Urban Garden Farmers Market

Urban Garden Farmers Market is organized by Urban Garden Farmers Market Inc. and runs as a Saturday market serving South Bend’s west side with direct-from-producer shopping in an open-air setting. The market brings together produce, baked goods, barbecue, coffee, plants, flowers, and handmade household goods at Orange and Meade streets, across from the AMTRAK train station and at the entrance to Curtis Products. That mix gives this market a distinctly neighborhood feel: shoppers can pick up greens and maple syrup, stay for brewed coffee or ribs, and browse flowers or rag rugs in one stop.

Why it matters locally

South Bend’s west side is the market’s stated focus, with the market providing that community a place to buy fresh produce direct from producers while also giving backyard gardeners and small farmers a direct outlet for their goods. That local role shows up not only in produce sales but in the way the market ties in nearby growers, including Pa’s Vegetable Patch bringing produce from a farm in New Carlisle. The market also builds in local partnerships and educational programming, including demonstrations and seasonal food preparation from Purdue Extension and an opening-day dance sponsored by the St. Joe County Minority Health Coalition.

What you'll find there

The vendor mix leans practical and specific rather than sprawling, with staples for a produce run alongside prepared food, sweets, coffee, flowers, and handmade home goods. Several listings are tied to named makers, which gives the market a small-scale, seller-forward feel.

• -Pick up pastries and naan breads from She Sells (2009).
• -Find fresh produce, honey, eggs, fresh greens, and maple syrup at Pa’s Vegetable Patch (2009).
• -Order BBQ ribs, chicken, and pulled pork from Jimmy Mac’s Rib Shack (2010).
• -Choose cookies, cupcakes, cobblers, and molded candies from Wendy’s Sweet Treats (2011).
• -Browse gourmet popcorn and other confectionary products from United Sweets of America (2012).
• -Look for Hattie’s brownies and quick breads, plus plants and fresh flowers, at Richard & Hattie (2013).
• -Shop Angie Millie’s handmade rag rugs and chair cushions, with custom orders taken at the market.
• -Pour over fresh roasted whole bean or ground coffee, or get fresh brewed coffee by the cup, from Bendix Coffee.

Beyond the vendor tables, the market calendar has included live music, demonstrations, and family activities. Past Saturdays have featured Purdue Extension demos on preparing seasonal food, recipes, samples, and gardening tips; a jewelry demonstration by artisans from Dismas House; a Healthy Kids Day with snacks, hula hooping, Zumba, face painting, and prizes; and a Gospel Sing with local Gospel artists and an open mic.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed, and there are no restrooms listed on site. The market is set at 1005-1006 Portage Ave, specifically at the entrance to Curtis Products and across from the AMTRAK train station at the four-way stop at Orange and Meade streets, which makes those landmarks the clearest way to find it. If you are planning a first visit, that intersection detail matters more than a broad neighborhood description because the market identifies the Curtis Products entrance as its parking reference point. Donna Ring is the named market manager.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Urban Garden Farmers Market. The market materials also reference vendors accepting WIC vouchers, with approval handled through the State of Indiana WIC office and related state health channels. Payment methods are presented clearly in the market’s visitor details, which helps if SNAP access is part of your shopping plan.