Big Lake Farmers Market

Big Lake Spud Fest is one of the market’s platinum sponsors, linking this weekly market to one of the town’s named civic partners rather than presenting it as a standalone pop-up. In summer, the market sets up at Lakeside Park on Wednesdays from June through September, with afternoon hours that run 3–7 p.m. in June through August and 3–6 p.m. in September. The setting matters here too: Big Lake sits along Big Lake and Mitchell Lake in Sherburne County, and the market’s Lakeside Park location places it inside that lake-centered local geography.

Why it matters locally

Lakeside Park hosts the summer market, while Big Lake City Hall hosts the winter market season, giving the market a public, city-linked footprint across more than one venue. The City of Big Lake appears as the organizer, and the listed market coordinator is Corrie Scott, Recreation and Communication Coordinator, which ties the market directly to local municipal programming rather than a separate private operator.

Its programming also stays focused on regular participation. Children ages 2–12 receive a $2 token each summer market to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables through the Power of Produce program, and shoppers ages 13 and up can earn $2 in tokens after five visits through the Frequent Shopper Program. Senior Day is held on the second Wednesday of each month during the summer season, adding a recurring audience-specific program to the weekly market.

What you'll find there

This market’s published emphasis is less about named vendors and more about programs that shape the Wednesday visit. The city highlights tokens, recurring theme days, and weekly updates on produce, performers, and vendors rather than a fixed vendor roster.

• -Power of Produce gives children ages 2–12 a $2 token for fresh fruits and vegetables each summer market.
• -Frequent Shopper rewards ages 13+ with $2 in tokens after five visits, usable on any vendor product.
• -Market Reminders e-newsletters share updated vendors, performers, programs, and produce in season the week of each market.

Every week during the summer season, community organizations also offer free kids activities at the market, adding another structured layer beyond shopping.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed, which is the detail most likely to change how you arrive at Big Lake Farmers Market. Summer market hours shift in September: the market runs 3–7 p.m. from June through August, then shortens to 3–6 p.m. for Wednesday markets in September. The summer location is Lakeside Park at 101 Lakeshore Drive, and free parking is available there.

If you follow the market across seasons, the format changes after summer. A winter market is scheduled on the third Saturday of each month from November to April at Big Lake City Hall, and one March market is noted at Big Lake High School with the Community Fair. The market also sends a reminder e-newsletter the week of each market with updated vendors, performers, programs, and in-season produce.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at Big Lake Farmers Market. The market’s token programs also point to a payment setup built around market-issued spending: children ages 2–12 receive $2 produce tokens in summer, and shoppers 13+ can earn $2 in tokens after five visits for use on any vendor product. Payment methods are presented clearly by the market, which helps if you’re planning purchases across multiple vendors.