Southwest Florida's farmers markets are one of the best things about living here or visiting during season. From October through April, open-air markets pop up across the region every weekend — transforming parking lots, downtown streets, and waterfront parks into community gathering spots where you can buy fresh Gulf shrimp straight from a fisherman, pick up organic produce grown twenty miles away, and listen to live music while sipping locally roasted coffee.
The markets here aren't just about groceries. The best ones are genuine weekend events — part food festival, part craft fair, part neighborhood social hour. You'll find artisan bakers selling sourdough that rivals anything from a proper bakery, hot food vendors turning out everything from crepes to jerk chicken, and local artists selling work you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're a snowbird stocking your rental kitchen, a local looking for Saturday morning plans, or a visitor who wants to experience SWFL like a local, these ten markets are worth building your weekend around.
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1. Third Street South Farmers Market — Naples
The crown jewel of SWFL farmers markets. Every Saturday morning from November through April, the parking area behind Third Street South transforms into Naples' most vibrant community gathering. The market draws an upscale but unpretentious crowd — you'll see $200 Lululemon outfits next to flip-flops and fishing shirts, all browsing the same organic tomatoes.
The vendor quality here is exceptional. Local farms bring produce picked within the last 48 hours, artisan bakers sell out of sourdough and croissants by 10 AM, and specialty food vendors offer everything from infused olive oils to fresh pasta. Live acoustic music adds atmosphere without overpowering conversation. After shopping, walk the bags to your car and stay for brunch at one of the Third Street restaurants.
- Location: Behind Third Street South shops, Naples
- Schedule: Saturdays, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Season: November through April
- Known for: High-quality produce, artisan bakers, upscale atmosphere
- Parking: Third Street public lot fills early — arrive before 8:30 AM or use the garage on 8th Street
- Don't miss: The sourdough bread vendor, locally grown microgreens, fresh-squeezed juice stand
2. Sarasota Farmers Market — Downtown Sarasota
The Sarasota Farmers Market is the largest and longest-running market in SWFL, operating year-round every Saturday in downtown Sarasota. Over 70 vendors line the sidewalks along Lemon Avenue and State Street, creating a pedestrian-friendly market that stretches several blocks through the heart of downtown.
The range here is impressive. You'll find certified organic farms alongside conventional growers, a dedicated seafood section with Gulf-caught fish, hot food vendors serving international cuisine, and a substantial crafts and artisan section. The year-round schedule means this market serves locals and visitors alike — it's not just a seasonal event. The adjacent downtown restaurants open early, making this an easy brunch-and-browse morning.
- Location: Lemon Avenue & State Street, Downtown Sarasota
- Schedule: Saturdays, 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (year-round)
- Season: Year-round
- Known for: Largest SWFL market, 70+ vendors, year-round operation
- Parking: Downtown garages on 1st Street and Orange Avenue — free on Saturdays before noon
- Don't miss: Gulf-caught seafood section, international hot food vendors, local honey
3. Cape Coral Farmers Market
The Cape Coral Farmers Market has grown into one of the most popular weekend events in Lee County. Held every Saturday along SE 47th Terrace in the city's cultural park area, the market regularly draws over 70 vendors and thousands of visitors who come for the produce, stay for the live music, and leave with bags of baked goods and locally made hot sauce.
What sets Cape Coral's market apart is the community energy. Local food trucks park alongside the vendors, a live band plays under the pavilion, and the crowd ranges from young families to retired couples who've made this their Saturday ritual. The produce section is strong — multiple farms bring seasonal Florida fruits and vegetables — and the prepared food vendors offer some of the best casual breakfast bites in Cape Coral.
- Location: SE 47th Terrace & SE 10th Place, Cape Coral
- Schedule: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Season: Year-round
- Known for: Live music, food trucks, community atmosphere, 70+ vendors
- Parking: Free lot parking on surrounding streets — arrive early for closest spots
- Don't miss: Live music pavilion, local food trucks, fresh Florida citrus
4. Fort Myers Downtown Farmers Market
Located in Centennial Park along the Caloosahatchee River, the Fort Myers Downtown Farmers Market combines riverside views with a solid vendor lineup that makes it one of the best Thursday activities in the city. The waterfront setting is the real draw — you're shopping for produce with river views and Royal Palm-lined paths as your backdrop.
The market leans local and artisanal. Fresh-baked bread, local honey, organic produce, handmade soaps, and small-batch hot sauces fill the stalls. Hot food options range from wood-fired pizza to fresh crepes. After shopping, walk over to the Fort Myers River District for lunch — several restaurants are within a few blocks.
- Location: Centennial Park, 2000 W First St, Fort Myers
- Schedule: Thursdays, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Season: Year-round (reduced vendors in summer)
- Known for: Riverfront setting, artisanal food vendors, Thursday schedule
- Parking: Centennial Park lot (free) plus downtown street parking
- Don't miss: Riverfront morning walk, wood-fired pizza vendor, local beekeeper's honey
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5. Sanibel Island Farmers Market
The Sanibel market captures the laid-back island spirit that makes Sanibel special. Held Sunday mornings at City Hall, this seasonal market is smaller than the mainland options but curated with the kind of quality that Sanibel residents expect. You'll find organic produce, tropical fruit, fresh-baked goods, local artwork, and Sanibel-made products like shell art and island-roasted coffee.
The crowd is a mix of island residents and resort visitors walking over from nearby hotels. After shopping, many people head to the beach — Sanibel's famous shelling is best in the early morning hours. The market has a neighborly, low-key energy that reflects the island's character.
- Location: Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd, Sanibel
- Schedule: Sundays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Season: October through May
- Known for: Island atmosphere, curated vendors, Sanibel-made products
- Parking: City Hall parking lot — can fill during peak season
- Don't miss: Island-roasted coffee, tropical fruit, Sanibel shell art
6. Venice Farmers Market
Venice's Saturday market runs along Tampa Avenue in the heart of the downtown historic district, surrounded by Mediterranean Revival architecture and shaded by mature trees. The setting alone makes it worth the visit — it's one of the most picturesque market locations in SWFL.
Around 40 vendors sell a mix of produce, baked goods, crafts, and prepared foods. The market has a particularly strong showing of artisan vendors — handmade jewelry, pottery, and local art sit alongside the usual produce stalls. After shopping, walk Venice Avenue to the beach — the famous shark tooth hunting starts where the road meets the Gulf.
- Location: Tampa Avenue, Downtown Venice
- Schedule: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Season: November through April
- Known for: Picturesque downtown setting, artisan crafts, walkability to beach
- Parking: Downtown street parking and public lots — free on Saturdays
- Don't miss: Artisan jewelry vendors, fresh pasta, post-market walk to Venice Beach
7. Punta Gorda Farmers Market
Punta Gorda's market occupies Taylor Street in the charming downtown historic district, just steps from the Charlotte Harbor waterfront. The market has steadily grown into one of the best in Charlotte County, with local farms, bakers, and food artisans filling the street alongside crafts vendors and live entertainment.
The smaller size works in its favor — you can browse every stall without feeling overwhelmed, and the vendors are genuinely happy to talk about their products. Fresh Gulf seafood, organic lettuces, local citrus, and homemade pies are regulars. After the market, walk the Harborwalk along Charlotte Harbor — it's one of the most underrated waterfronts in SWFL. Check out our Punta Gorda restaurants guide for lunch options nearby.
- Location: Taylor Street, Downtown Punta Gorda
- Schedule: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Season: October through April
- Known for: Charming downtown setting, walkable waterfront, friendly vendors
- Parking: Free downtown lot parking along side streets
- Don't miss: Gulf-caught fish vendor, local citrus, Harborwalk after-market stroll
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8. Bonita Springs Farmers Market
The Bonita Springs market runs at the Promenade at Bonita Bay, providing a convenient location with good parking and a covered walkway that offers shade — a bigger deal than it sounds when the February sun is already strong by 9 AM. Around 30 vendors bring produce, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, and artisan crafts.
The market serves the Bonita Springs and Estero crowd, attracting a mix of residents and seasonal visitors staying near Barefoot Beach. The prepared food section is particularly strong — fresh empanadas, artisan breakfast sandwiches, and hot coffee make this a solid breakfast stop. The Promenade's shops and restaurants provide additional browsing after the market winds down.
- Location: Promenade at Bonita Bay, 26811 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs
- Schedule: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Season: November through April
- Known for: Covered walkway, prepared food vendors, convenient parking
- Parking: Free Promenade lot — ample parking
- Don't miss: Fresh empanadas, artisan breakfast sandwiches, local honey
9. Siesta Key Farmers Market
Siesta Key's market captures the village's laid-back beach-town personality. Held in the heart of Siesta Key Village, the market is small but carefully curated with local vendors who reflect the island's character. Fresh tropical fruit, organic juices, handmade coconut products, and locally caught seafood are the stars.
The market doubles as a social event for Siesta Key residents and visitors — many people stop by after their morning beach walk, grab coffee and a pastry, and stay to browse. The village's restaurants are steps away for a post-market brunch. If you're visiting Siesta Key for the beaches, time your trip to catch the Sunday market.
- Location: Siesta Key Village, Ocean Blvd
- Schedule: Sundays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Season: November through May
- Known for: Beach-town vibe, curated vendors, village walkability
- Parking: Village street parking and public lots — arrive early during season
- Don't miss: Tropical fruit smoothies, fresh-caught shrimp, post-market beach walk
10. Immokalee Farmers Market
For an entirely different market experience, the Immokalee Farmers Market offers the most authentic agricultural market in Southwest Florida. Immokalee is one of Florida's most productive farming communities, and the market reflects that heritage with prices and variety that put the coastal markets to shame. Bins of tomatoes, peppers, citrus, mangoes, and tropical fruits overflow at prices that are a fraction of what you'd pay in Naples or Fort Myers.
This isn't a curated, Instagram-friendly market — it's a working agricultural community selling what they grow, and the experience is richer for it. The drive from Naples takes about 45 minutes through the agricultural flatlands east of I-75, and many visitors combine the market trip with a visit to the nearby Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Bring cash and cooler bags.
- Location: 1410 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee
- Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Season: Year-round (peak variety October through May)
- Known for: Authentic agricultural prices, massive produce variety, Florida farming heritage
- Parking: Free lot parking
- Don't miss: Tropical fruits at wholesale prices, fresh peppers, locally grown tomatoes
Farmers Market Tips for SWFL
Timing
Arrive early. The best produce and baked goods sell out fast — especially sourdough bread at the Naples market and fresh seafood at the Sarasota market. Plan to arrive within the first hour of operation.
Plan your week around market days:
- Thursday: Fort Myers (Centennial Park)
- Saturday: Naples, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Venice, Punta Gorda, Bonita Springs, Immokalee
- Sunday: Sanibel Island, Siesta Key
What to Bring
- Reusable bags — most vendors don't provide them
- Cash — many vendors prefer cash, though card acceptance is increasing
- A cooler for your car — essential for seafood and dairy in Florida heat
- Sunscreen and a hat — even in January, the sun is strong
Season vs. Off-Season
Most SWFL farmers markets run October/November through April/May, coinciding with tourist season. The Sarasota, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers markets operate year-round but with fewer vendors during summer months. If you're visiting in summer, these three are your best bets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best farmers market in Southwest Florida?
The Third Street South Farmers Market in Naples is widely considered the best in SWFL for its exceptional vendor quality and upscale atmosphere. The Sarasota Farmers Market is the largest and only year-round option with 70+ vendors. Cape Coral's market is the best for live music and community energy. Each offers a different experience worth trying.
When are farmers markets open in SWFL?
Most SWFL farmers markets operate from October or November through April or May, coinciding with tourist season. Saturday is the most popular market day, with Naples, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Venice, Punta Gorda, and Bonita Springs all holding their markets on Saturday mornings. Fort Myers runs on Thursdays, and Sanibel and Siesta Key hold Sunday markets.
Are SWFL farmers markets open in summer?
The Sarasota Farmers Market, Cape Coral Farmers Market, and Fort Myers Downtown Farmers Market operate year-round, though with fewer vendors during the summer months (May through September). Most other markets close for the summer and reopen in the fall.
What should I bring to a farmers market in Florida?
Bring reusable bags, cash (many vendors prefer it), sunscreen, a hat, and a cooler for your car. Florida heat can spoil seafood, dairy, and produce quickly — a cooler bag with ice packs is essential, even during the winter months when it can reach the 80s by late morning.
Do SWFL farmers markets accept credit cards?
Acceptance varies by vendor. Larger markets like Sarasota and Cape Coral have more vendors with card readers, but many smaller producers and artisans are cash-only. Bring at least $40-60 in cash to be safe, especially at smaller markets like Sanibel, Punta Gorda, and Immokalee.
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- Things to Do in Fort Myers — Activities and attractions in Lee County
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- Snowbird Guide to Southwest Florida — Everything seasonal visitors need to know
