Don't Miss 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. to 2 p.m.

Where: Al Lang Stadium parking lot (October to May) and Williams Park (June to September), St. Pete

This market 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. to 2 p.m.

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

With so many great markets to choose from (some with similar names), things can get a little confusing. However, this Sunday market is focused on the arts, and held every third Sunday at the ArtsXchange in St. Pete. Visitors can come back to see their favorites and some new vendors at each event. Local artists will be working on-site and local musicians and DJs will be playing. Browse more than 100 vendors and refuel at food trucks.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. every third Sunday

Where: St. Pete ArtsXchange, 515 22nd St. S., St. Pete

This once-a-month flea market reveals a key ingredient of the St. Pete secret sauce: a community of dedicated makers and lovers of great craftsmanship and design. The market’s curated group of vendors offers a treasure trove of cool products, both old and new, from handmade jewelry, fashion and fragrances to upcycled home goods, artisanal foods and plants. Come on… we know you want that cactus in the dinosaur pot (as if the D.J. music, local drinks and hip vibes aren’t enough of a draw).

When: Check St. Pete Indie Flea’s website for dates.

Where: 2606 Fairfield Avenue S., St. Pete

The Asian Friday Night Market is a movable feast of street food. Its impressive array of booths with the authentic dishes of many cultures is held in a variety of locations in St. Pete/Clearwater. Wherever you find it, you’ll enjoy a busy market atmosphere strung with lights and full of the dishes of Thailand, Laos, the Philippines and elsewhere in the region. You can peruse menus while watching chefs chop, roll, skewer, fry, boil and grill, filling the air with scents sure to attract hungry passersby.  

When: Check the schedule on the event’s Facebook Page.

Where: Recently, the market has been at Lao Arts & Cultural Foundation at 4090 58th Ave. N; at AJ's Dockside Bar and Grill at Clearwater’s Cove Cay Marina, 1300 Cove Cay Dr.; and on the property of St. Petersburg Distillery, 855 28th St. S., St. Pete

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

This seasonal (December through May) market features artisan vendors, selling such products as artisanal soaps, handmade and fresh produce, fruits and herbs. The market usually has live music and always has food and beach vibes because it is a short walk to the Gulf and Archibald Beach Park.

When: Each Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 15000 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach (in the triangle formed by 150th Avenue, Madeira Way and Gulf Boulevard)

Get your perfect weekend started with a visit to Treasure Island’s Friday market, where 50 well-spaced tented booths sell a variety of clothing and jewelry, as well as yummy baked goods and veggies (if you eat your veggies, it’s ok to have dessert). You won’t find any duplicate products here: the local vendors are carefully selected to maximize your options. You’ll be browsing at the most idyllic time of year, and the lovely park setting only makes the experience better. 

When: Fridays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 1-April 26

Where: Treasure Island Community Center Park, 104th Ave. and Park Place, Treasure Island

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. November through May; Summer hours, June through October, are 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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., January-April; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., May-December

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

This market’s been around since 1980, so “well-established” doesn’t begin to describe it. “Sprawling” does. Covering 28 acres, it’s one of the biggest flea markets on Florida’s west coast and you’ll find anything you can think of here: furniture, produce, foods, antiques, household items, clothes, accessories, electronics, sporting goods, you name it. There are plenty of indoor stalls, but it’s the ones under the big blue sky that’ll make you feel like you’ve landed in a place where a carnival/treasure hunt combo is about to begin.

When: Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 180 Racetrack Road N., Oldsmar

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 (Nov. through May) and Saturdays (year-round)

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

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

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.-3 p.m.

Where: 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater

The Clearwater Hispanic Farmers Market is a seasonal (October through April) event that honors and celebrates Hispanic heritage in various locations in Clearwater. Once a month, it offers everyone a chance to experience Hispanic culture with local farmers, vendors, artisans, crafts people and performing artists. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the shopping and live performances.     

When and Where:
Check event listings for upcoming market times and places.

Enjoy a splendid selection of everything you expect from a farmers market but with a touch of the town’s heavy Greek influence, including fresh produce, baked goods and other food, plus live music. It’s held in a park named for Mother Meres, an immigrant from Germany who ran a hotel in Tarpon Springs with her husband in the 1880s and became known for her gardening.

When: The second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.-2p.m.

Where: 44 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs