Let’s rename the proverbial two seasons of Minnesota weather: Farmers’ Market season and Those Other Months. With a bevy of warm-weather options for fresh produce, artisan goods, and snacks, these markets are indispensable to life in the Cities.
1) Minneapolis Farmers Market
Two for the price of one: every day on Lyndale Avenue North (with up to 170 vendors on the weekends), and downtown on Hennepin Avenue (to the delight of Minneapolis office workers) every Thursday through November.
2) St. Paul Farmer’s Market
Founded in 1853, it’s older than the state of Minnesota itself. Runs Saturdays and Sundays into November, with all seasonal produce grown within a 50-mile radius.
3) Mill City Farmers Market
The first zero-waste farmers’ market in Minnesota: All waste the market generates is composted or recycled, and all food is served in compostable or recyclable containers. Open weekends into late October.
4) Hmongtown Marketplace
A go-to for the Twin Cities’ Hmong community, with food vendors, fresh produce, traditional clothes, and Asian-language DVDs. Its eclectic variety was even noted by Lonely Planet: “You can fix your dentures or buy a cockatoo or brass gong.” Open every day through the season.
5) Northeast Minneapolis Farmers Market
Features food trucks, live music, cooking demos (including homebrewing techniques), arts and handmade crafts, local food goods, and flowers—small but mighty. Open Saturday mornings through October.
