Portland Farmers' Market

I go here anytime I can convince myself to wake up before 2pm on a Saturday. You get to know the vendors. There's always music and tons of dogs. I went today even though I didn't want to buy anything, just because it's so lovely. Beautiful fruits and veggies, but also meats, dairy, mushrooms, flowers, bread, crafts. One of my favorite Portland thingies!

Fabulous farmer's market every Wednesday and Saturday! You can find seedlings, fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, and baked goods for sale. I always leave with something delicious! Parking can be tricky, so I recommend going on the earlier side to guarantee easy parking.

Awesome farmers market. So many vendors and such a wide variety of product including some nice meat and cheese vendors. Will be back next time in Portland.

Unexpectedly big market. Great choice of vegetables and fruits. An interesting place even just for walking.

Wednesday is pretty small but loved the farmer stands set up. All reasonably priced. There were a few artisans/small businesses there too. Beautiful park

Spent a lovely morning walking along the path perusing the artisan stalls and the gorgeous-looking plants and other goodies. Very family friendly, lots of well-trained dogs walking with them. If you're around on a Saturday, it's a great activity to start your day.

Love going to this market every year when we visit Maine. This year was no exception.

Great farmer’s market with tons to choose from. I suggest parking further than closer to the market, regardless of what the parking situation looks like. Went today, 9/2/23 parked with all the others, as we are from out of state, and are unaware of the parking and we were greeted with a ticket by the City of Portland. Poor signage by the city for where parking was not permitted caused for tons of money to be given to the city so hopefully they can get better signage throughout the city.

My lovely wife has been trying to cure our winter blues, and part of this cure is enjoying local events. She came upon the fact that the Portland Farmers' Market moves indoors for the winter season and we made plans to visit this past Saturday. While the winter market is smaller than the summer market, it still managed to fill the gymnasium at the girl's academy. We came late in the day, and many vendors apologized for how picked over they were, but we still managed to fulfill a good portion of our shopping needs. I'd say the score of the day was the dilly beans I came across as we were about to leave. I'm sure I scared the poor fella as I quickly grabbed the jar and excitedly handed him the money. I'll probably have to make the 40 mile trip next Saturday in hopes of replenishing my pickled green bean dreams.

The Portland Farmer's Market in Deering Oaks Park is a delight. Filled with artisan goods, countless fermented things of all kinds, heavenly cheeses, high-quality meats, breads, fresh and locally-grown produce, flowers, jams, and more, I know I'll be finding myself here more than once this summer. It feels good to support local, save a buck or two, all while coming home with a tote bag filled to the rim with goodies. Can't wait to head back :)

We came home with SOOOO MUCH wonderful stuff from so many different farms and stands.

Erica and Bruce are just the loveliest farmer's! Went on a Saturday and found that while the market itself wasn't a big one, it had enough to get everything that I needed: eggs, flowers, blueberries, garlic, dill, salad greens. :)

This farmers market is amazing. I've been to others in other cities that have usually been pretty disappointing. The disappointment might be due to my lack of trying regional vegetables out and not knowing what to do with things like chard or other unfamiliar root veg, so spare me the criticism. Portland's farmers market is huge...I spend about an hour going through once to figure out what i want to buy and from who, then I get my wooden coins. They give 50% bonuses to those on SNAP which is quite good (though not as generous as other places, so I've heard) and the variety is great. You can walk out of here feeling like the healthiest person in the world with your reusable bags overflowing with the leafy green tops of vegetables that are unpruned like the supermarket, yet stashing all the secret baked goods at the bottom of that bag. I don't do that but there are some unique things you might see like the mushrooms swirl cheese buns by the mushroom people, mushroom tea by those people, man bouquets, giant animal bones by middle intervale, 5 dollar bargain bags, and in the summer the amount of color is so explosive, you'd think you'd just walked into a freaking fun house and everything is spinning around you throwing up rainbows. More and more, especially in the summer, I've noticed typical characters you might see on a boardwalk like the human statues that move when paid, tightrope walkers, hulahoopers, drummers, musicians, and other fun acts. Parking is a pain if you come around 11, so try and make it out around 9 and you'll be fine.

Nice produce in a beautiful park set. Got there late in the day so no blueberries in season for us!!!

A great all-around farmers market. Family- and dog-friendly. Farms come from all over to offer seasonal goods, and the people working here are so kind and friendly. Definitely the best spread is in the summer when there are TONS of veggies, herbs, flowers, fermented products, eggs, meats, honey, jams, breads, etc. A fun place to walk around and a lovely crowd. Some musicians here and there playing tunes. This year, there is a small cart sometimes that offers coffee and tea, which is a great addition since there aren't any prepped foods or hot foods like some other farmers markets, though some vendors offer pies and pastries but they tend to sell out immediately. It's been more crowded than ever before here on Saturdays so definitely get there early to get what you are looking for. Oh, and there's a line of craft/wares vendors that's really awesome! Things like pottery, jewelry, knit goods, etc.

In the world of farmers market reviews there are only so many things you can say to make them stand out from the pack, so I'm going to reserve the remainder of this review to highlight the oddities that make Portland's farmers market in the park unique: -cherry tomato bar (the most extensive selective of heirloom cherry tomatoes I've ever seen) -plentiful cheese options - especially chevre, raw cow's milk, yoghurts, etc. -live music with a lovely backdrop of the park lake -puppet show for the kiddos -extensive selection of canned veggies

Absolutely beautiful Saturday morning in the middle of a gorgeous Park surrounded by Baby squirrels and fledgling ducks is an army of Portland residents with children and puppies in tow I even saw two kittens on my walk through this morning not for sale going on display and so cute driving every puppy insane. Held near the stage the small outdoor market definitely has everything you would want or need from a farmers market from organic beef two potted basil strawberry rhubarb jam on every type of potted flower wonderful cheese fresh fruit perfect do you have Saturday evening with a glass of wine... NFL if I were wise I'd get my vendors license and set up a stand that's sold flower pots dog bones and painted the faces of the kids I may be sold balloons too. Or if possible glasses of wine to go with all that fruit and cheese.. What a wonderful job it must be to work at a farmers market granted you may not retire rich but everybody you sees happy and enjoying the Sun. Oh wait what about winter and rainy days? Oh well it's the thought that counts.. So about a pound of beef because it has to be significantly better than Walmart meats, 6 potted flower plants, and a jar of strawberry rhubarb jam. I was supposed to be out walking the dog and now I'm walking back to the house to pick up the car so I can go pick up the plants that I purchased. Lol The dog also gives his farmers market 5 stars thanks to all the squirrels it is definitely a Jack Russells heaven!!

Was visiting Portland a few weekends ago and decided to check out the farmers' market. I had heard that it was mostly produce, so I was mostly going to browse but also wanted to get some fresh Maine blueberries. There are a lot of vendors selling everything from cheese, bread, meat, fruit, vegetables, flowers, jams, pickles, and cider. Reminded me a lot of the Union Square farmers' market in NYC in terms of the types of items that were being sold. I was able to sample some delicious bread and husk cherries (which I had never seen before!) and picked up some amazing homemade jam, blueberries, and peaches. If I lived in the area I definitely come again and would recommend checking it out if you are visiting to get a sense of the local produce scene in Maine.

Excellent farmers market. Literally tons of local area produce, some organic (or beyond), some not. Some really interesting value add stuff (syrups, cheeses, baked good, etc) but not too much- this market is definitely emphasis on the "farmers". Very little craft-type stuff, at least at the early November market we caught. Lots of good looking meat for sale too - we were only in town for one night so did not peruse too closely. Found a good selection of veggies that supported our food prep for over a week of travel, and a couple small treats that we trucked back across the country. Always worth a spin, this market. Only suggestion would be to have a few prepared food booths/trucks, if allowed - especially a coffee provider :) We were kind of banking on that and the absence cut our morning a bit short. Thanks for putting in the work on this place - it really shows!

Farmer's markets can be anywhere on a spectrum. The ones back in NYC could be huge (Union square) or small (Jackson Heights) and a range of quality there in. This one is certainly large enough and since Maine prides itself on the quality of local goods, the stuff you can buy is beautiful and tasty. I've never met a vendor who wasn't smiling and happy to answer questions about growing, yields, even cooking tips. They are setup (I believe) for food stamp useage, so this is a great way to make the most bang with your bucks. **I grew up on food stamps and this is a wonderful option I wish I'd had.** The people at the table where you do stamps and fliers and such, always answer questions and seem happy to help any way they can. Parking can be tricky, so go early and try to bring a few folks in 1 car.

This is a great weekly summer Saturday morning event for us...We are foodies and enjoy strolling through the market, people watching, taking in the colors, and general market vibe. It's very enjoyable. We walk the entire market first, making note of favorites, and then buying as we return through. Prices and payment options vary, so we prefer scoping it out first. Tons of fresh organic flowers, fruits, veggies, and meats. Something surely for everyone. Solid 4 stars....what's not to like

When I lived in Ireland there was this secret farmers' market that happened in an exceptionally tiny courtyard off an old cobblestone alleyway. I tried to make it every week so that I could treat myself - with my au pair money - to locally made sheep's milk cheese, an apple tartine and pain au chocolat, and - of course - the best produce in the area. The Portland Farmers' Market on Saturday in Deering Oaks Park sometimes reminds me of it (and that, in and of itself, delights my heart). For example, despite being out in an open area, when it's sunny out there are so many bodies you can barely move (and be prepared to be nicked in the heels by a pram). The best time to go, believe it or not, is when it's rainy out (because Mainers aren't always keen on a little drizzle after a few days of sun - we're fickle creatures, we are). The farmers/vendors are still out with their wares, but they're a little more friendly and patient because they aren't being bombarded left, right, and center by needy, demanding customers. Go then. Also, remember, that these folks are people, too. And many of them make their living off the land; an art that is slowly being lost, but these locals are keeping it alive and healthy in our area. They're not drones working in a chain that have been programmed to say or think a certain thing. 1. The phrase "a premium price for a premium product" applies here - you are buying some of the best products right from the source. So while you're getting the most pure form of tomato, for example, you're also putting your money right back into the community. Does it leave you poorer? Yes. But I like knowing where my food comes from and where my money's going, so it works out in the end. 2. On the flipside: when you develop real relationships with farmers - and aren't just drive by customers who yell and want and expect - they are more likely to "treat you like a regular" (meaning you get first dibs on better produce and plants, larger portions of cheese, discounted prices, etc.). But that takes time. Buy local. It feels (and tastes) good.

I'm used to the farmer's market in Minneapolis, so the Portland market is a little small. However, size is not necessarily an indicator of quality, and this market is high quality. The local vegetables and fruits are lovely and extremely fresh. There's quite a good variety in general and within types - want apples? What kind? Cherry tomatoes? There's a whole selection. Hot peppers? There are a lot of poblanos and padrons, but one or two vendors have a few hotter peppers. Do you want your greens on their own, or perhaps still attached to a beet? Root vegetables, squash, berries, melon, mushrooms, eggplant, beans, garlic... if it grows in Maine and it's legal to sell, you can get it at the market. Local honey, meat, and eggs are available. You can also get homemade pickles, jam, yogurt, cheese, granola bars, bread, soap, yarn, and perhaps most surprisingly, cajeta. The cajeta is delicious. If you don't have cash, there's a table where you can get tokens with a credit card. They also take SNAP/EBT. Just forget about going to the grocery store, you don't need to bother with that. Come to the farmers market, get the fresh food from a local farmer, and go home and eat like a god.

So many options for fresh veggies. I would suggest going through once, so you can compare prices as you go. However, it will not be long after you have been coming here that you will have your favorite stands. The live music by such greats as Samuel James and others, really make it a beautiful start to your weekend.

I liked this Farmer's Market but it seemed small compared to what I'm used to in Baltimore and even smaller towns in Oregon. Prices on some things were high and I wish there had been more prepared food options (maybe that's not allowed at this market?) but overall, a beautiful market in a beautiful park location simply can't be beat. My favorite find was a cheese maker/creamery stand from Kennebec - sorry, I can't remember the name but I'll look it up and post it asap. Beautiful, delicious little wheels of chevre for $5! YUM!!!! I will be back...often!

It's a great thing to do on a Saturday morning. Fresh fruits, vegetables and produce! There's even flower stands and plants stand. It's not cheap, but it sure beats anything the supermarket has and it's all fresh frombthe farm.

Gorgeous produce and overall a great selection. Parking is a pain but it's worth it to check this out. Tons of produce and also an insane quantity of beautiful flowers. Several cheese vendors and other things as well. Not much in the way of prepared food - we were looking for breakfast, so we were a bit disappointed by that. But the produce was definitely top notch - one vendor had 24 varieties (!!!) of cherry tomatoes, and everything we bought was excellent.

Everyone told me, make sure you come before 8am, and I made the mistake once of not, and boy was everyone right, it gets packed! There's a great selection, I would advise walking through the entire market to scope out what's available before purchasing.

This visit was an unexpected treat. Many different vendors. All selling similar but slightly different things. Good variety of meats or eggs or specialty items like honey and jams. Many places also selling plants-indoor, herbs, garden starters, etc. set up well so that you can enter the main walkway from other parts of the park without being blocked off. There was a small fringe section with crafty items such as earrings and crafted wooden spoons. Several performance artists adorned the area too without competing for attention or clogging the area with sound. Sadly there was little to no prepared food, so looking for a breakfast muffin or mid morning snack wasn't easy to do (we went elsewhere, that's how little there was) or even a cup of coffee. Looking forward to future visits to see if the variety of goods changes. Every vendor we interacted with was kind and helpful. Good atmosphere here.

One of my favorite Saturday morning things to do! My mom was in town for a couple days and it was a great way to start the weekend! Fun for all ages. A little expensive but worth every penny.

****clarification****: the Farmer's Market is in Deering Oaks park late spring through late fall. then it moves indoors for the winter. this winter (2013/14), it is at Urban Farm Fermentory (sort of behind Whole Foods). in the late spring, it will move back to Deering Oaks. the Saturday version of the Wednesday farmer's market is bigger, and in a different location. find the market in Deering Oaks Park, 7am - noonish on Saturdays. there is a terrific selection of local foods (fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, etc). they accept EBT, too - i think you have to go to the information booth. this market is one of the best things about living in Portland, so be sure to check it out. and bring a backpack for all your yummy goodies. oh, and it's a 3 seasons market - the Winter Market happens, well, you know when... in the winter!

Love this farmer's market. So many options. I actually bought yarn and some cheese.