A guide to the best farmers markets, green markets in Palm Beach County
Back, bigger and better than ever, the award-winning West Palm Beach GreenMarket kicked off its 29th season on Saturday, Oct. 7 with the theme "Here We Grow Again."
Though there are many excellent green markets throughout Palm Beach County, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket is pretty much the grand daddy of them all and, once again, has taken home some serious accolades.
For the third-straight year the extremely popular downtown market was named the No. 1 green market in the United States.
Based on the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll, the city's green market finished ahead of Collingswood Farmers' Market in Collingswood, New Jersey and the third place finisher Green City Market in Chicago.
Started in 1995 with only 13 vendors, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket had 110 last season and will have 125 when it reopens at 9 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 7.
Though they typically shut down for the season in May, they did three pop-up events in June that coincided with Clematis by Night. Those Thursday evening pop-ups wound up being so popular that they were extended through Aug. 31.
After a little more than a month off, the weekly event will be back on Saturday offering the finest, freshest produce, seafood, baked goods, doughnuts, locally-sourced honey, locally-roasted coffee, smoothies, ice cream, plants, orchids, artisanal soaps, handmade jewelry and much, much more.
More: Bucket list: 55 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County
Though the market will grow in number by 15 vendors, there are also several vendors new to the waterfront that will take the places of outlets that departed. In total, visitors will note 30 new vendors this season. They include: Azme Taco, Brooklyn Cupcake, CasaPan Healthy Artisan Breads, Casa Truffle, Catherine’s Clean Skincare, Coastal Clay, Coconut Bar, Coley’s Crumbs, Colorado Coffer, Creamed Honey Co., Cultures, Earl’s Slow And Low BBQ, Farmerboxmeal, Fruitful Society Mushrooms, Heavenly Green, Hive Bakery & Café, Holy Smokes Fish Dip, Homegrown Shrimp USA, Kcee Nursery, Lo’s Pie Shop, La Strada, Liquid Gold Honey, Palm Beach Salt Co., Rancher’s Reserve, Rosa Ice Cream, Sugar Coat It Bakery, The Kookie Box, The Native Bird, The Stand by Palmtrees & Popcorn and Whispering Oak Kombucha.
In addition to fine foods to take home and many that can be consumed on site, check out the weekly workshops and a monthly Master Chef Showcase that will take place on the first Saturday of each month.
Those who venture downtown will also be entertained by live music. Catabella Music will perform on opening day.
After the opening weekend, there will be two musical acts each week.
The West Palm Beach GreenMarket runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays now to April 20 (the market will be closed March 23 for the Palm Beach International Boat Show).
It is held on the city's Great Lawn near the waterfront at 100 N. Clematis St. Dogs are allowed on short leashes.
Parking can be found at the city's public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla, and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the event and are subject to the city’s all-day weekend flat rate of $5. The City Center, Clematis and Sapodilla garages will be free during market hours, with current parking rates in effect afterward. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the city's free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the closest dock to the market.
Again market goers can enjoy free bike valet service provided by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. This is the perfect way to beat the stress of finding a place to park a car or even locking your bike. The service is at 105 S. Narcissus Ave. in front of Sassafras. It is available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit DowntownWPB.com/BikeValet
West Palm Beach GreenMarket
Open: Saturdays, October 7, 2023, through April 20, 2024
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Great Lawn near the waterfront at 100 N. Clematis St.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the event and are subject to the city’s all-day weekend flat rate of $5. The City Center, Clematis and Sapodilla garages will be free during market hours, with current parking rates in effect afterward.
Put these other Palm Beach County green markets on your radar:
While it may be the best known, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket isn't the only one in Palm Beach County. Here is a guide to area farmers markets.
Harbourside Place, Jupiter
Open: Sunday, Oct. 1 through May
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 200 N. US 1, Jupiter
Highlights: This north county market features three dozen vendors selling local artisan and handmade goods. There is also brunch available at Calaveras and live music at Tommy Bahama. A free yoga class, taught by Breathe Salt Yoga, is available at the amphitheater at 9:30 a.m., just prior to the market opening.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: onsite
Information: harboursideplace.com/event/waterfront-market-at-harbourside-place-7/2023-10-01
Abacoa Green Market, Jupiter
Open: Wednesday, Oct. 4 through May 24
Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays
Location: 1267 Main St., Jupiter
Highlights: Now in their third season, this Wednesday night event is the perfect way to break up the week. Enjoy live music, while shopping for fresh produce, farm fresh eggs, coffee, arts, crafts and more from over 30 vendors.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: There are several parking garages onsite as well as on-street parking.
Information: abacoa.com/events/abacoa-green-market-34
The Gardens Greenmarket
Open: All year
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays
Location: 10500 N. Military Tr., Palm Beach Gardens
Highlights: Though they are open all year, The Gardens GreenMarket officially kicked off their season on Sunday, Oct. 1. This will be their 22nd year and in addition to fresh produce, local foods, art, crafts and more they also feature live music and free yoga classes each week.
Dog-friendly? No pets
Parking: Onsite
Information: pbgfl.com/278/GreenMarket/greenmarket
TikiMarket, Riviera Beach
Open: Sunday, Oct. 15 through June
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays
Location: Riviera Beach Marina Village, 190 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach
Highlights: This popular market is back featuring island eats, exotic treats and more with sensational vendors and free parking. The TikiMarket at the Marina, dubbed “a taste of the islands without leaving town,” has tables and chairs and provides a sweet spot for enjoying vacation vibes.
Dog-friendly? Yes, on leash.
Parking: onsite, also accessible by boat, water taxi and the Peanut Island Ferry
Information: [email protected]; 561-352-6626
Royal Palm Beach Green Market and Bazaar
Open: Saturday, Oct. 14 through April 27
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Lakeside at Village Hall, 1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach
Highlights: They will feature an abundance of healthy plants and organic products along with a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices and fresh seafood, local honey and fresh baked goods. Additionally, there will be delicious pastries available as well as a unique selection of artists and crafters selling jewelry, handicrafts and many other interesting goods and wares.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Onsite
Information: 561-792-9260
Swank Farmers Market, Loxahatchee Groves
Open: Saturday, Oct. 14 through June 8
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Location: 14311 North Road, Loxahatchee Groves
Highlights: Guests can enjoy live music and explore a variety of exceptional goods from 25 local vendors. Shopping is a pleasure under their 8500 square foot open-air pole barn. Whether you're looking to stock up for the week, savor a delightful breakfast sandwich, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry, there's something for everyone.
Dog-friendly? Service dogs only
Parking: Onsite
Information: swankspecialtyproduce.com/markets
Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center
Open: Officially opened for 2023-24 season on Friday, Sept. 22 and runs through Feb. 2024
Hours: 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays
Location: 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
Highlights: Enjoy a casual, laid-back, family-friendly environment with artisan and prepared foods, arts, crafts, beverages, entertainment, and stellar sunsets. The Lakeside Market is your place to unwind, socialize, and enjoy an early start to your weekend.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Onsite at the new parking lot next to the community center. Additionally, residents living on the lake are welcome, even encouraged, to arrive by boat.
Information: wellingtonlakesidemarket.com
Lake Worth Beach Oceanside Farmers Market
Open: Saturday, Oct. 1 through April 27
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Location: Old Bridge Park, A1A at Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach
Highlights: This rain-or-shine market will feature fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers (including orchids) baked goods from artisan bakeries and other delicacies brought to customers by more that 80 vendors. Produce vendors include Solis Farms, Hollands Produce and Alli's Farm Stand. There is always music and, if the mood is right, often dancing in the street!
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Free on East side of old bridge park facing the Lake Worth Beach and casino complex.
Information: greenhouseeventsmanagement.com/lake-worth-beach-farmers-market
Delray Beach Green Market
Open: Saturday, Oct. 21 through May 18
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays
Location: Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
Highlights: Located at Old School Square, the Delray Beach Green Market has become a Saturday morning destination. Started in 1996 by the Community Redevelopment Agency, the market features 65 premier food vendors featuring farm-to-fork produce, just picked citrus, tropical fruit and juice, farm fresh eggs, artisan cheese and jams, fragrant baked goods, plenty of gluten-free, vegan and organic products, fresh cut flowers, plants and other unique gourmet fare along with live musical entertainment.
Dog-friendly? Yes
Parking: Old School Square parking garage onsite is free until 4 p.m..
Information: delraycra.org/green-market
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm GreenMarket opens for 2023-24 season; Best farmers markets
