Sarasota Farmers Market: Every Market by Day, Parking, Vendors & What's in Season
The downtown Sarasota Farmers Market runs Saturdays 7 a.m.–1 p.m. year-round. Here's the local's guide: every area market by day, where to park, who's selling, and what's in season in Southwest Florida right now.
The Sarasota Farmers Market runs every Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine, spread along Main Street and Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. It is a vendor-run nonprofit with 80+ stalls of Florida produce, bakers, coffee, flowers and makers, free to wander. If you only go to one market, make it this one. Four other markets run on other days nearby, and this guide sorts out which to hit, where to park, and what is worth buying right now.
The downtown market, at a glance
- When: Saturdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m., every week, year-round
- Where: Main St & Lemon Ave, downtown Sarasota (extends to State St)
- Vendors: 80+ across produce, breads, coffee, flowers, soaps, prepared food
- Cost: Free to attend; leashed dogs welcome
- Best time: Before 9 a.m. for parking, produce selection and cooler air
Every Sarasota-area farmers market by day
Five markets, five different days. Check which ones run seasonally before you drive out, since several pause over the summer.
| Market | Day & hours | Season | Size | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Sarasota | Saturday, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. | Year-round | 80+ vendors | The flagship. Main St and Lemon Ave, walkable downtown, live music. |
| The Market at Lakewood Ranch (Waterside Place) | Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Year-round | 100+ vendors | The biggest. Lakefront, 9 a.m. yoga, Kids’ Zone, very dog-friendly. |
| Phillippi Farmhouse Market | Wednesday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. | Seasonal (Oct–Apr) | 50+ vendors | Bayfront park, free historic-mansion tours, easy free parking. |
| Bradenton Public Market | Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Seasonal (Oct–May) | Mid-size | Old Main St, downtown Bradenton, about 20 minutes north. |
| Venice Farmers Market | Saturday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. | Year-round | Mid-size | Historic downtown Venice, about 25 minutes south. |
| Englewood Farmers Market | Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Seasonal (Oct–May) | Small | Historic Dearborn St, small-town feel. |
Where to park for the downtown market
Street parking around Main Street fills by 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Two garages a block away solve it, and both are free for the first two hours:
- State Street Garage (1538 State St): 400+ spaces, the closest big lot
- Palm Avenue Garage (1289 N. Palm Ave): a short walk east
Sarasota updated its garage payment and enforcement system in 2025, so glance at the signage on the way in. Arrive before 9 a.m. and parking stays easy.
Who’s there: vendors and what to buy
The lineup rotates, and these downtown regulars are worth seeking out:
- Produce: Kinsey’s Produce and SWFL Produce for Florida-grown fruit and veg
- Bakery: Camelot Breads and Bliss Bites for loaves and pastries
- Coffee: Jimmy’s Java and O & A Coffee and Supply. Grab a cup for the walk, and see our Sarasota coffee shops guide for their brick-and-mortar spots.
- Plants & flowers: All Around Orchids and Succulantes
- Makers: Ashjoi Soaps, The Pretzel King, ionie Organic Cafe
What’s in season in Southwest Florida, month by month
Florida’s growing calendar runs opposite the rest of the country: winter is peak season here, and summer brings the tropical fruit. Here’s what to look for whenever you go:
| Month | What you’ll find in Southwest Florida |
|---|---|
| January | Peak citrus: oranges, grapefruit, tangerines; strawberries, greens, tomatoes |
| February | Strawberries at their best, citrus, cabbage, sweet corn starting |
| March | Strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans, late citrus |
| April | Tomatoes, sweet corn, blueberries, peppers, squash |
| May | Blueberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, the first mangoes |
| June | Mangoes, avocados, lychee, guava, early summer greens |
| July | Mangoes, lychee, avocados, star fruit, tropical honey |
| August | Avocados, late mangoes, longan, papaya, hot-weather herbs |
| September | Papaya, guava, tropical greens, local honey, microgreens |
| October | Cooler-season greens return, herbs, first winter tomatoes |
| November | Leafy greens, radishes, early citrus, fresh-planted strawberries |
| December | New-crop citrus, first strawberries, greens, cool-season veg |
Saturday downtown vs. Sunday Lakewood Ranch vs. Wednesday Phillippi
The three biggest markets each have a personality. Quick way to choose:
| Downtown (Sat) | Lakewood Ranch (Sun) | Phillippi (Wed) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Downtown street stroll | Lakefront family day | Quiet historic park |
| Size | 80+ vendors | 100+ vendors (biggest) | 50+ vendors |
| Kids | Room to roam | Kids’ Zone plus yoga | Mansion tours |
| Dogs | Leashed, welcome | Very dog-friendly | Leashed, welcome |
| Parking | Garages, free 2 hrs | Large free lots | Ample free |
| Open when | Year-round | Year-round | Oct–Apr only |
Before you go: heat, dogs and timing
- Go early. Best parking, best produce, and cool air before Florida heat peaks by noon.
- Bring a tote and a cooler for seafood, meat, cheese and flowers on a hot ride home.
- Dogs: leashed and welcome. Pavement gets hot, so mornings are kinder to paws, and bring water.
- Check seasonal markets first. Phillippi, Bradenton and Englewood run October through spring; confirm before driving out.
- Cash plus cards: most vendors take cards now, and small cash helps at busy produce stalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Sarasota Farmers Market hours?
The downtown Sarasota Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine, along Main Street and Lemon Avenue.
Is the Sarasota Farmers Market dog-friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome at both the downtown Saturday market and the Sunday market at Lakewood Ranch. In summer, watch hot pavement and bring water for your dog.
Where do I park for the downtown Sarasota Farmers Market?
The State Street Garage (1538 State St, 400+ spaces) and the Palm Avenue Garage (1289 N. Palm Ave) are both a short walk away and free for the first two hours. Street parking fills early, so arrive before 9 a.m.
Which Sarasota-area farmers markets are open in summer?
The downtown Sarasota (Saturday), Lakewood Ranch (Sunday) and Venice (Saturday) markets run year-round. Phillippi Farmhouse (Wednesday), Bradenton and Englewood are seasonal and generally pause from late spring through early fall. Confirm before a special trip.
Is the Sarasota Farmers Market year-round?
The downtown market is year-round, every Saturday. Several smaller area markets are seasonal, running roughly October through April or May.
Sources checked
Use these official pages for same-day hours, weather changes, ticket updates, and schedule details.