01-05-2025
Here's a list of South Bend area farmers markets that could keep you busy all summer
Fresh produce, meats, sweets, plants, flowers and crafts are just a few of the items that attract visitors to farmers markets throughout the South Bend region.
But in reality, shoppers are just as attracted by the ability to socialize ― to interact with others without being judged for invading another person's space. That's not so common in a regular grocery store or retail environment.
"It about community," says David White, owner of The Great British Treat House at the South Bend Farmer's Market, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.
"Most shopping experiences are very sterile," he says. "People come to markets to socialize and support small local businesses."
Those sentiments were echoed by Sue Bucholtz and Pamela Carl, who ran into each other at the Farmer's Market on Tuesday while stopping by the British Treat House.
"I come to talk to people like David (White) but also to learn and shop local," Bucholtz says. "Where else can you ask about ingredients or talk to the producer."
It's learning, interacting, buying fresh and supporting local, most agree.
The openness to explore is what attracted Lacquisha Hunt to begin selling various Irish Sea Moss products to those interested in getting rid of aches and pains or just learning that sea moss has its devotees.
So with the weather starting to warm up, get out and enjoy some of the region's many farmers markets with lots of independent farms and stands also preparing to open for the season. Here are some to check out:
South Bend Farmer's Market
Where: 1105 Northside Blvd., South Bend
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
For more information: Call 574-282-1259 or visit
River Valley Farmers' Market
Where: Commerce Center, 401 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays
For more information: Call 574-781-8694 or visit
Purple Porch Food Co-op
Where: 123 Hill St., South Bend
Hours: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays year-round, weather permitting
For more information: Call 574-287-6724 or visit
Linden Avenue Farmer's Market
Where: Martin Luther King Dream Center, 1522 Linden Ave., South Bend
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month beginning May 10 through Sept. 13
For more information: Call 574-235-9449 or visit
Portage Farm Stands Market
Where: 909 Portage Ave., South Bend (The lot next to the Botany Shop)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays beginning May 17 through Oct. 11
For more information: Visit
Mishawaka Farmers Market
Where: 230 Ironworks Ave., Ironworks Plaza, Mishawaka
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays beginning June 1 through Sept. 28 with no markets on June 15, July 6 and Aug. 31. Mishawaka Market Under The Lights: Oct. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.
For more information: Call 574-258-1664 or visit
New Carlisle Farmers Market
Where: 300 W. Michigan St., Memorial Park, New Carlisle
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday beginning May 31 through Sept. 14, except July 26 for Hometown Days
For more information: Call 574-339-2403 or visit
Elkhart Parks and Recreation Farmers Market
Where: 301 Nibco Parkway, Kardzhali Park, Elkhart
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May 3 through Sept. 27
For more information: Call 574-295-7275 or visit
Farmers Market at The Mill
Where: 402 E. Warren St., Middlebury
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays beginning May 3 through Sept. 21
For more information: Visit
Goshen Farmers Market
Where: 212 W. Washington St., Goshen
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays throughout the year; 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays from May through October
For more information: Call 574-533-4747 or visit
Plymouth Farmers Market
Where: East Garro and Water streets, Plymouth
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays beginning May 11 through Oct. 11
For more information: Call 574-217-5776 or visit
Bremen Farmer's Market
Where: Jackson Street Event Pavilion
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays from June through September
For more information: Call 574-971-6734 or visit
Farmed & Forged Farmers Market
Where: Monroe Street at E Lincoln Way, LaPorte
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT Sundays starting May 25 through Sept. 28
For more information: Visit or
Farmed & Forged Farmers Market
Where: 800 Washington St., Michigan City
When: 8 a.m. to noon CT Saturdays starting May 24 through Sept. 27.
For more information:
Niles Homegrown Market
Where: East Main Street at North Second Street, The NODE
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays from June 1 through Aug. 31
For more information: Call 269-687-4332 or visit or
Buchanan Farmers Market
Where: 122 Days Ave., Buchanan
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 12
For more information: visit
Three Oaks Farmers Market
Where: Carver Park, Three Oaks
Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays from May 30 through Sept. 5
For more information: Visit
New Buffalo Farmers Market
Where: Whittaker and Merchant streets, New Buffalo
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays beginning May 1 through Oct. 9
For more information: Visit or
Bridgman Open Air Market
Where: 4509 Lake St., Bridgman
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays beginning May 11 through October
For more information: Visit
Dowagiac Farm and Artisan Market
Where: Dowagiac Area History Museum, 201 E. Division St., Dowagiac
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays June through October
For more information: visit
Benton Harbor Farmers Market
Where: Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park, 133 E. Main St., Benton Harbor
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays from June 18 through Sept. 24
For more information: Visit
St. Joseph Farmers Market
Where: Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from May 24 through Oct. 11
For more information: visit
Email Tribune Market Basket columnist Ed Semmler at esemmler@ with tips about retail and restaurant openings and closings.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Check out the abundance of farmers markets in the South Bend region
