If you’ve ever stood in front of a watermelon display and wondered how to find a ripe piece of fruit or had questions about which variety of apples to use in a pie, put the Oakland County Farmers Market on your next shopping list.
Not only will you have access to the freshest produce available (sometimes just picked the same morning), but you’ll be able to talk directly to the growers and producers about their offerings. They can answer questions, make helpful suggestions or introduce you to something new.
Vendors are always happy to point guests in the right direction, said Market Manager Brad Wethy. It’s these types of interactions that reinforce the benefits of shopping locally and provide a community atmosphere.
The Oakland County Farmers Market hosts more than 75 growers from numerous Michigan counties each year. During the main season, from May to October, vendors must grow or make the products they offer for sale.
This summer’s growing season has gotten off to a great start. June’s strawberries and fresh greens have already given shoppers a taste of what to expect in the coming months. Before you know it, market stalls will overflow with peaches, raspberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers and more. Check out the Michigan Produce Availability Guide to help plan your trip, but keep in mind that dates often vary due to weather and other factors. If you’re looking for a specific item, please call the market at 248-858-5495 to confirm that it will be available.
In addition to fruits and veggies, the market is bursting with flowers, plants, small-batch food products, baked goods, quality meats, artisan items and crafts. Plan to explore all the options and if you get hungry, enjoy a barbecue lunch or treat yourself to something sweet.
Shopping Tips
- Stay flexible. You never know what you’re going to find, so keep an open mind and try something new.
- While a limited number of wagon carts are available, you may want to bring your own foldable wagon or reusable bags to store your purchases.
- Bring cash, if possible. There is an ATM available on site and some vendors do accept credit and debit cards.
- If you’re planning to can or freeze produce for longer food storage, talk to vendors about placing a larger order and picking it up at the peak of freshness.
- Maximize your benefits. To ensure access to healthy foods, the market accepts food assistance benefits, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT. Additional benefits include Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH and WIC Produce Connection. Learn more at Stall #15 located inside the market.
- The market is open rain or shine so make shopping for fresh produce a part of your weekly meal preparation routine.
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan to get in your steps. Some shoppers like to start by taking a lap around the market to explore vendor’s current offerings before going back to make their purchases.
Plan for the special events, monthly activities and educational programming below and make sure to mark your calendar.
Yoga and Tai Chi
Join Studio 8 Fitness of Waterford for a free yoga lesson from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on the first Saturday of the month through September. Free yoga mats are available for the first 10 participants. This program is sponsored by Studio 8 Fitness, Healthy Oakland Partnership and the Oakland County Farmers Market.
Upcoming sessions are scheduled for July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Tai Chi is also offered following Saturday morning yoga from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
There are Thursday Lunchtime Yoga sessions, too. The series is held from noon-12:45 p.m. on June 19, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, weather permitting. All yoga and tai chi lessons take place on the grassy area to the west of the market building. In case of inclement weather, programs will be cancelled.
Document Shredding Day
Oakland County residents can bring their confidential, personal documents to be shred on site for free during a Free Document Shredding Day on Aug. 22. Recycling trucks will be in the parking lot from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Please arrive early as there is typically a line of cars, but the line moves quickly. Residents are reminded to limit documents to three or four boxes of paper only for the shredding truck. No sorting will be allowed on site. This event is not for commercial customers.
Vibe Credit Union will also collect non-perishable food items for local families during the shredding events. For more information, call 248-858-5495.
Moonlight Market
Join us for an evening of family fun after hours during Moonlight Market from 4:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Enjoy vendors, food options, inflatables, a climbing tower, yard games and more.
Learn More
The Oakland County Farmers Market is currently open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It is open year-round, from 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday only from January through April. Visit OaklandCountyParks.com, subscribe to the market email list and like our Facebook page for additional information on:
- Current and upcoming programming
- Potential program cancellations due to weather
- Vendors attending upcoming market days
- Recipes from this season’s Cooking with edibleWOW Demonstration Series
Oakland County offers residents quality, affordable housing in welcoming neighborhoods with access to parks and recreation, public transportation, and healthy food as part of the Livable Neighborhoods goal in our five-year road map. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.