Food & Drink

Farmers markets are opening near Belleville and St. Louis. Here’s what to know

The long, wintery wait is finally over!

(Well, we’ll see. Spring weather in our area can be weird.)

As we make our way further into spring and closer to summer, we welcome the start of farmers market season.

Because what’s better than fresh produce in the summer, am I right?

Then we have baked goods, plants, honey, jams and jellies, crafts and many other delights to peruse and enjoy.

Days and times vary for these markets. Some have hours later in the day, which is great if, like me, you are so not a morning person.

Check out this list of the area’s farmers markets. Is one missing? Send the details to lifestyle@bnd.com.

Southwest Illinois Farmers Markets

Columbia Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Thursdays. Schnucks parking lot, 1000 Columbia Center, Columbia. Fresh produce, eggs, honey, flowers, baked goods, pickles, fresh coffee products, and so much more.

Waterloo Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting April 30. 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo. Fresh produce, bedding plants, eggs, honey, Microgreens, herbs, flowers, pickles, garlic, knife sharpening, baked goods, fruit, jam, crafts, made to order coffee drinks and kettle corn.

Nashville Farmers Market — 7-11 a.m. Thursdays starting May 5. In front of the Washington County Courthouse at 101 E. St. Louis St., Nashville. The kickoff on May 5 includes a plant swap, sponsored by the Washington County Master Gardeners. 618-327-3700.

Swansea Farmers Market — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays starting May 5. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Fresh local produce, baked goods, unique handmade crafts and more. facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc

Maryville Farmers Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursdays starting May 5. Firemen’s Park, 300 N. Donk Ave., Maryville. The 2022 market location will alternate with the Herald Square Farmers Market in Collinsville starting June 23. Check the Facebook page for the schedule. 618-304-8335.

Belleville Old Town Farmers Market — 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 7. South Charles and East Main streets, Belleville. Fresh produce, grass fed beef and other meats, plants, honeys, jams and jellies, crafters, and more.

Alton Farmers & Artisans Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 7. Corner of Landmarks Boulevard and Henry Street, Alton. An abundance of fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, locally-raised, hormone-free meat, handmade soaps, jewelry, artwork, and more.

Land of Goshen Community Market — 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 7. 100 St. Louis St., Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Fresh, locally grown produce, live music and so much more. facebook.com/goshenmarket

Litchfield Pickers Market — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month (May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, and Oct. 9), 400 N. State St., Downtown Litchfield. Vintage, antique, industrial, architectural, repurposed and collectible goods. facebook.com/litchfieldpickersmarket

Millstadt Township Farmers Market — 3-6 p.m. Fridays starting May 13. Millstadt VFW, 200 Veterans Drive, Millstadt. facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket

Carlyle Farmers Market — 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 13. Carlyle VFW, 1250 Franklin St., Carlyle. Support local farmers, eat healthy foods and enjoy summer afternoons in Downtown Carlyle. Market dates for 2022: June 24, July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30. Rain or shine; canceled only if serious thunderstorms are in the area. carlylelake.com/carlyle-courthouse-square-farmers-market

Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station — 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays starting May 14. O’Fallon Station, 212 E. 1st St., O’Fallon. Locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. A selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages and artisans. Live music, patio seating, food truck on site. Bicycle and pet friendly. 618-624-0139 or ofallonstation.com/vine-street-market.

New Baden Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the last Saturday of the month starting May 28. New Baden Village Park. A truly unique market, no two vendors alike, live music, special events. So many wonderful things are coming this summer. Additional dates: June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24. facebook.com/newbadenfarmersmarket

Bethalto Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays starting June 5. Central Park, 213 N. Prairie St., Bethalto.

Herald Square Inaugural Market — 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 23. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, 115 E. Clay St., Collinsville. Local farms, fantastic food, adult beverages, frozen custard, artisans and live music. This market will then alternate weekly with the Maryville Farmers Market.

Missouri Farmers Markets

Soulard Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays year round. 730 Carroll St., St. Louis. Fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, flowers, pets and other merchandise. soulardmarketstl.com

Tower Grove Farmers Markets — 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays (currently open) and 4 p.m. to sunset Tuesdays, starting May 3. Just west of Center Cross Drive in Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis. Fresh, local produce, eggs, meats, a variety of vendors and goods. tgfarmersmarket.com

Ste. Genevieve Farmers Market – 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays starting May 7. KC Hall grounds, 600 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegars, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods. facebook.com/SteGenevieveFarmersMarket

Jennifer Green
Belleville News-Democrat
Jennifer Green has been with the Belleville News-Democrat since 2006. She covers restaurants and business openings/closings. Green is a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Please share tips and feedback at 618-239-2643 or jgreen@bnd.com.
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