Madison Farmers’ Markets Adapt to COVID-19 Restrictions

Dane County Farmers Market, Madison, Capitol Square, Capitol building, state capitol

 

By Shelby Rowe Moyer | Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin

Farmers market season is upon us, and even though the casual browsing of vendors may not be possible this year, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the splendor of locally grown produce plucked and provided directly from the growers themselves.

Most of the Madison markets — including the mother of all markets in Wisconsin, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, which holds the title of the largest producer-only market in the nation — have adapted their approach to support producers and consumers alike.

To view a list of what ripens when, click here.

Here’s a partial listing of updated market dates as of May 2020.

DANE COUNTY

In lieu of the Wednesday and Saturday markets, the Dane County Farmers’ Market is offering pick-ups at Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center — just order online or on your WhatsGood app to browse the offerings. Or buy goods directly from farmers. The market’s COVID-19 page is a hub for the latest information on how the market will continue to function.

EASTSIDE

Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m., now through Oct. 27, McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St.

Before visiting the Eastside Farmers’ Market, visit online for public health rules and suggestions for obtaining the products most important to you.

ELVER PARK

Typically held from on Saturdays from June to September, the Elver Park Farmers’ Market will not be operating this year due to the virus and announced on its website that it will reassess in 2021.

HILLDALE

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 16 to October 30, behind
L.L. Bean off Segoe Rd.

Visit the Hilldale Farmers’ Market Facebook page for public health rules before attending the market. 

MONROE STREET

Though the Sunday market isn’t open for its usual browsing hours, it is offering online vendor orders with Sunday pick-ups. Information on how to order, and other news about the market, can be found on its website. 

NORTHSIDE

Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 31 to Oct. 18, Northside TownCenter, 1865 Northport Dr.

The “Safer at Home” extension has delayed the opening of the Northside Farmers’ Market, but don’t be disheartened. The market’s social media pages feature producers that are currently selling their goods.

WESTSIDE

Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., now through Nov. 7, UW Digestive Health Center, 750 University Row.

The Westside Community Market experience will be a bit different compared to years past, but it’s open for the season with some restrictions in place. Be sure to visit its website for rules and specific dates (which are subject to change due to COVID-19) for each of the three market sessions.

SOUTH MADISON

As of May, 2020 the South Madison Farmers’ Market dates had not been updated, so check southmadisonfarmersmarket.com for any details if the market is still operating in 2020.

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