Published April 16, 2024
Outdoor farmers market opening May 4 kicks off summer at the 2nd Street Market
The grand opening of the 2nd Street Market’s outdoor farmers market is Saturday, May 4, from 9 to 3 p.m. and will continue operation through the harvest season, which ends Oct. 27.
The outdoor farmers market will feature more than more than 25 vendors offering fresh, in-season produce, artisan wares, specialty foods and more. In addition, more than 40 permanent vendors are inside the 2nd Street Market, located at 600 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton.
The outdoor farmers market will be open during the Market’s normal hours of operation: Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to weekend hours, the indoor Market vendors operate on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The outdoor farmers market is held rain or shine and will only close in the case of severe weather. Check the Market’s Facebook page for updates at facebook.com/2ndStreetMarket.
The Market will also host Sunset at the Market every other month, providing guests with special evening shopping hours, dinner, entertainment and themed programming. Sunset at the Market events this summer are:
The 2nd Street Market is also part of the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Footprint (DORA) and guests are permitted to enjoy DORA beverages during its designated hours. For additional information Sunset at the Market events throughout the year, visit metroparks.org/localfood.
The 2nd Street Market’s prepared food vendors will also host evening dining events as part of a Culture Kitchen series. Each opportunity features different cuisine and a chance to connect with the chefs to discover their culture and inspiration. Culture Kitchen events require advanced registration, which can be made online at metroparks.org/localfood.
- French Crepes (Crepe Boheme and Poppets Coffee): Thursday, May 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Farm to Table (The Narrow Way Farm): Thursday, July 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Hispanic Heritage (Napales Mexican Street Food): Thursday, Sept. 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In alignment with Five Rivers MetroParks’ conservation mission, the 2nd Street Market will host a variety of programs and events that empower Market visitors to adopt sustainable practices at home, from adding native plants to their landscapes to gardening at home. Opportunities include:
- MayFair Plant Sale (benefiting the Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation): Friday, May 3, 8 to 11 a.m. (members only and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (public hours); Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Heirloom Tomatoes and How to Grow Them: Friday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Native Plant Sale: Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- DIY Rain Collection Barrel Assemble Workshop: Sunday, June 2, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Making an Herb Basket for Patio or Garden: Friday, June 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Harvesting and Preserving: Friday, July 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Transition Garden: Summer to Fall: Friday, Aug. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To learn more about the Market’s additional learning opportunities, workshops, themed events, special shopping opportunities and more, visit metroparks.org/localfood.
For those who utilize EBT/SNAP benefits, many indoor and outdoor produce vendors accept EBT/SNAP benefits, as well as Produce Perks.
The 2nd Street Market is a facility of Five Rivers MetroParks and supports its mission to protect the region’s natural heritage by providing the community access to fresh, local food, which is often healthier and less taxing on the environment. Additionally, shopping from local small businesses means food and products are transported shorter distances, further reducing shopper’s carbon footprint.
Learn more about the 2nd Street Market at metroparks.org/localfood and sign up for its monthly email newsletter at metroparks.org/newsletter.
