Agora Pavilion, and on the third Thursday of each month, the farmers market features live music, demonstrations, and charitable events.
Saturday Markets
10. Dane County Farmers’ Market
Where: 3241 Garver Green
When: April-November, 6:15 AM-1:45 PM
Why Visit:
This one is the most popular farmers market in Madison (and one of the most well-known ones in the country), as Dane County is the largest producers-only market in America. Even those who like to wake up a little later will still find plenty of items to choose from, as the market features over 150 vendors every Saturday and around 275 vendors throughout the year. There is also a Wednesday morning market, an early winter market, and a late winter market presented by DCFM, but make sure to check the addresses and the dates beforehand, as they sometimes change.
11. Westside Community Market
Where: 505 S Rosa Rd, Madison, WI 53719
When: April-November, 7:00 AM-12:30 PM
Why Visit:
Do bear in mind this Saturday farmers market in Madison is changing its location for the following year. The next season will take place inside the University Research Park. The first vendor-run, producer-only farmers market opened on the city’s west side in 2005.
The Westside Community Market had to be relocated a few times, but the main faces of the seasonal event remained the same – over 45 vendors chose to present their fresh produce, cheese, meats, plants, flowers, honey, and backed goods here. By the way, the Market Ramblers (a group of talented musicians) bless the ears of the visitors with music practically every week.
12. Stoughton Farmer’s Market
Where: 1050 W. Main St, Stoughton
When: May-September, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Why Visit:
Stoughton Farmers Market was formed in 2015 by a group of volunteers who were passionate about local agriculture. The farmers and makers presented at the market grow and produce their goods in the Greater Stoughton Area. You’ll find fresh meats, locally grown produce, baked goods, dairy products, and more here. If you live in the neighborhood and want to be part of the event, you can sign up to volunteer at the market (you can help set up and break down, for example).
Sunday Markets
13. Northside Farmers’ Market
Where: 2901 N Sherman Ave
When: May-October, 8:20 AM-12:30 PM
Why Visit:
This Sunday farmers market in Madison takes place in the Northside Town Center. The market was established in 2005, two months after the only local supermarket at Sherman Plaza was closed. Today, there are quite a few places around the area where you can shop, but the freshest produce can be found only at the farmers’ market. Meanwhile, live music will accompany you while you shop for seafood, ciders, meats, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
14. Monona Farmers’ Market
Where: 400 E Broadway, Monona
When: May-October, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Why Visit:
The award-winning farmers market takes place at Ahuska Park rain or shine and offers an abundance of local goods and fresh foods from the makers and farmers across Dane County. Here, you’ll get to explore what over 30 vendors of diverse backgrounds and cultures have prepared for you, starting with cinnamon rolls and ending with tamales.
15. Monroe Street Farmers’ Market
Where: 2219 Monroe St
When: May-October, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Why Visit:
The market is located at the Edgewood High School parking lot, and plenty of free parking is available to all visitors. Shop for pastured meats, fruits and veggies, cheeses, specialty items, and a lot more, or choose to attend one of the events that occasionally take place at the market. For example, there are days when you can join guest chefs to have brunch at the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest farmers’ market in Madison?
Dane County Farmers Market is the largest producers-only market not only in Madison but in the whole of the United States.
What are the good Madison Farmers Market Saturdays?
On a Saturday, you can choose to pay a visit to Westside Community Market or the iconic Dane County Farmers Market.
What are the good Madison Farmers Market Sundays?
Depending on what area you live in, you might want to take a trip to either the Northside Farmers’ Market or Monroe Street Farmers Market.
What are the famous Madison farmers’ markets?
Dane County Farmers Market is definitely the city’s pride and joy, but Hilldale Farmers Market is also worth visiting as it has been voted one of the best markets in Madison a few years in a row.
Final Words
Did you know that farmers are able to keep an average of 90 cents for every dollar spent at farmers’ markets? Shopping at such places is an amazing way to support the people who grow the food we eat and establish a sense of community. One of the simplest ways to positively impact your well-being (and in your community) is by shopping at one of your favorite farmers markets in Madison. And the good news is that you now know quite a few places you can choose from.