Several farmers markets in Northwest Indiana are vying for the top spot in the 2026 Indiana's Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge.
The winning farmers market will receive an award and recognition on Indiana Grown's social media accounts, will be included in a press release and be featured in an in-person media event.
Voting once per day continues through Aug. 5. The winner will be announced Aug. 8 during the close of National Farmers Market week, Aug. 2 through 8.
The following farmers markets were nominated in the fourth annual challenge:
- Cedar Lake Farmer's Market, Lake County: 3 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays May through September
- Chesterton European Farmers Market, Porter County: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday May through October
- Coffee Creek Farmers Market in Chesterton, Porter County: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays April through October
- Downtown Wakarusa Farmers Market, Elkhart County: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, starting in June through early fall
- Elkhart Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays May through September in Kardzhali Park
- Farmers Market on Main in Hebron, Porter County: 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 22 at Country Square Plaza
- South Bend Farmers Market, St. Joseph County: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays indoor year round at 1105 Northside Blvd.
- St. John Farmers Market, Lake County: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays May through October
- Zandstra's Farm Market in Highland, Lake County: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays
Learn more from those who nominated them and vote here.
Past winners include:
- 2023 – Vincennes Farmers Market
- 2024 – Coffee Creek Farmers Market
- 2025 – Franklin Farmers Market
National Farmers Market Week started about a decade ago as a U.S. Department of Agriculture proclamation. Since then, it has grown to an internationally recognized celebration, according to the Farmers Market Coalition.
