Fresh and Fabulous

I don’t know about you, but the second that temperatures consistently hit 60 degrees, I crave fresh fruits and vegetables, and eagerly look forward to buying them from local farmers and growers. 

Spring is the start of the farmers market season in Wichita, where local growers, artists and artisans come together every week offering everything from fresh flowers to locally sourced honey to handmade candles — and even dog treats. 

Old Town Farm & Art Market

First up is the Old Town Farm & Art Market in the heart of Old Town, situated right in front of the Museum of World Treasures off of First Street and sandwiched between Rock Island and Mosley. The downtown market kicks off April 5 and runs every Saturday through October from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., and Saturdays in November and December from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.. 

On opening weekend, my first stop at the Old Town Farm & Art Market will be Popcorn Karl’s Kettle Corn — the unmistakable sweet smell of their kettle corn fills the entire market. I also plan to stop by one of the honey vendors, refill my incense at Lola Candle Co., snag a new door mat from Courtney’s Crafting Corner and of course a bag of dog treats from Happy Tails Pet Bakery. 

Kansas Grown Farmers Market

Across town at 21st and Ridge, outside the Sedgwick County Extension Office, is the Kansas Grown Farmers Market every Saturday from April through October at 7 a.m.–noon. The Kansas Grown Farmers Market started in 1989 and is the largest member-owned farmers market in Kansas. 

My favorite stops at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market are the fresh flowers and produce stands. Last year, I found a zucchini the size of a butternut squash at the Kansas Grown Farmers Market. If you’re looking for motivation ahead of your trip to this farmers market, visit their website for dozens of recipes and a list of what’s in season. For April that includes arugula, asparagus, lettuce, mushrooms, plants, radish, salad greens, spinach and scallions. 

Other Area Favorites

While the Old Town Farm & Art Market and the Kansas Grown Farmers Market are the best-known markets in Wichita, nearby markets are also worth stopping by this season. Kansas Grown has a second market in Derby at Madison Avenue Central Park on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon from May through October. Haysville’s Hometown Market at Main and Grand kicks off in June and opens every Saturday through August from 8 a.m. to noon, selling locally grown produce, live plants, baked goods and locally raised eggs. 

A little further out of Wichita to the south is the Walnut Valley Farmers Market at Island Park in Winfield every Saturday, 8–11:00 a.m. from May through September. Also in Cowley County is the Arkansas City Farm & Art Market at Wilson Park in Arkansas City on Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m. starting in May. Both the Walnut Valley Farmers Market and the Arkansas City Farm & Art Market fill a need in the county, where in 2024 more than 1,900 households were receiving food assistance, making Cowley the tenth highest county in need in Kansas. Both markets accept SNAP benefits, a program that helps both food insecurity and local farmers. 

Hutchinson is home to the Reno County Farmers’ Market — a market selling local produce, artisan sourdough and other baked goods, jams and jellies, handmade crafts and more since 1985. The Reno County Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from May through October at 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and every Wednesday in June through September from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.. 

You can find maps with vendors to both the Old Town Farm & Art Market and Kansas Grown Farmers Markets on their websites: oldtownfarmandartmarket.com and kansas-grown.com. 

One last thing — don’t forget to bring reusable bags, cash, comfortable shoes and sunscreen to make the most of your farmers market adventures. See ya out there!