Visit These Markets Locals Love

Get ready to jive! Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, the largest farmers market in the Southeast U.S. might tempt you to dance as you shop. With live music, friendly dogs to meet, bins brimming with gorgeous produce from small growers, artisan-made goodies, and ready-to-eat foods from around the world, this outdoor market is like a daytime party hosted by creative pals. It’s a feast for all the senses, and you (and your shopping bags) are guaranteed to come away full.

When: Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (October to May) and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (June to August) 

Where: Al Lang Stadium parking lot (October to May) and Williams Park (June to August); closed in September

Ready to go full-on gourmet on a charming main street and dig into the tantalizing flavors of the fresh fruits and vegetables sold here? Don’t know about you, but we think a shopping basket without a pile of brightly colored berries is borderline empty. The foods and produce here are not only delicious, but also make for great eye candy. With folks walking around eating and drinking, and live music to animate the action, the scene feels straight out of a movie.

When: Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (November to June) and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (July to October) 

Where: November to May in John L. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 422 Main St.; July-October in the Dunedin History Museum lot, 349 Main St

The Market Marie is an exciting marketplace with over 100 small business owners in a beautiful location in Coachman Park in Clearwater between the bayfront and the Baycare Sound event space. Enjoy live music, fresh produce, art, clothing, henna art, handmade candles, pet treats, home goods and much more. Bonus: It’s just over the bridge from famously stunning Clearwater Beach!

When: The second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater

Travelers who like to support small businesses should check out Mezzo Market, where local vendors sell handmade items, vintage clothing and goods, art work, jewelry, food and more.

When: Sporadic (check schedule) but typically Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (October to May)

Where: 1133 Baum Avenue N., St. Petersburg

Bring your grocery list for fresh juice, meats, cheeses, desserts and produce but be sure to allow for some spur-of-the-moment buys, too. There are just too many great things here to pass up (crafts and art, among them). Whether you come for a meal or just to shop, you’ll want to hang out on the gazebo lawn and listen to live music. It’s a fun and festive place, and you’ll get a sense of the tightly connected community the town’s known for. There’s morning yoga class at 10 a.m. for anyone who feels like limbering up before hauling around bags full of beautiful produce.  

When: Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 401 Main St., Safety Harbor

Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach is a fun place for shoppers even without its popular Sunday Market, now held year-round. But layer that in and you’ve got a must-visit hot spot. Explore the tented stalls of more than 60 vendors selling locally made ready-to-eat foods, organic produce, plants and crafts. It’s an uplifting atmosphere that offers a great way to start your week.

When: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (October to May); Summer hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (June to September)

Where: Corey Avenue and Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach

Hit this quirky little town’s historic waterfront district for a market teeming with locally produced honey, sauces, teas, herbs, meats, skin care products, candles and more. Regulars sing the praises of the awesome vendors, their wares and the setting’s Old Florida vibe. The stroll along Gulfport’s tree-lined street as you explore the tents is an added bonus. You’re likely to see more than a few “Keep Gulfport Weird” bumper stickers on cars. Just like the town itself, the market is eclectic, artsy and welcoming. 

When: Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., (October to May); 9 a.m.-2 p.m., (June to September)

Where: Waterfront District on Beach Boulevard below 28th Avenue South

More than 150 vendors, mountains of tropical fruit and a food court that spans continents — this is market shopping on a bigger scale. Grab a basket and go hunting for Sweetheart Lychee, Mangosteen and fresh Durian, then refuel with Hmong, Vietnamese, Thai-Lao or Filipino bites between stalls of antiques, arts and crafts and small-batch goods from local growers and artisans.

When: Saturdays and Sundays 7a.m.-1p.m.

Where: 10490 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay's largest monthly vintage market packs 15,000 square feet with treasures from around the region and beyond. Dig through vintage furniture, lighting, home decor, art, jewelry and clothing alongside repurposed antiques, mid-century modern pieces, industrial finds and rustic farmhouse style — the kind of eclectic mix you won't find anywhere else in the South.

When: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: 2906 34th St S, St. Petersburg

Local artists, handcrafted goods and shaken cocktails collide at the St. Petersburg Distillery every second Thursday of the month. Browse original art, handmade jewelry, pet treats and artisan food from a rotating lineup of vendors, then grab a ready-to-eat bite and a signature cocktail or mocktail while live music sets the mood. Dogs and families are welcome and evening distillery tours run during the event for anyone curious about the craft spirit process.

When: Second Thursday of each month, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Where: St. Petersburg Distillery, 800 31st St S, St. Petersburg

This market in St. Pete's artsy Kenwood neighborhood regularly has 70 to 90 vendors, depending on the season. Its offerings include fresh local produce, plants, herbs, flowers and cheese, plus food trucks, baked goods, local art, unique clothing, pottery, candles, and bath & body products. Live music starts at 10 a.m. Nearby restaurants are also open during market hours. Parking is free.

When: Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (October to May) and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (June to August)

Where: On the campus of St. Pete High School at 2501 5th Ave. N., St. Pete; closed in September

Bring the family to Indian Shores, a fun beach community, and search for the things that make your heart sing among the gourmet goods, fine arts and crafts at this market. Browsing and chit-chatting with the friendly group of vendors is a great way to end one week and start the next. So, what’ll it be? Is gorgeous star fruit your cocktail decoration of choice?

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (December through May)

Where: At the Town of Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores; closed for summer season