From fresh produce to homemade jams, to local textiles to raw honey and more, Akron-area farmers markets offer shoppers a large selection of in-season items.
“It’s nice to see what’s in season at the right time,” Keara Gleason said.
Gleason, who is a Kent resident, has been coming to Kent’s Haymaker Farmers’ Market for more years than she can remember. She said that the market offers a way for humans to work more symbiotically with nature.
Katie Strand and her family find the markets to be a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.
“Kent is a bit like a small town – there’s almost always someone you know,” she said, standing with her husband, Jason Turnidge; their 8-year-old son, Quin; and their 2-year-old Welsh terrier, Eero.
Local market-goers come for the products and also to see their market friends, said Andrew Rome, the director of Haymaker Farmers’ Market. He said that some patrons have specific farmers they shop from because they trust them, while others enjoy coming and listening to the music and experiencing their community.
“I think the good food is part of it, but there’s more going on than just the grocery shopping,” Rome said.
Tips for going to a farmers market
When going out to a farmers market, Rome offered a few tips and tricks – the first being: arrive early.
No matter which market you go to, vendors will tell you to arrive early to get the top pick of the freshest items they have to offer.
“Walk through, see what’s available and then try new things,” Rome said.
Not sure of the difference between the types of radishes available? Rome said to be sure to ask the farmers.
While cash is great, don’t worry if you only have a credit or debit card on you – most vendors have their own card readers. Haymaker Farmers’ Market is one of several area markets that also offer SNAP benefits and other food benefits programs.
“We have a big focus on food access programs at Haymaker,” Rome said. “…There’s eight of nine different types of currency and vouchers that are circulating in the market, because we want programs that make this kind of food available to everyone.”
Ready to head out for fresh produce and locally grown goods this weekend? Signal Akron compiled a list of some of the markets in the area.
Haymaker Farmers’ Market
Saturdays through October | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Located between Main and Summit Streets under the Haymaker Parkway at 350 Franklin Avenue in Kent. Free parking is available throughout downtown Kent. Haymaker also has an indoor season that runs from November to March at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent at 300 Gougler Ave.
Cuyahoga Valley Farmer’s Markets
Saturdays through September 21 | 9 a.m. to noon
More than 70 local vendors set up shop every Saturday at Howe Meadow in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located at 4040 Riverview Rd. in Peninsula.
Hudson Farmers Market
Saturdays through October 5 | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Visit more than 40 vendors at 103 N. Main St. in Hudson.
Firestone Farmers Market
2nd and 4th Sunday of the month through September 8 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Debuted in 2023, the Firestone Farmers Market dates include June 9, June 30, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25 and Sept. 8. The market is located at 1480 Girard St. in Akron’s Firestone Park neighborhood.
Medina Square Farmers Market
Saturdays through October 5 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More than 60 vendors gather on Medina’s historic square to offer locally grown greens, fruits, herbs, flowers, homemade jams and jellies, local honey, fresh bread and more.
Stow Community Farmers Market
Saturdays through October 5 | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
In its 14th year, the Stow Community Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of the Community Church of Stow at 1567 Pilgrim Dr. This market offers EBT/SNAP, Produce Perks and WIC benefits to those who qualify.
Let’s Grow Akron Community Farm Market & Kitchen
Tuesdays through Saturdays | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Located on the southwest side of Summit Lake at 462 Harvey Ave. Patrons can expect fresh organically grown produce, eggs, raw honey, hot sauce, jams, pickles and more. EBT and pEBT are accepted, and EBT is matched up to $25. Patrons can also place orders for pick up or delivery through the online market.
Tallmadge Farmers Market
Thursdays through October 10 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Head to the Tallmadge Recreation Center parking lot at 46 N. Munroe Rd. for a Thursday evening farmers market each week through October 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Harmony Grows Farmers Market
Thursdays through October 3 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The inaugural season of the Harmony Grows Farmers Market takes place every Thursday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot of Harmony Springs Church at 3891 S. Arlington Rd. This market offers produce vendors, crafts and food trucks.
Hapi Fresh Market
Wednesdays July 10 through September | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Akron Cooperative Farms hosts ASIA’s Hapi Fresh Market, catering mostly to the immigrant community in Akron. Over 130 gardeners, about 85% are Bhutanese/Nepali growers. Stop by Wednesdays – kicking off July 10 through September – from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 743 Gaylan Dr.