Summertime in the Midwest means plenty of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables available at festive local farmers markets. But a visit to a farmers market near you provides more than just good things to eat. Even if you don’t buy anything, they’re a great place for a weekend morning stroll that could afford your senior loved one some valuable exercise as well as an opportunity to get out of their homes.
Farmers markets aren’t all about produce these days, either. Often, they offer arts and crafts vendors and musical entertainment.
Don’t miss out on these popular farmers markets in the St. Louis area:
Soulard Farmers Market
The most famous farmers market in St. Louis if not the entire Midwest region, this weekly event has been a staple of local culture since 1779. It’s open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. from Wednesday through Saturday (although Saturday is by far the best day for product variety.) Located just south of the Gateway Arch at Broadway and Carol Street, there’s multiple parking options available nearby. Click here to find directions.
Kirkwood Farmers’ Market
Open from April through December, the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market always has fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, as well as a wide variety of plants to choose from and “rustic and cozy” home décor. This summer, it’s open 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays. Located at 150 E. Argonne Drive in the heart of Downtown Kirkwood, you can find directions here.
Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
Celebrating its 20th season in business in 2025, the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market is expecting to have a banner year with more than 100 vendors each week. Open Saturdays from April 5 through November 1 from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the market features a popular yoga program which promises to be a relaxing and restorative experience for participants of all levels in addition to high quality edible fare. For a change of pace, there is also a Tuesday evening market in the summer from May 6 through September 30 that opens at 4 p.m. and closes at dusk. Located west of Center Cross drive in the heart of Tower Grove Park at 4256 Magnolia Avenue in St. Louis, you can find a map here.
Belleville Farmers Market
If you’re on the east side of the Mississippi River, you can find a weekend farmers market in the city of Belleville that includes fresh local fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods including bread, cookies, cakes, and pies, local honey, jams, and preserves, artisanal crafts, crocheted items, and handmade gift items plus fresh cut flowers and plants. There’s even a classic car show! Held every Monday from June through October from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the market is held in Belleville’s historic downtown area at Fourth Street Place and 4th Street Square.
Eckert’s Belleville Farm
No matter what day of the week it is, you can find the farmers market experience at Eckert’s Belleville Farm at the intersection of Illinois 15 and Green Mt Road just 25 minutes from St. Louis. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables or purchase them in the establishment’s expansive country store. Currently, blackberries and peaches are ready for picking. Apples will be ripe and ready to be plucked off the trees in August. Find out more about what’s in season here. You can also find entertainment in the form of live music several days a week in the summertime as well as bingo, seasonal workshops and many other activities. Or you can enjoy a frozen custard treat or a glass of cider. See their event calendar for a full list of events happening each month.
Enjoy an Abundance of St. Louis Markets
Besides these well-established farmers markets near you, check within your local communities for similar events. There are countless smaller markets scattered across the region. After all, there are few things that can compete with a morning stroll through a farmers market, getting out of the house and breathing in some fresh air while stocking your pantry with wholesome foods!
