Maker Spotlight: Home Goods at the Farmers Market
Twin Cities farmer’s markets are becoming a shopping destination for more handmade goods by local makers
It’s summertime in Minnesota, and farmers markets seem to be on every corner. In recent years, these markets have expanded beyond produce to become a destination for shopping for modern, handcrafted home goods and gifts. Alongside homegrown fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, and florals are ceramics, leather goods, stationery, candles, wood furniture and accessories, and handwoven baskets, rugs, runners, pillows, and tapestries. Below, get the scoop on some of the top Twin Cities farmer’s markets and their featured makers—so you can get your grocery shopping done while giving your home a fresh update.
Mill City Farmer’s Market
When: Every Saturday, May through October, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What: In addition to more than 50 organic and sustainable food vendors selling fresh meats, local produce, and other grocery goods, this outdoor farmer’s market located between the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater (704 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis) is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the Twin Cities. Each week it features a different theme—this Saturday, . Other attractions include free cooking demos and yoga classes, kids activities, live music, and prepared breakfast and lunch options from Gorkha Palace, Crepes by Spoonriver, Salty Tart, Solomon’s Bakery, and more. Plus once a month, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm presents a mini farm featuring heritage-variety sheep and hens.
Featured makers: Located in the train shed near the entrance to the Mill City Museum, the market features a rotating lineup of makers each week. New to the market this year are Jeanne Beatrice‘s woven totes and baskets; Wild Birds Flying‘s photographic bird prints, pillows, and scarves; npwoodworks‘s hand-carved wooden spoons, vessels, and furniture; quirky and colorful ceramics and pottery by Ben Fiess; functional ceramic designs that take inspiration from ancient rituals by Brittany Trushin; and product design brand WAAM Industries, known for their paper bag-inspired canvas totes and wood milk crates.
Ceramicists and potters at this summer’s markets include Adam Gruetzmacher, who specializes in functional stoneware that references mid-century modern design and the industrial revolution for his sculptural, minimalist designs; Christy Wetzig, whose porcelain designs reference natural elements and feature organic shapes; Fringe & Fettle Ceramics, which features soft curves and romantic designs; and Matthew Krousey, who creates functional stoneware and porcelain pottery. Featured woodworkers include Oh Dier (wood signs and home goods); Willful (wood bowls and utensils, hand-dyed textiles, and wool rugs), Crookedwood (wood cooking utensils).
Ink Orchard (surface design and fine art), ArtAndes (Peruvian woven rugs and fine textiles) Indigo & Snow (shibori-dyed clothing, scarves, and tea towels),
More information: millcityfarmersmarket.org
Northeast Farmer’s Market
When: Every Thursday, June 9–August 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
What: The Northeast Farmer’s Market kicks off this week at the Grain Belt building (1215 Marshall St. NE., Minneapolis) with a dozen vendors offering fresh produce, locally made art, specialty foods, and live music.
Featured makers: The June 9 edition includes HipNoses Handcrafted Candles, Desdamona Doolittle Leather Work, Teresa Audet (wooden kitchen utensils and cutting boards), and the Bitter Buffalo (screen-printed prints, totes, and tees). Other upcoming vendors include Vandalia Street Press (letterpress stationery, prints, and textiles), Studio 2 Ceramics, Homegrown Bath Bombs, Apothicare (natural skincare), and Idle Wilde (soy wax candles, diffusers, and room sprays).
More information: northeastmarket.org
Linden Hills Farmer’s Market
When: Every Sunday, May-October, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
What: Back for its fifth year, this weekly event features more than 50 vendors selling locally sourced produce—especially heirloom vegetables, fruits, and herbs—and specialty foods from local entrepreneurs and startups in the Settergren’s Hardware parking lot (2813 43rd St. W., Minneapolis). Bonus: Food trucks craft dishes from ingredients bought on-site. And every second Sunday, the market hosts “Seconds Sunday,” featuring goods that typically unsold at discounted prices—think bottles with wonky labels, cookies that broke in the bag, and ugly-yet-perfectly-edible fruits and vegetables—in an effort to reduce food waste.
Featured makers: Includes alpaca products from the Abbey Alpacas Farm, Idlewild Candles, and body care from Red Clover Herbal, Body Bliss, and Hart & Soul Herbal.
More information: lindenhillsfarmersmarket.com
Fulton, Kingfield, and Nokomis Farmer’s Markets
When: Fulton (4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis): Every Saturday, May 21-October 29, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Kingfield (4310 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis): Every Sunday, May 22-October 30, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Nokomis (52nd & Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis): Every Wednesday, June 15-September 28, 4-8 p.m.
What: More than 85 vendors attend the Fulton, Kingfield, and Nokomis Farmer’s Markets—collectively produced by the organization Neighborhood Roots—throughout the course of the summer season, including produce, prepared foods, baked goods, and handmade goods.
Featured vendors: Highlights include Crankosaurus Press (hand-printed tea towels), Jules Loft (bird feeders), and Nokomis Knitting Company. Some of these vendors are at the markets every week, while others have a varied schedule. Plan your shopping trip by signing up to receive a weekly e-newsletter with a list of the vendors who will be in attendance.
More information: neighborhoodrootsmn.org
Midtown Farmer’s Market
When: Every Saturday, May-October, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. plus every Tuesday, June-October, 3-7 p.m.
What: More than 80 vendors appear each week at the Midtown Farmer’s Market (Lake St. E. & 22nd Ave. S., Minneapolis), including local growers and food producers from Minnesota and Wisconsin, local artisans, and prepared food vendors, plus activities ranging from live music and kid’s activities to cooking demos and advice from master gardeners.
Featured vendors: SRS Mythic Designs (jewelry), Wyrd Sisters (jewelry, clothing, and accessories), Wholesoul Lavender & Sage Hair & Body Care, and Mi Casa Studios (fair-trade hand-batiked scarves).
More information: midtownfarmersmarket.org
