While shopping at ALDI the other day, I heard a young girl beg her mother, “Can we go to the farmers market? Please?”
Shopping at the grocery store is convenient, but farmers markets have a sense of heart that a big box store could never match. After a difficult year under the pandemic, farmers markets in the Lansing area are opening up and expecting waves of shoppers. Here are some of the best spots you can find around town, each one full of locally grown food and artisanal goods. You can also go beyond our list with our larger farmers market directory.
2:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays
2100 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
(517) 999-3911
The Allen Farmers Market started small, with only a few vendors and a 10-week season. Since its inception, it has steadily grown into a thriving weekly event that many eagerly look forward to. Its mission is to provide the residents on Lansing’s east side with affordable and locally grown produce. This year, Allen Farmers Market is partnering with local groups to make the market experience even more fun. Since opening in May, it has worked with both the Woldumar Nature Center, the MDHHS Foster Parent Recruiters and the Shiawassee Street Mosaic Project. More partnerships are on the horizon.
2 to 6 p.m., Thursdays
248 W. Lovett St., Charlotte
(517) 543-8853
Facebook.com/CharlotteArtisansAndFarmersMarket/
The Charlotte Artisans and Farmers Market recently relocated to an indoor space at the historic Beach Market. You can still find all the locally made goods you could want, including products like raw honey and handmade glass art. The market is no longer accepting applications for indoor vendors, but there is still room for vendors to sell their goods outside. To encourage people to come out, the community group Charlotte Rising started the hashtag, #ShopCharlotte.
280 Valley Court, East Lansing 48823
Open Sundays June 6 to Oct. 31, 2021
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(517) 319-6823
cityofeastlansing.com/farmersmarket
The East Lansing Farmers Market is preparing to open up for the season Sunday. The first 100 shoppers will receive a coupon for $2 off anything at the market. ELFM prides itself on its local bona fides. Vendors grow their own food or make their products by hand. ELFM started in 2009 and typically averages about 1,000 customers a day. This year, it hopes to once again draw a crowd.
Through Sept. 29
3 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays
114 Hall St., Eaton Rapids
(517) 663-818
To help fund the city’s parks, you can purchase a piece of Eaton Rapids history. This summer, the Eaton Rapids Farmers Market is offering bricks from the city’s Main Street on sale for a dollar. Every purchase goes towards funding the Eaton Rapids Parks and Recreation Department. Besides that, the market has plenty to offer the casual shopper, including wood sculptures, plants and more. ERFM is located on a grass lot right in the heart of Eaton Rapids. It’s the perfect place to spend an early summer afternoon.
414 E. W. Main St., DeWitt
4 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays Through Oct. 12
(517) 624-0286
The DeWitt Farmers Market has got the goods, no matter what type of produce you’re looking for. Whatever fresh fruit or vegetables you’re craving, one of its many vendors will surely be able to hook you up. The market is accessible on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and runs through Oct. 12. For a full list of promotions, vendors and special events, check out the market’s website.
Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
103 E. Maple St., Mason
(517) 441-3456
103 E. Maple St., Mason
The LFA Farmers Market is a shop located in downtown Mason that focuses on “hyper-local” goods. Designed to combat massive conglomerates like Amazon or Walmart, LFA Farmers Market hopes to provide a mom and pop vibe with locally produced goods. If you’re looking for an old school, humble shopping experience, this is it.
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5408 W. Grand River Road, Lansing
(517) 321-3305
Peckham Farms is a one-stop shop for all of your gardening needs. The farm provides locally grown flowers and seedlings, on top of its vast array of fresh produce. You can also stop by Peckham Farms to pick up as much soil and mulch as you could possibly need. Peckham Farms also provides paid job opportunities in the farming and food production field for individuals who have disabilities and other barriers to employment.
3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays
June 3 to October 21
800 W. Barnes Ave., Lansing
(517) 374-5700
facebook.com/SouthLansingFarmersMarket
Opening up on June 3, the South Lansing Farmers Market expects to have a fruitful and COVID-safe summer. Each week, the market will come to life with a diverse array of smells and tastes. From Amish egg noodles to fresh Mexican food, you can find basically anything at SLFM. The market is handicap-accessible and has lots of room to park your bike or car. SLFM also plans to invite live entertainment and nonprofit groups to join in on the fun.
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays
James Couzen Park
13753 Main St., Bath Twp.
(517) 281-7402
136 N Bridge St, Dimondale 48821
Open Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m.
(517) 646-0230
https://www.villageofdimondale.org/
Returns Sept. 30
Check online for full schedule
of markets
(517) 432-3381
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays
Through Oct. 2
Jaycee Park
525 E. River St. Grand Ledge.
(517) 242 – 2756
2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays
Through November
2150 Cedar St., Holt
(517) 268 – 0024
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays,
Through October
Wednesday hours begin in July
5151 Marsh Road, Okemos
(517) 712-2395
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays
June to October.
Water Street, Portland
(517) 647-4014
facebook.com/OldRedMillFarmersMarket
8 a.m. to Noon, Saturdays
June to October
100 Maple St., St. Johns
(989) 227-1717
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