Have you been to the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market yet? If you haven’t, it’s time to head down to Riley Park and experience a truly special market. We were lucky enough to visit recently, and here’s what we found:
The Vibes: Arts and Special Events Make Every Market Special
The thriving market is intentionally designed with local art and inspirational signage that make it clear what the vibe is right away. At every entrance, shoppers pass by signs that validate their values-based purchasing with quotes from famous foodies and even one shopper during the pandemic: “You know, being here today makes me feel better about myself…” Overhead, a mural created in partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts decorates the dedicated Sundquist Pavilion. “Through Seasons,” which was painted by Rick Malt in the summer of 2024, showcases the natural world brought to the city every market day.
Not only do marketgoers get to see the arts, but they also get to hear them, too! Live music carries down through the stalls and creates a lively atmosphere. During our visit, we enjoyed jams from the Full Tilt Boogie Detroit band while shopping for strawberries.
Talking about strawberries, the market showcased them during our visit with a Strawberry Shortcake Day! Kapnick Orchards baked biscuits, Calder Dairy brought ice cream, and local strawberries from Fusilier Farms, R&B Miller Farms, and the aforementioned Kapnick Orchards made an all-local dessert that we were lucky enough to enjoy before it sold out. These special events happen all season long, from an All-American Market on July 5th to a Haunted Market on October 25th.
The Vendors: Farmington Farmers Market is Full of Great Farmers and Artisans
Now, while the market is a great place to be, we’re not here to sit and take it in – we’re ready to shop for something delicious! Fruits and vegetables put their best foot forward while jars of honey glisten on tabletops. Prepared foods, meats, and baked goods are also available amongst fresh flowers, wine, and even knife-sharpening services.
The market can be a great place to see new businesses develop roots and grow. Chocolate Chipped Bakery, with its mouth-watering cookies, established a strong customer base at the market, allowing them to expand into a local brick and mortar location (although they still come back to the market every week!). Storefronts located in Farmington are also eligible for a market stall once per season, changing the offerings every week and adding to the community feel.
Beyond grabbing something sweet from Chocolate Chipped, we loved visiting with the Wrights from Wright by Design, an anchor at the market since 2004, and seeing their photos. Other stops on our market visit were Petey’s Donuts, Goetz Greenhouse and Family Farm, Gleehead Baking Co., and BeGreen Microgreens, each with something delicious and unique to offer.
So what are you waiting for? This Saturday, head to the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market from 9 am-2 pm for a truly local experience.
This article was written in partnership with the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market.