Ocala Farmers Market

Fresh Local Produce & Artisan Goods

Discover the vibrant Ocala Downtown Farmers Market featuring seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, and local crafts every Saturday morning.

Quick Answer

The Ocala Downtown Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings in historic downtown Ocala, offering fresh local produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, raw honey, baked goods, plants, flowers, and handmade crafts from Marion County vendors.

When

Saturdays Year-Round

Where

Downtown Ocala

Hours

Early Morning

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Saturday Mornings

The Ocala Downtown Farmers Market is a year-round staple of the local community, operating every Saturday morning rain or shine. This beloved market brings together local farmers, artisans, and producers to share their fresh goods with Ocala residents and visitors alike.

The early morning hours ensure you get the freshest selection of produce and the best variety of products. Arrive early for the widest choice of specialty items and popular vendors.

Support Local

Shopping at the Ocala farmers market directly supports Marion County families and small businesses. By purchasing locally-grown produce and handmade goods, you contribute to the agricultural heritage and economic vitality of our community.

The farmers market strengthens connections between producers and consumers, ensuring fresher food and higher quality products than conventional retail alternatives.

What You'll Find at the Market

Fresh Produce

Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown by Marion County farmers. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, squash, citrus, berries, and more depending on the season.

Raw Honey

Local beekeepers offer raw, unfiltered honey in various grades. From light wildflower honey to dark sage honey, each variety has unique flavor profiles and properties.

Baked Goods

Fresh-baked breads, pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes prepared daily by local bakers using quality ingredients and traditional recipes.

Plants & Flowers

Seasonal plants, vegetable starts, perennials, and cut flowers from local nurseries and growers. Perfect for your home garden or landscape projects.

Artisan Crafts

Handmade goods including jewelry, pottery, woodcrafts, and other unique items created by talented local artisans and makers.

Specialty Foods

Preserves, jams, sauces, cheese, eggs, and other specialty items made by local producers using time-honored methods.

Tips for Visiting the Ocala Farmers Market

Arrive Early

The best selection of produce and specialty items is available early in the morning. Popular vendors may sell out of their most sought-after products by mid-morning, so plan to arrive shortly after opening.

Bring Reusable Bags

Bring your own shopping bags and containers to reduce waste and make it easier to carry your purchases. Many vendors appreciate environmentally conscious shoppers.

Bring Cash

While some vendors may accept cards, it's best to bring cash as not all farmers market vendors have mobile payment systems. ATMs may be available at the market location.

Ask Questions

Farmers and vendors love sharing information about their products. Ask about growing methods, seasonal availability, recipes, and storage tips. This personal connection is part of the farmers market experience.

Dress for the Weather

Since the market operates year-round, dress appropriately for Florida weather. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water in warmer months. In cooler winter months, bring a light jacket for the early morning hours.

Plan Your Budget

Farmers market prices reflect quality and freshness. Seasonal produce is typically most affordable in peak season. Consider meal planning around what's abundant and affordable during your visit.

Other Farmers Markets in Marion County

While the Ocala Downtown Farmers Market is the primary farmers market in the area, Marion County residents may also find seasonal produce and local goods at:

Farmers Stand Alternatives

Individual farm stands throughout Marion County often sell directly to consumers during harvest season. These roadside stands offer fresh produce, honey, and local goods at competitive prices.

Look for signs along rural roads in areas like Belleview, Reddick, and Dunnellon during peak growing seasons.

Seasonal Community Markets

Some communities within Marion County host seasonal markets and events featuring local vendors, producers, and artisans. These markets provide additional opportunities to support local agriculture.

Contact the Ocala Area Chamber of Commerce for information about seasonal markets in your area.

Why Shop at the Farmers Market?

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Superior Freshness

Produce picked at peak ripeness and sold within hours, not days or weeks like supermarket produce. This translates to better flavor, more nutrients, and longer shelf life.

✓

Support Local Economy

Money spent at farmers markets goes directly to local farmers and artisans, supporting the Marion County agricultural community and small businesses.

✓

Environmental Benefits

Locally-grown produce requires less transportation, reducing carbon emissions. Many farmers use sustainable growing practices that benefit the local ecosystem.

✓

Community Connection

Meet the people who grow and make the food you eat. Build relationships with local producers and gain insight into sustainable farming practices and artisan craftsmanship.

✓

Transparency & Quality

Know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. Farmers market produce is often pesticide-free or uses minimal treatments, with vendors transparent about their methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ocala farmers market?▼

The Ocala Downtown Farmers Market is held in the historic downtown Ocala area, typically featuring multiple vendors in a convenient location easily accessible from main thoroughfares. Check with the Ocala Chamber of Commerce or visit the downtown Ocala visitor center for the exact location and parking information.

What days is the farmers market open?▼

The Ocala Downtown Farmers Market operates on Saturday mornings year-round, providing residents and visitors with consistent access to fresh, locally-grown produce and artisan products. Hours typically run from early morning through mid-day to ensure the best selection of fresh items.

What can you buy at the Ocala farmers market?▼

At the Ocala farmers market, you"ll find a diverse selection including fresh seasonal produce (vegetables, fruits, herbs), raw honey and honey products, homemade baked goods, fresh flowers, potted plants, artisan crafts, eggs, and specialty food items from local vendors. The inventory changes seasonally based on what"s growing in Marion County.

Is there a farmers market in Belleview?▼

While Belleview is located in Marion County near Ocala, the primary farmers market for the area is the Ocala Downtown Farmers Market. However, local communities may host seasonal markets or produce stands. Contact the Ocala Area Chamber of Commerce or Marion County extension office for information about farmers markets throughout the county.

Are dogs allowed at the farmers market?▼

Pet policies vary by farmers market. Generally, well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome at outdoor farmers markets in Ocala, but service animals always have access. It"s best to contact the market organizers beforehand to confirm their specific pet policy.

What"s the best time to shop the Ocala farmers market?▼

Early Saturday morning, soon after the market opens, offers the best selection and freshest produce. However, the market typically remains open through mid-morning, so there"s flexibility in your visit time. Bring reusable bags and arrive ready to explore all the vendor offerings.

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Ready to Visit the Ocala Farmers Market?

Join the community of local shoppers supporting Marion County farmers and artisans every Saturday morning.