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Updated: August 1, 2025

Friday Food Insider: It's National Farmers' Market Week and Maine features a range of pop-up events

Portland Farmers' Market scene File Photo / Alexis Wells More than 100 farmers’ markets across the state are open weekly during the summer, with peak seasonal offerings like wild blueberries, farmstead cheeses, heirloom tomatoes, artisan breads and grass-fed meats.
By Alexis Wells

As National Farmers' Market Week kicks off this Sunday, Maine will see pop-up celebrations at four farmers’ markets.

Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets reports that unseasonably cool temperatures and a rainy early summer have changed the offerings at markets this summer. 

Despite the challenges, the organization expects a strong turnout and renewed community engagement in the coming week. 

"This event drums up a lot of interest," said Kelsey Kobik, spokesperson for the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets. "We set up a table to engage with customers. People are really interested in agriculture and want to know more about where their food comes from."

produce at Portland Farmers Market
File photo/ Alexis Wells
Portland Farmers' Market is held at Deering Oaks Park.

More than 100 farmers’ markets across the state are open weekly during the summer, with peak seasonal offerings like wild blueberries, farmstead cheeses, heirloom tomatoes, artisan breads and grass-fed meats.

Making farmers' markets more inclusive

In an effort to broaden the customer base for farmers' markets, the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets has a food access program for low-income customers. Maine Harvest Bucks is available at 44 markets across the state. Shoppers can also use SNAP/EBT cards. Bumper Crop gift certificates are also available. 

The programs are part of a broader effort to make farmers' markets more inclusive. 

"My goal has always been to create a market for everyone — kids, adults, seniors, families and even dogs," said Miriam Markowitz, who took over running the Yarmouth Farmers' Market this year.

"The most successful markets are the ones people look forward to each week, not just for the food, but for the experience. That’s why we offer kid-friendly activities like face painting, art projects, bubbles and school collaborations. For adults, there’s always live music, and we encourage everyone to picnic, linger and enjoy dinner together as a community. At the heart of it all is connection — to food, to people, to place. And that’s what makes this market so special."

Pop-up farmers' markets

Here is a list of the pop-up event, which will run from Sunday, Aug. 3, to Saturday, Aug. 9. 

  • Bangor Farmers’ Market pop-up celebration will take place on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Abbott Square. The event will feature kids' activities, a photo booth and a raffle. 
  • Brunswick Farmers’ Market locavore picnic will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the mall along Maine Street. Taco the Town will have special breakfast burritos for sale. 
  • Boothbay Farmers’ Market will take place on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Town Common. The event will feature kids' activities, a photo booth and a raffle.
  • Bridgton Farmers’ Market will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in front of the Community Center behind Renys. The event will include a raffle as part of the scheduled activities.

What is your favorite farmers' market stand? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to know! Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.

Find markets near you

For more information and maps of markets in your area, check out the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets.

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