Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

A trip to the farmer’s market is a fun outing for the entire family – and it can be educational too. Make plans to visit one (or several) of these top St. Louis farmers’ markets this summer, so that you and your kids can learn more about where your food comes from and indulge in some of the freshest, seasonal produce the St. Louis region has to offer. Plus, many of these markets offer activities just for kids, feature food trucks, welcome dogs, and more. Grab your reusable shopping bags and let's go!   

• Tower Grove Farmers’ Market

On Saturday mornings at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, you can purchase grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, artisan breads and, of course, plenty of fresh, local produce. While you’re stocking up for supper, indulge in a treat from one of the many food trucks that line the shopping areas, participate in free yoga or QiGong on the lawn and let the kids climb on the nearby playground. If the weather cooperates, kids (and kids at heart) can cool off in the Muckerman’s Children’s Fountain too. The Tower Grove Farmer's Market is dog-friendly too (just remember to clean up after your furry friend).

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning April 6, 2024. More information and a list of market vendors: www.tgmarket.org

• Boulevard Market 

The Boulevard Market is one of the few Farmers Markets held on Sundays. It offers lots of fresh produce from local vendors in centrally located Richmond Heights. It's run by the Tower Grove Market, so there is lots of variety, and sometimes you can catch live music.

Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning May 1, 2024, at The Boulevard in Richmond Heights, across the street from the Galleria. www.tgfarmersmarket.com

• Tuesday Market at Tower Grove Park

The Tower Grove Market is known as one of the premiere Farmers Markets in the St. Louis area for lots of reasons, but one is that they cover all the bases! If your schedule doesn't allow a Saturday or Sunday morning outing, Tower Grove also offers a Tuesday Market. It's a bit smaller than the Saturday markets, but still in a fantastic setting. It's held at the Roman Pavilion.

Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to sunset beginning May 7, 2024. www.tgfarmersmarket.com

• U City Market

The U City Farmer's Market is a fresh food festival in the Loop. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, you'll find cheeses, grass-fed beef, Missouri rainbow trout, seafood, jams & jellies, baked goods, small-batch artisan foods and lots more. They've got you covered for entertainment too, with the weekly Market Music Series and visit from the Cowboy Critters Petting Farm (May and September).

Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning April 5, 2024., and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. beginning May 15. 2024. www.midwestfarmersmarkets.org

• The Historic Soulard Farmers’ Market

The Historic Soulard Farmers’ Market has been around since 1779, so it should come as no surprise that it’s the oldest market in St. Louis. It’s open year round, Wednesday through Saturday, and features both locally grown and shipped in goods like produce, meat, fish, cheese, hot food and crafts. Saturday is by far the best day to shop, since 100% of the indoor and outdoor vendor booths are open.    

Wednesday through Saturday. More information and daily hours: www.soulardmarket.com

• Kirkwood Farmer's Market

The Kirkwood Farmers’ Market is open daily (and even into the evening hours), but your best bet is to visit on Saturday morning for lots of samples, a wide variety of local vendors, live music, and a chance to explore the heart of Kirkwood’s thriving business district. This market is known for having kids activities and attractions, as well as beautiful plants for those with a green thumb.

Monday through Saturday beginning April 6, 2024. More information, vendor lists and daily hours are available at:  www.downtownkirkwood.com/farmers-market

• SOL Food Farmers Market (formerly Schlafly Farmers’ Market)

From 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons, head to the SOL Food Farmers Market, a producer-only market, meaning the vendor must be responsible for the planting and harvesting of the products they sell. In other words, vendors can only sell what comes directly from their farms. You'll find fruits and vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, grains, nuts, meat, bedding plants, house plants, jams & jellies, and more. Grab a cup of coffee from the Living Room Coffee & Kitchen across the street while you're there.

Wednesdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. beginning May 8, 2024, at 2810 Sutton Blvd., (Sutton Loop Park) Maplewood, 63143. Learn more: www.solfoodfarmersmarket.com

• Ferguson Farmer's Market

Now in its 23rd year, the Ferguson Farmer's Market is a Saturday morning staple, offering fresh fruits and vegetables picked within 24 hours of the market. It's a festive family atmosphere, often with live music, and you'll find more than edible delights (which include fresh eggs, honey, spices and meats). Indulge in some artisan cheese, or pick up fresh flowers, bedding plants, small-batch soaps or hand-painted artworks.

Saturdays beginning May 4, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon. www.fergusonfarmersmarket.com

• Lake St. Louis Farmers & Artist Market

The Lake St. Louis Farmers & Artist Market is St. Charles County’s only 100% producer-only market. Visit on Saturday mornings through November 5 for the opportunity to purchase fresh, seasonal produce, flowers and plants, handmade soaps, jewelry, baked goods, furniture and even dog treats.

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Meadows of Lake St. Louis. Learn more: www.themeadowsatlsl.com

• Wildwood Farmers’ Market

Head to Town Center in Wildwood for friendly, local vendors offering classic Farmer's Market items like fresh produce, locally raised meats, eggs, and cheeses, fresh cut flowers and potted perennials, as well as handmade items like soap and jewelry, and prepared food items like olive oils, honey and pickles. Bring your appetite and nosh on some pastries, smoothies, and piping hot tamales.

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning May 25, 2024. More information: www.wildwoodfarmersmarket.org

• Alton Farmers’ & Artisan Market

Now in its 32nd season, the Alton Farmers’ & Artisan Market features a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, as well as grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, fresh bread and other baked goods, and even hot and cold coffee drinks!  You'll also find flowers, potted plants, hand-crafted artwork like pottery, stained glass, soaps and candles, and breakfast & lunch items for sale. Stroll around listening to live music, and you'll probably catch and artist's live demonstration too.  

Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning May 11, 2024. More information: www.downtownalton.com

_{Photo: Tower Grove Farmer's Market}