Green Bay-area farmers market preview: Howard is getting a new one, two others are moving and what else to know
Farmers market season is so close you can almost taste the fresh asparagus and smell the kettle corn.
The Farmers Market on Broadway kicks things off on Wednesday, followed by its downtown counterpart across the Fox River, the Saturday Farmers Market, three days later. By early June, all of the Green Bay area’s markets will be humming with activity, and that means a bushel basket of choices.
Make room on your calendar for this year’s new market on the block, the Howard Commons Farmers Market, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and give people an early-in-the-week option. If you’re a regular of the Oneida Farmers Market or Summer Market on Military, they each have new locations this year.
Whether you love the market scene for shopping or socializing — or both — here’s what you need to know about this season’s offerings.
Farmers Market on Broadway
When/where: 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays May 22-Aug. 28 and 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays Sept. 4-25 in the Broadway District, Green Bay
What you’ll find: More than 100 vendors with seasonal and fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, carry-out foods, cut flowers, plants and handcrafted items at one of the largest farmers markets in Wisconsin. Live music on two stages, craft beers and Mini Boss booths with kids selling their wares.
New this year: For its 21st season, there will be several themed markets celebrating cultural holidays. Plans include themed items from vendors, celebratory flags and buttons, special music and more.
Pride Month, June 5
Juneteenth, June 19
Independence Day/Americana, July 3
Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 18
More info: facebook.com/farmersmarketonbroadway
Saturday Farmers Market
When/where: 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays May 25-Oct. 26 on South Washington and Doty streets in downtown Green Bay
What you’ll find: The 108-year-old tradition features 100-plus vendors selling fresh produce, meats and cheeses, prepared and packaged goods, handmade creations, flowers and plants.
New this year: This year's Saturday Farmers Market merchandise, including T-shirts, features a design by Shannon Cohen. It shows four squares representing Cohen’s favorite things about the market: a cup of coffee, a cut-flower bouquet and fresh fruits and vegetables. She took some of her inspiration from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
More info: downtowngreenbay.com and facebook.com/DowntownGreenBay
Howard Commons Farmers Market
When/where: 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays June 3-Sept. 30 at Howard Commons Activity Complex, 2750 Howard Commons, Howard
What it’s all about: Howard had a small market before the pandemic that never really got off the ground, but with last year’s opening of the new Howard Commons Activity Complex, it has the perfect venue to draw both vendors and visitors.
The open-air Arnold & Gloria Schmidt Pavilion has room for more than 50 vendors, but Howard Commons Activity Complex director Melissa Martinson is expecting to average 25 to 30 weekly during the market’s inaugural season.
The pavilion means vendors don’t have to use tents for protection from the weather and sun. They can also drive up to their space to unload. Ceiling fans will help circulate the air on hot days.
The village chose Mondays, because there’s not another market in Brown County on that night, Martinson said. It’s also an opportunity for families who were out of town for the weekend and didn’t get a chance to go to the grocery store to get stocked up for the week ahead, she said.
She has been encouraged by the response so far.
“People are thrilled, especially our local residents who are vendors, that they finally have something close by in their community that they can participate in,” Martinson said.
What you’ll find: Vendors with organic grass-fed beef and pork, crafts and handmade jewelry are among those who have already signed on, as have some community groups looking to build awareness. Martinson anticipates more produce vendors mid-summer as the crops begin to come in.
“We’re opting for just kind of a very relaxed, leisurely opportunity to meet with local artisans, crafters, vendors and farmers and just kind of be able to take your time,” Martinson said.
The complex’s biergarten will also be open during the farmers market and will feature bingo and trivia on alternating Mondays.
More info: There are still openings for vendors. Email mmartinson@villageofhoward.com or call 920-393-2629 to request an application. For updates on the market, visit villageofhoward.com/428/Howard-Commons-Activity-Complex or follow @howard_commons on Instagram.
Summer Market on Military
When/where: 2 to 7 p.m. (or dusk in fall) Thursdays June 6-Oct. 31 outside the former Shopko building, 216 S. Military Ave., Green Bay. No market on July 4.
What you’ll find: It’s a traditional farmers market focusing on fresh produce, with some handmade crafts and food trucks.
What’s new: The location is a switch from previous years outside the former Sears store, where there is construction this year.
More info: facebook.com/marketonmilitaryGB. Beginning Nov. 2, the the market converts to its winter version and moves indoors at Green Bay Plaza, 1535 W. Mason St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.
Downtown De Pere Farmers Market
When/where: 3 to 8 p.m. Thursdays June 6-Aug. 29 and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 5-26 on George Street Plaza, between Wisconsin Street and Broadway, in downtown De Pere. No market on July 4.
What you’ll find: Local growers and makers sell their goods. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, live music, beverages and children’s activities.
Who you’ll hear performing:
Amelia Ford, June 6
Charlie Urick, June 13
Dani Maus, June 20
Acme Pacers, June 27
Jackson Mankowski, July 11
7000apart, July 18
Courtney Paulson, July 25
Sweet Acoustics, Aug. 1
Girl & The Gunn, Aug. 8
Gil Sans, Aug. 15
Steve Keeley, Aug. 22
Barefoot Americans, Aug. 29
Good for the Soul, Sept. 5
Nick Gonnering, Sept. 12
Paul Wilmet, Sept. 19
Steve Beguhn, Sept. 26
More info: definitelydepere.org and facebook.com/definitelydepere
Oneida Farmers Market
When/where: Noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays June 13-Oct. 3 at N7284 County J, Oneida. No market on July 4.
What you’ll find: In addition to fresh produce, the market also features Native American crafts, jewelry and clothing. Visitors can also buy Indian fry bread.
What’s new: Due to housing construction at its former location, the market is moving about a quarter-mile east, near the Highway 54 Oneida One Stop. It will be its new home for at least the next three years.
Oneida Farmers Market Bash: The July 18 market will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, a car show, music, face painting and balloon animals.
More info: facebook.com/OFMWI
They're not farmers markets, but these 2 markets are also happening
Titletown Night Market: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays June 6-Aug. 29 at Titletown District, Ashwaubenon. No market on July 4. The "social market" features Wisconsin vendors and food and drink. Learn more at titletown.com.
igNight Market: 5 to 10 p.m. June 15 and Aug. 17 in the Broadway District, Green Bay. The evening market includes local artisans, interactive art demonstrations, live music, games and food and drink. Learn more at facebook.com/igNightMarket.
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on X @KendraMeinert.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay-area 2024 farmers market season: What's new, what's moving
