5 Things that Make Fulton Street Farmer’s Market the Best

Fulton Street Farmer's Market

Happy 100th Birthday, Fulton Street Farmer’s Market!
Grand Rapids’ Oldest Farmers Market has been operating since 1922!

Get Veggies Straight From the Farmer at Fulton Street Farmer’s Market

Fulton Street Farmer’s Market

1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Having moved to Grand Rapids only a year ago, one of the things I’ve loved the most is how easy and encouraged it is to buy local, especially when it comes to food and farmer’s markets.

In the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve relished the seasons and all the unique flavors they bring: Honeycrisp apples picked straight off the tree, awesome beer made in my own downtown, eggs that my daughter gathered from the henhouse herself.

So what happens when you gather all these wonderful local farms and businesses under one big roof?

You get the awesomeness that is Fulton Street Farmer’s Market.

No need to drive far distances or scour the Internet for local produce.

We’ve got one of Michigan’s finest farmer’s markets right here in Grand Rapids, and it is ready for your family to come and enjoy!

Fulton Street Farmer's Market Sign

Five Things that Make Fulton Street Farmer’s Market the Best

Have you been yet? Or maybe it’s been a while since you’ve stopped by this Grand Rapids Farmers Market.

Either way, here are five reasons to get you (and your reusable totes) heading out to the farmer’s market pronto.

Fulton Street Farmer's Market vendor

1 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Historic

When you visit Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, you’re partaking in history. In fact, it’s the oldest and largest farmer’s market in Grand Rapids.

Originally known as the “East Side Market,” it began in 1922 with farmers selling produce from their wagons. Some of the vendors can trace their roots all the way back to these beginning years, such as Tanis Orchards, which has been there since 1931.

And generations of West Michiganders have grown up along the aisles of Fulton Street–bring your own family to be a part of history!

Fulton Street Farmer's Market

 

2 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Open Year-Round

When I think of farmer’s markets, I think of summer and weekends.  But Fulton Street Farmer’s Market breaks both these stereotypes.

First off–you can enjoy Fulton Street all year round. (This is a pretty big deal considering our Michigan winters!)

Not only are they open all twelve months of the year, they are also open several days a week– Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8 am to 2 pm. This means that you can pop in for the freshest produce regularly, and it also means that you can bring the kids during the week when it’s not as busy.

You can check out the Fulton Street Artisan’s Market on Sundays and buy locally made wares, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (June – September).

 old signs at fulton street farmer's market

3 – The Farmer’s Market has a Covered Shopping Area

Part of how Fulton Street stays open all year is that the entire market is under a roof. Shopping outdoors is a lot more fun when you can do it in the cool shade, or under cover from the rain or snow!

fulton street farmer's market covered pavilion

4 – You Can Support Local Farms & Businesses

Buying ground beef at Fulton Street is a completely different experience from buying beef at the supermarket. When I buy it at Fulton Street, I get to shake the hand of the farmer who raised the cow, who hands me a carefully butchered packet of lovingly prepared meat. You almost feel like your packet should come with a name.

In fact, everything you buy from Fulton Street has a story. I love connecting my kids to their food (and plants, lotions, clothes, what have you) in this way.

One great way to support local farms, in particular, is to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box, which includes a weekly harvest of produce straight from a farm of your choice. Take a peek at our CSA guide, and you’ll be surprised to see how many of them are vendors at Fulton Street!

5 – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is Family Friendly

Fulton Street is a great place for your whole family to shop and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere! The sound of musicians busking on the side mingle with happy chatter, as people lounge in the sun with treats and treasures.

My kids have also learned a lot from their farmer’s market trips. For example, when we shop local produce, our kids get to learn exactly how and where their food is produced–they may even get to have a conversation with the farmer who grew it!

It’s taught them to not only appreciate good food but to take steps toward becoming better stewards of the earth.

Every time I’ve gone, the vendors are always friendly to our kids, inviting them to try a sample and answering their (many) questions. And for those with strollers, the wide shopping aisle makes it easy to get around.

Fulton Street is also known to have some scrumptious kid-friendly treats on-site–like ice cream and food trucks, which are always a hit! Bags of kettle corn have also been known to help keep curious toddlers content in their strollers.

FAQs – Fulton Street Farmer’s Market

The joy of shopping outdoors is a true treat–one of Michigan’s finest features, in my opinion!

What are the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market Hours?

The market is open year-round and operates on a Main Season schedule and a Second Season Schedule.

Main Season Market 2022
First Saturday in May through the last Saturday of October
May 7 – October 29, 2022
The market is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm, starting May 7, 2022.

Second Season Market
First Saturday in November through the last Saturday of April
Saturdays, 10 am – 1 pm

What Should I Bring with me to the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market?

An Insulated Bag: Bringing an insulated bag is a great idea if you’ll be purchasing frozen or refrigerated items (like meat and cheese). That way you don’t have to worry about items thawing or going bad.

A Basket: A basket is also a good idea, as you can spread your fresh fruit and veggies out on the bottom and they don’t get all smashed together.

Payment: Bring cash if you can. More than half of the vendors accept credit/debit cards. Bridge cards & WIC are also accepted.

Fulton Street Farmer’s Market Parking

100 parking spots are available at on market property.
Saturday morning is the busiest time for the market. Be prepared to find parking on side streets. Additional Saturday parking is available across Fuller Street at the Salvation Army.

What Can I Buy at Fulton Street Farmer’s Market?

While the vendors rotate, generally you will be able to buy in-season produce as well as pastries, breads, homemade dishes, meats, and more. On Sundays in the summer, the Market is host to Fulton Street Artisans Market.

Where is Fulton Street Farmer’s Market?

The market is located 1.5 miles east of Downtown Grand Rapids on Fulton Street E.

Fulton Street Farmer's Market Map

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