We’re a year round public market with 50+ vendors established in 1905 in Flint, Michigan.
Our market features about fifty permanent year round vendors including several produce vendors, a great meat market, poultry, breads and baked goods, cheese, a wine shop, an art gallery, a cafe, middle-eastern and Mexican groceries, and many unique gifts. And on the outside from May through October, we have twenty five additional vendors with produce, flowers and arts & crafts.
Our market is more than a weekend event. It is a year round feature of Flint’s landscape. We have great local, live music most market days, story tellers and authors and several major events throughout the summer. The Farmers’ Market is a place where everyone knows he or she can make a quality purchase, feel comfortable and welcome, and probably meet friends they haven’t seen in a while. So make it a date, spend the day and enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and the smells of the Flint Farmers’ Market!
Our Vision
The Flint Farmers’ Market will help rebuild our community by becoming the hub for a thriving local fresh food system.
Our Mission
To provide a supportive and profitable place for small farms and businesses, both rural and urban, to earn a secure living. To continue to be a vibrant center of community life that is welcoming to everyone. To remain a recognized leader in providing support and dignified access to healthy food for nutritional assistance recipients.
Customer Feedback
A rich heritage of community and commerce
The Flint Farmers’ Market has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1905. What began as a small gathering of local farmers and merchants has grown into a bustling marketplace, offering a diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet foods. Over the decades, the market has evolved, adapting to the needs of the community while preserving its rich heritage and traditions.
First recorded Farmers’ Market in Flint
The first open-air farmers’ market in Flint, Michigan was established. Farmers brought their produce to sell directly to the community. The market was located at the southeast corner of Beach St. and Kearsley St. In the beginning it was completely outside with some horse drawn wagons and few cars. The market continued to grow as more vendors participated, offering a wide range of local produce and meats.
The First Market Move
In 1912 the Flint Farmers’ Market outgrew their original space and moved across the river to the west side of Smith Street.
World War I Market Struggle
The market struggled on and off from 1914 until 1917 during the war until it opened for good.
Post Word War I Market Move
After World War 1, the market moved back downtown to the corner of Harrison and Union Streets, the current site of UM-Flint’s Thompson Library. The market was formally established at this location near the Flint River, which allowed for better organization and year-round operations. This was the first large, occupied market building erected.
The Great Depression
The market thrived during the Great Depression as it became a critical source of affordable food for Flint’s residents. It served as a community hub where residents could access fresh, locally grown produce.
Market Move III
Downtown merchants decide that area around the market is too congested; bad for their businesses. Smitty’s auto salvage and junk yard was purchased and the market moved from what had been its downtown home since 1920 to a spot upstream along the Flint River. A new building was erected by WPA workers. The trusses supporting the roof were brought over from the old Union Street market. Trolley Car tracks torn up from Industrial Avenue along the Buick factory used as pilings where used for the slab that forms the current market aisle.
War Ends, Growth Begins
After World War II ended, the market adapted to the changing needs of the community, including the increasing urbanization of Flint. During the 1950s’ the market underwent a period of growth as Flint’s population expanded rapidly due to the automobile industry boom. This increase in population brought greater demand for fresh produce and locally sourced foods.
Changing Landscape
Urban renewal projects began to change the landscape of downtown Flint, impacting the original market site. There was a push to modernize the city, and many traditional markets across the U.S. faced challenges during this era.
Supermarket Explosion
The market struggled with changing consumer habits, including the rise of supermarkets. Despite these challenges, the Flint Farmers’ Market remained a staple for local farmers and customers seeking fresh produce.
Revitalization
The Flint Farmers’ Market began focusing on revitalization, embracing the trend of local, organic, and sustainably grown produce. This period saw an increase in awareness of the benefits of fresh, local food.
New Ownership
The Uptown Reinvestment Corporation assumes management control of the market from the City of Flint as the administration planned on closing it for good. As the economic challenges in Flint deepened, especially with the decline of the auto industry, the Flint Farmers’ Market became a symbol of resilience. It provided a place for community gathering, and local food access became more critical than ever. The market expanded its offerings to include more prepared foods and local artisans, aiming to attract a diverse customer base.
We’re #1
In 2010 the market was named “America’s Most Loved Farmers’ Market.”
In 2011 the market was named to “Thrillist’s Top 13 Markets to Visit Before You Die.”
Market Move III
Market returns to downtown, two blocks south of its 1920-1940 Union Street home.
More Awards
The market is named one of the “Best Public Places in America” by the American Planning Association.
Pandemic Adaptation
Market reacts to Covid and goes “online“ to serve customers thru the worst pandemic in American history.
Staying On Top
Market is again named one of CNN’s “Top 10 public markets” in the country.
10th Anniversary at New Location
The market celebrates 10 years in its new building! Still with 45 permanent year round vendors and dozens seasonally in the outdoor pavilion. the Uptown Reinvestment Corporation has transitioned the market from average estimated sales of $1-$1.5m annually to $5- $7m annually.