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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Hours & Location

Q.
What are the Summer Market hours, location, and dates for the 2023 Season?
A.

“The Market is held every Saturday morning from May through September on Carmel’s Carter Green, located on the campus of the Center for the Performing Arts and the Palladium concert hall. Hours are 8 to 11:30 AM.

Parking

Q.
Where do I park at the Summer Market?
A.

At the 600 space Tarkington parking garage, adjoining the Carter Green, you can step out of your car, walk a maximum of 150 feet, take the elevator to the first floor and you are in the heart of the Market. Enter this garage off 3rd Avenue SW. You can also park in the Veteran Way parking garage. To enter this garage just go a half block south of the roundabout at City Center Drive and Rangeline Road. Turn right on Monon Way Blvd to Veterans Way and the garage. From your spot in this garage, you simply walk across the Monon Trail and you are in the Market (watch out for bike traffic on the Monon). By parking in either garage your car is out of the summer sun that can wilt you and your produce purchases on the way home.

Attendance

Q.
How many people attended last year's market?
A.

During our 2022 season we had a record attendance of over 110,000 guests.

Products

Q.
What products are permitted for sale during the summer?
A.

Only Indiana-grown or produced agricultural products may be sold at the market. A rare exception may be made for agricultural products that are not grown in Indiana. No craft items of any type are allowed.

Pet Policy

Q.
Are pets allowed?
A.

Pets are NOT permitted at our markets in order to protect the health, safety and sanitation of the market. Service animals are always welcome.

Certified Kitchens

Q.
Where is all of the prepared food made?
A.

The Carmel Farmers Market would like our guests to know a little about what we as a committee do behind the scenes, to ensure that you are getting the best products at our market weekly. EVERY vendor who sells prepared foods at the Carmel Farmers Market MUST use a kitchen that is certified and inspected by the County Health Department. Food safety and quality are top on our list for our guests. We do not allow home-based vendors at our market. Annually, we visit approximately 75% of our vendors, on a rotating basis, in their kitchens and on their farms. What an exciting adventure it is to be able to see what each vendor makes/grows/raises to provide our guests with the freshest products possible! If you have any questions or to learn more about any of our vendors, visit our committee tent (bright green tent) for more details.

Market News

Q.
How can I keep up with what is going on at the Summer and Winter Markets?
A.

Sign up for our email newsletter, friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Items of Note

Q.
Are there other things I might want to know about the Carmel Farmers Markets?
A.
  • Vendors must reside in Indiana.
  • Foods prepared off-site must be made in a certified kitchen. No "home prepared" foods are allowed.
  • All products sold at the Market must be grown and/or produced in Indiana.
  • At least 50% of the products sold at the Market must be grown and/or produced by the Vendor. The remainder can only be purchased directly from another grower (with the exception of beverages). No products sold at the Market may be purchased from a middleman such as a commission house, food broker or auction. The Market has a Vendor Relations Committee that visits our Vendors prior to and during the growing season to make sure this rule is followed. At times, the Committee will even ask Vendors for receipts for purchased produce.
  • The Carmel Farmers Market was founded in 1998. It is managed by an all-volunteer board. While we appreciate their help, the Market is not produced or managed by the City of Carmel.
  • We welcome inquiries from prospective new Vendors. Whether you are an experienced farmers market participant with a traditional product, or you have a new food item you would like to begin to market, feel free to contact us by clicking on the Get Involved tab.
  • Carmel-based community groups have access to the space we have set aside for that purpose. If you would like more information about the Community space, contact us for a copy of our Guidelines for Community Group Participation.
  • The Market is made possible by the financial support of civic-minded sponsors. Many thanks to our presenting sponsor, IU Health – North Hospital.