Farmers market season starts this weekend in Wichita. Here’s what’s new at the big two
Saturday morning in Wichita won’t feel much like spring at all: The forecast calls for low 40s and a chance of rain.
But the official opening days for Wichita’s two big farmers markets — the Old Town Farm & Art Market at 835 E. First St. and the Kansas Grown Farmers Market at 7001 W. 21st St. — must go on.
Though both markets offer winter versions, their prime time is the growing season that lasts from April through October, and both will be celebrating their returns on Saturday.
The Old Town market will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and this year’s opening day is expected to be the biggest one in the market’s history, said market manager Luke Snow. More than 100 vendors selling not only vegetables but also jewelry, plants, pet items, soaps, candles and artwork will be there on Saturday.
“The market continues to grow each season,” he said. “And as reservations stand now, we’ll be hosting over 100 vendors each week.”
Snow said that people looking for a morning or afternoon meal will also find lots of options this year. Around 10 vendors selling ready-to-eat food —including four food trucks — will be there each week.
Among the vendors who have signed on for this year is Sharky’s Island Bites, whose owner Mike Brotemarkle has two restaurants in town. It will be serving Hawaiian hot plates, chicken teriyaki and a build-your-own macaroni bar. Also new to the market: Tamu Samosa making Indian samosas, and YuanYuan ICT, an Asian food vendor specializing in crunchy, candied skewered fruits.
The Old Town Market also will offer beefed up “Second Saturdays” on May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. On those days, shoppers can expect to find special activities, contests and demonstrations by chefs, home cooks, artisans and artists .
The season will continue through the end of October, and then the market will switch to its winter hours — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — for November and December.
On the west side...
Meanwhile, the long-running Kansas Grown market has found more sponsors and will continue to get bigger this season, said Tricia Holmes, the market’s board president.
The market, which has been opening outdoors from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays during March, will change its hours to 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. For opening day, customers can expect to find food trucks, live music and chef demonstrations.
Among the Kansas Grown vendors this year will be those selling bath products, baked goods, candles, meats, seasonings, sauces, woodworking, local honey, pet items and artwork.
Kansas Grown also puts on a satellite market at Madison Avenue Central Park in Derby, which this year will start on May 3.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 5:03 AM.
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