Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch now have the #1 and #2 ranked farmers markets in the country.
The Sarasota Farmers Market and Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch claimed the top two spots nationwide in the 2026 America’s Farmers Market Celebration.
Downtown Sarasota took the #1 spot in the country — and #1 in Florida — while Lakewood Ranch finished #2 nationally.
The annual competition from American Farmland Trust has been running since 2008, with the rankings determined by public voting from communities across the country.
For Sarasota, the recognition comes during the market’s 47th year. The downtown market dates back to 1979 and continues to bring thousands of people downtown every Saturday, year-round, with farmers, growers, food vendors, makers and other local businesses.
At Waterside Place, the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch has grown into a Sunday tradition of its own, with around 100 vendors lining the streets each week.
And Lakewood Ranch is no stranger to the top of this list — it was ranked the #1 farmers market in the country in the same competition last year.
That means the national title stayed local for another year, while Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch now hold the top two spots together.
The Sarasota Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waterside Place.
Not a bad weekend for shopping local.
Thinking about a move in Sarasota or Manatee County?
Search homes