Pictured: The Sarasota Farmers Market turns downtown into a gathering place for shoppers, local growers, producers and artisans. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Farmers Market.

Public votes have named the Sarasota Farmers Market the best in the nation, and its vendors could not sound prouder. The market topped American Farmland Trust's 2026 America's Farmers Market Celebration for the People's Choice honor, days after its 47th birthday. Each Saturday, more than 80 vendors fill the streets with everything from truffles and toffee to empanadas and coffee. Board chair Christine Nordstrom calls it “the gem of Sarasota.”

Michael Toporowski of Camelot Breads sees history in the win. “It's based on all the hard work that people put in over the years to get to this level,” he says, and credits former market manager Phil Pagano for steering its growth. He reads the off-season timing as a sign of how much the community wants an alternative to supermarkets. “We certainly have some wonderful vendors at the market that are just starting to bring their produce,” he adds. Early harvests already fill stalls such as Kinsey's Produce and SWFL Produce, while Homestead Hydroponics brings living lettuce alongside pasture-raised eggs.

Beekman Bakes’ orange-checkered booth is hard to miss. Born in Key West, the cookie company marks its fourth season here. “We are over the moon about it,” says co-owner Geno Zaharakis. “The Sarasota Farmers Market has been so supportive and has helped us grow as a business.” His partner, Dustin Hoffman, savors the sense of community. “It's such a great way to meet everybody… and everybody's happy,” he says.

The pride extends to Kita Matcha, which has teamed up with fellow vendors Sarasota Honey and Five-O Donut Co. “We feel incredibly honored and grateful to be a part of such an amazing market,” says Kita Reilly, adding that the national ranking makes the experience “even more special.”

Dogs work the crowd to live music, lapping from vendors’ water bowls; on Oct. 31, they get their own moment at the Dog-a-ween costume contest. With Florida's growing season only beginning, America’s best farmers market has yet to unveil its full bounty.

Sarasota Farmers Market, Sat 7 am-1 pm, rain or shine, Main Street and Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Pictured: The Sarasota Farmers Market turns downtown into a gathering place for shoppers, local growers, producers and artisans. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Farmers Market.