Jefferson County Farmers Markets

No Wisconsin summer is complete without a trip to the local farmers market. Farmers markets are a fun way to get out and enjoy the weather, meet new people, and see what’s happening in the community. They benefit the local economy by promoting job creation and generating revenue for local farmers and businesses; they contribute to our community’s health by offering fresher, more flavorful food options packed with nutrients; and they encourage sustainable farming practices and provide low-barrier entry points for smaller farms to sell their crops.

With all the benefits that farmers markets provide, we’re lucky to have several right here in Jefferson County. From May through October, there are a variety of weekly and seasonal farmers markets from Whitewater to Watertown.

Fort Farmers Market

Fort Farmers Market opens the first weekend in May with Spring Preview Days, with the regular season starting the last Saturday of May—Saturday, May 27th. The market runs every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM through the last Saturday of September. Saturdays in October are host to Harvest Days at the same times.

There’s more than just food at Fort Farmers Market! Visitors can enjoy family activities, live music, and other programs hosted by local arts & service organizations. Local artisans and craftspeople offer a variety of handmade gifts, and fresh plants and flowers are available to brighten your house and fill your garden.

Fort Farmers Market also accepts FoodShare, Wisconsin’s SNAP program, for most food items. To find out if you qualify for FoodShare, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Some vendors also accept Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Seniors and WIC recipients.

In addition to the weekly Saturday market, the last Saturday of each month is Arts Saturday, where local artists offer a variety of expertly handcrafted crafts and art. Fort Farmers Market also hosts two night markets called Evening in the Garden at the Blodgett Pet & Garden Center in Fort Atkinson. The night markets are scheduled for Thursday, June 29th and Thursday, August 3rd from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Follow Fort Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram or visit FortChamber.com for more information. Interested in being a vendor? Download the 2023 Vendor Policies here and follow this link to apply.

When: May through October; Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Market Square. Milwaukee Avenue Municipal Parking Lot; 19 E Milwaukee Ave W, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Across from the Fort Atkinson Post Office; one block off South Main Street

Lake Mills Farmers & Artisan Market

The Lake Mills Farmers & Artisan Market runs every Wednesday, May 17th through October 4th. Times at which the market runs alternate, with the market being hosted from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the second Wednesday of every month and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on all other Wednesdays. The second Wednesday of every month will also feature live local music and kids crafts and activities!

The market offers locally grown foods, plants, preserves, and handcrafted goods from jewelry to baked goods.

Follow Lake Mills Farmers & Artisan Market on Facebook or visit LegendaryLakeMills.com for more info. If you would like to be a vendor, download the application here.

When: May 17th through October 4th; Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM except for the second Wednesday of every month, which will run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Where: Commons Park, 100 N Main Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551

Waterloo Farm and Artisan Market

The Waterloo Farm and Artisan Market opens in June and runs through September in downtown Waterloo. Every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, local farmers offer produce, flowers, plants, meats, honey, baked goods, cheese, and handcrafts and artisanal items. The Waterloo Business Association hosts activities, games and raffles, food trucks, and more!

Follow Waterloo Farm and Artisan Market on Facebook or visit Waterloo Business Association at Waterlooba.com. Interested in being a vendor? Email Secretary@Waterlooba.com.

When: June through September, Tuesdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Where: Downtown Waterloo, WI

Watertown Farmers’ Market

The Watertown Farmers’ Market takes place on Tuesdays, May through October from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Riverside Park. Local vendors sell produce, baked goods, plants, seafood, and more! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful views of Rock River while perusing the market’s variety of delicious foods.

Follow Watertown Farmers’ Market on Facebook or email WatertownMainStreet@gmail.com for more info.

When: May through October; Tuesdays from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Riverside Park 850 Labaree St, Watertown, WI, 53098

Whitewater Farmers Market

The Whitewater Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Historic Train Depot. Visit a variety of fresh produce vendors, crafts booths, plants stalls, and more!

Follow Whitewater Farmers Market on Facebook or visit WhitewaterFarmersMarket.com for more info. If you would like to be a vendor, fill out the application here.

When: May through October, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Historic Train Depot, 301 W Whitewater St, Whitewater, WI 53190

Plan Your Visit This Summer

Supporting local Farmers Market connects you with the local community. It’s a chance to learn what programs and services community organizations offer. Meet local business owners, artists, musicians, farmers, volunteers, and other community figures. There are family-friendly activities; all kinds of produce, plants, and prepared foods; and handmade crafts fashioned by local artists.

Farmers Markets are one of many ways to experience our communities throughout the summer. Jefferson County is host to a variety of events from concerts to bargain fairs, from arts festivals to riverwalks. Check out local farmstands, stores, and more, including later-season markets and local businesses open year round. Come out this summer and make some memories!