This story is part of our Summer Guide from the June Issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read our full guide to summer fun, order your copy today!
BEETS, BASIL AND bitter lemon. Cabbage, cantaloups and carrots. Seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients are one of the short-lived gifts of summer – blink and they’re gone. Don’t let the weeks race by without exploring a local farmers market, which isn’t just a shopping experience but a cultural celebration.
Tuesday
Thiensville Village Market
JUNE 21-OCT. 11, 9 A.M.-2 P.M. | VILLAGE PARK, 251 ELM ST.
Come for: The gorgeous setting on the Milwaukee River, well-equipped playground (if you’ve got littles) and wide selection of items like meat, eggs, honey and bread.
VOTE FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST BEER!
What’s Brew City’s best? We’ve picked 16 of our favorite Milwaukee craft beers for a March Madness-style tournament, but it’s up to you to pick the winner! Will it be bright and hoppy? Dark and malty? A zippy lager? Every one is worthy of the title; who will claim the sudsy crown?
Wednesday
Menomonee Falls
JUNE 1-OCT. 12, 2-6 P.M. | VILLAGE PARK, N87 W16749 GARFIELD DR.
Come for: The arts and craft vendors, along with specialty food items such as fresh cheese curds, microgreens and elk meat in every cut.
Thursday
West Allis
THROUGH NOV. 26,* NOON-6 P.M. | 6501 W. NATIONAL AVE.
Come for: A market hyper-focused on fresh Wisconsin produce, from summer squash to antique apples. Covered stalls also make it a great rainy-day option.
Other days: Tuesdays, noon-6 p.m., Saturdays, 1-6 p.m.
*Closed Thanksgiving Day
Friday
Brewery District
JUNE 10-OCT. 28, 3-6 P.M. | PRESERVATION PARK, 925 W. JUNEAU AVE.
Come for: Refreshment from local breweries, like Central Waters, at the on-site beer garden. Plus, produce, food truck fare and works by artists and makers.
Saturday
South Shore
JUNE 18-OCT. 29, 8 A.M.-NOON | SOUTH SHORE PARK, 2900 S. SHORE DR.
Come for: The terrific selection of prepared food such as breakfast sandwiches and made-to-order pad thai.
Tosa
JUNE 4-OCT. 16, 8 A.M.-NOON | WAUWATOSA VILLAGE, 7720 HARWOOD AVE.
Come for: Fresh foraged mushrooms and loads of fresh herbs. And the Hatched hand pies are delectable!
Sunday
Shorewood
JUNE 19-OCT. 30, 9:30 A.M.-1 P.M. | ESTABROOK PARK, ACCESS FROM SOUTH END (4100 ESTABROOK PKWY.)
Come for: French baked goods, bountiful bouquets and Brute pizza. Also, get your knives sharpened!
Fondy
JULY 10-OCT. 30, 9 A.M.-2 P.M. | 2200 W. FOND DU LAC AVE.
Come for: Specialty produce including harder-to-procure native Asian ingredients.
Other days: Early season markets run Saturdays through July 2, 9 a.m.-noon; regular season markets also run Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. From Nov. 5-19, a Saturday late-season market runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
