Emporia Farmers Market

Emporia Farmers Market has been bringing local growers, makers, bakers, and neighbors together since 1982, and its stated mission still centers on supporting local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community connection. More than 40 years after starting with a dozen vendors, the market continues as a downtown tradition in Emporia and across the Flint Hills region. The setting adds to that continuity: current outdoor markets meet at the 7th & Merchant Street parking lot in Downtown Emporia, tying the market’s long run to a familiar central location.

Why it matters locally

Since 1982, the market has linked local food and small business growth in Emporia by creating a place where growers, makers, bakers, and neighbors meet face to face. Its own mission names local agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community connection together, which makes the market more than a shopping stop in the weekly calendar.

That local role shows up in how the organization describes its impact. Sponsorships and partnerships help it support local farmers and vendors, expand food accessibility programs, host community events and activities, provide educational opportunities, and improve the market experience. The vendor-facing side is just as direct: sellers are promised weekly attendance, social media promotion, community events, website listings, and seasonal spotlights, all aimed at helping small businesses build visibility and customer relationships in Emporia.

What you'll find there

The market’s own materials emphasize a mix that moves beyond produce alone, with fresh food, handmade goods, and prepared items all part of the regular draw. Spring market notes also point to a seasonal lineup shaped by what vendors are bringing at that moment, especially at the start of the outdoor season.

• -Find spring produce at the outdoor market.
• -Look for plant starts as the season gets underway.
• -Pick up farm fresh eggs from market vendors.
• -Shop baked goods alongside other local food staples.
• -Browse handmade artisan products and locally crafted goods.
• -Grab prepared foods and beverages while you shop.

One visitor noted a large selection of fresh veggies and baked goods, while another mentioned eggs, jams, soaps, and jewelry as part of the mix.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed at the market, though service animals are welcome. For outdoor market days, plan on using the 7th & Merchant Street parking lot area along with free public parking on surrounding downtown streets and nearby public parking areas. Designated accessible parking spaces are available nearby, and the market notes that staff can provide help at the information booth and accessible vendor pathways whenever possible.

Location details can read slightly differently across market materials, but the consistent outdoor setting is the downtown parking lot at 7th and Merchant in Emporia. The market also runs indoor markets at Waters Hardware, 2727 W Hwy 50, on the first and third Saturdays from November through April, which matters if you are planning outside the main outdoor season.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Emporia Farmers Market, and the market also highlights Double Up Food Bucks Kansas and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program as part of its food access efforts. That focus on shopping programs fits the market’s broader work to expand food accessibility while supporting local vendors and farmers.