On Saturdays, it’s time to complete my weekly grocery shopping at the Manhattan Farmers’ Market! Here you can find homegrown and homemade items from local growers, producers, and crafters. Established in 1979, the Downtown Farmers’ Market of Manhattan is one of the oldest markets in the state.
Use this guide to plan your morning at the market and help support your local community!
Mom’s Guide to the Manhattan Farmer’s Market
Hours
Saturdays, April to October: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays, November to March: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location
The market is held at 3rd and Leavenworth in the Dillard’s west parking lot. During the winter months, the market stays in the same location but may occasionally be canceled during the holidays or in the case of extreme cold.
Pet Policy
Leashed pets are welcome to visit the market as well! Please do keep in mind that the market is a busy place, so you’ll want to make sure your fur baby does well in crowds, with small children, and around other pets.
Vendors
A list of vendors can be found here. Most of the vendors have Facebook pages that list what they will be bringing to the market each week. Keep in mind that many vendors offer pick up and delivery options outside of the market as well. Contact them directly for more information. Interested in becoming a vendor? Check out the vendor resources here.
My boys love getting fresh jam at the market. Other favorite finds include shishito peppers (MY FAVORITE!), lion’s mane mushrooms, and specialty lattes. Yum!
Discount Programs
Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan offers incentives for SNAP participants and participants of the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program to shop and include more fruits and vegetables in their diet. Read here for more information.
Special Events
The Market hosts a range of community events throughout the season. We loved trick or treating at the market during Halloween and collecting eggs for Easter!
Mom Tips for the Manhattan Farmer’s Market
- There are multiple food trucks that frequent the market, so if your crew is getting hungry, take some time and have a fun lunch! You can typically find hot dogs, barbecue, and tacos. Make sure to also check out the homemade ice cream truck as well as the fresh squeezed lemonade truck. These were great treats for my boys on a hot summer day.
- Make sure to swing by the POP (Power of Produce) tent and sign your crew up to receive four $1 tokens to use on fresh produce at the market. Children (ages 4-12) will get four tokens to use each week to spend, or they can save them up over multiple weeks to get something a bit bigger. They also typically have a snack for the kids (my boys recently sampled beets and oranges) and a fun scavenger hunt.
