Among the infinite reasons to enjoy living in and around western Washtenaw County, one of the best is the abundance of local farmers markets. From Stockbridge and Manchester to Saline and Ypsilanti—together covering almost every day of the week—there is always a well-stocked farmers market nearby.
Most people know farmers markets are filled with local products that are not only fresher and made with greater care than what’s found in a chain store, but also offer more variety in size, shape, color, and flavor. Frequently overheard questions include, ‘What is better than a pint of strawberries picked just this morning?’ and ‘How many blueberries is too many blueberries?’
But the role of farmers markets goes beyond dietary nutrition and supporting small businesses. They also serve as a safe and reliable opportunity for neighbors to connect, relax, and recharge. Many of these are filled with music, activities, storytelling, local history, civic engagement, and learning. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to support the growth of farmers markets across the country, farmer’s markets “preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to access to fresh, nutritious food, support healthy communities and promote sustainability.”
Chelsea Farmers Market
In business for more than 25 years, the Chelsea Farmers Market participates in seven different food assistance programs, offering something for everyone.
“This season promises several new vendors along with the return of musical entertainment and new events to engage the visitor, both young and old,” according to the market’s website.
When:
May through October
Saturdays, 8am – 1pm
Wednesdays, 10am – 3pm
Where:
Saturdays at Palmer Commons: 304 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118
Wednesdays at Chelsea State Bank parking lot: 1010 S Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118
Accepts:
SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, FMR, Prescription for Health, Senior Project Fresh, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks and more.
More Information:
Dexter Farmers Market
Dexter Farmers Market celebrates its 19th anniversary this year and will offer both local foods and crafts.
When:
Saturdays 8am – 1pm, May through October
Tuesdays 11am – 3pm, June through September
Where:
3233 Alpine St, Dexter, MI 48130
Accepts:
SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Bucks
More Information:
https://dextermi.gov/community/farmers_market.php
https://www.facebook.com/cityofdexterfarmersmarket
Saline Farmers Market
When:
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, May through October
Where:
7265 N Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176
Accepts:
SNAP, PEBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh
More Information:
https://www.cityofsaline.org/departments/farmers_market/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/salinefarmersmarket
More great farmers markets to explore nearby:
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Opened in 1919 and still going strong, this market is a can’t miss. Cooking with EdibleWOW demonstrations take place every second Wednesday of the month between May and September. Food Truck Rallies are from 5pm-8pm on the third Wednesday of each month between July and October.
When:
Saturdays 8am – 3pm, January through April
Saturdays and Wednesdays 7am – 3pm, May through December
Where:
315 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Accepts:
SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Market Fresh, Senior Market Fresh, Prescription for Health
More Information:
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/farmers-market/pages/default.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/a2market
Dixboro Farmers Market
Connect with fresh food and local history at this charming, must-see market.
When:
Fridays 3pm – 6pm, May 23 through October 24
Where:
Dixboro Village Green: 5221 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Accepts:
SNAP/ Bridge/EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks
More Information:
http://www.dixborofarmersmarket.org/
https://www.facebook.com/DixboroFarmersMarket
Manchester Farmers Market
“The Manchester Farmers Market is back in Chi Bro Park! Come see us for the freshest local produce, eggs, baked goods and crafts, plus food trucks, live music, and kids’ activities, all with a gorgeous view of historic downtown Manchester.”
When:
May 16 through October 17
Thursdays 3pm – 7pm
Where:
Adrian St, Manchester, MI 48158
Accepts:
CRC Wooden Nickels, FMR coupons, Senior Market Bucks, Senior Project Fresh, more expected (SNAP, WIC Project Fresh, DUFB)
More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/acornfarmersmarketandcafe
Pittsfield Township Farmers Market
“We’re super excited to welcome back our fabulous returning vendors, new friendly faces with gorgeous local food, and a great lineup of talented musical guests over the season. In addition to our fun outdoor market, we continue to offer online ordering for convenient pick up,” Pittsfield’s market manager Tanya Andrews said.
When:
Thursdays 2pm – 6pm, May 29 through Oct 2
Where:
6201 W Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Accepts:
Bridge Cards, P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescription for Health; some vendors accept WIC Project Fresh
More Information:
https://www.pittsfield-mi.gov/760/Farmers-Market
https://www.facebook.com/pittsfieldtwpfarmersmarket
Stockbridge Open Air Market
Stockbridge offers live music, a variety of goods and family-oriented activities including a kids’ zone with youth activities that will be set up each week. The Stockbridge Open Air Market celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
When:
Fridays 4pm – 7pm, May through October
Where:
Stockbridge Town Square: 125 S Clinton St, Stockbridge, MI 49285
More Information:
https://stockbridgemarket.org/about
https://www.facebook.com/OpenAirMarketofStockbridge
West Willow Farmers Market
Operated by former US Marines, this farmers market is making a big difference in their community.
When:
Saturdays 9am – 3pm July through September
Where:
2057 Tyler Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/WestWillowFarmersMarket
https://travelinggatherings.com/listings/west-willow-farmers-market
Westside Farmers Market
Visit this market’s 20th season while you taste, shop, and listen to live, local music.
When:
Mondays 3pm – 7pm, July 7 through October 6
Where:
Zingerman’s Roadhouse parking lot, 2501 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Accepts:
SNAP/Bridge, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh
More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/A2WestsideFarmersMarket
Whitmore Lake Farmers Market
“Join us weekly, 10am-2pm every Sunday, June-September for great local food and crafts, entertainment, activities, and educational opportunities; all while enjoying the view of the lake and park amenities. We will see the return of many of your favorite vendors and food trucks, as well as a few new faces. As the season progresses, we will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, eggs, sweets, plants, and a few surprises!”
When:
Sundays 10am – 2pm, June through September
Where:
Northfield Community Park (9725 Main St, Whitmore Lake)
Accepts:
Senior Project Fresh, SNAP, more expected (WIC Project Fresh)
More Information:
https://www.twp-northfield.org/community_visitors/farmers_market.php
https://www.facebook.com/whitmorelakefarmersmarket
Ypsilanti Farmers Market
This farmers market is operated by the nonprofit Growing Hope, an organization that has supported the Ypsilanti community for almost two decades.
When:
Saturdays 9am – 1pm, May through October (and online)
Where:
16 S Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Accepts:
EBT/P-EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Prescriptions for Health, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Market Fresh
More Information:
https://www.facebook.com/YpsilantiFarmersMarkets
https://www.instagram.com/ypsimarkets
Additionally, check out these great farm stands nearby:
Acorn Market and Café (Manchester): https://manchestermarketmi.com/partners/acorn-farmers-market-cafe/
Agricole (Chelsea): https://www.agricolefarmstop.com/
Argus Farm Stop (Ann Arbor): https://www.argusfarmstop.com/
Dexter Mill (Dexter): https://www.dextermill.com/
Jenny’s Farm Stand (Dexter): 8366 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI 48130
Vestergaard Farms (Ann Arbor): https://www.vestergaardfarms.com/
White Lotus Farms (Ann Arbor): https://whitelotusfarms.com/
8123 Main St Suite 200 Dexter, MI 48130
