There’s something charming about wandering through stalls overloaded with fresh veggies and sampling a slice of brie before having a yarn with a local grower … all in the same space!
That’s a South Australian farmers’ market for you, and this weekend we’re celebrating 11 of them across metropolitan and regional SA.
Brand South Australia is sharing the importance of shopping local at the I Choose SA Farmers’ Market Weekend on February 24 and 25.
Whether it’s just-picked fruit or freshly baked sourdough, when you shop local you’re not only buying high quality goods, but you’re supporting the endeavours of everyone involved.
“It’s really important to showcase our amazing local produce and remind all South Australians to choose locally sourced fresh produce,” says Brand South Australia CEO Karen Raffen.
So grab your shopping bag, free up your Saturday or Sunday morning (or both!) and get ready to chat to locals, sample some local fare and do your bit for our state’s farmers and food producers.
Need something to carry around your goods? I Choose SA tote bags are available from Brand South Australia’s online marketplace, Shop South Australia.
The Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market features produce from different corners of SA.
Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Leader Street, Wayville
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 8am–noon
This market was named the nation’s best farmers’ market in 2015 by the Australian Traveller magazine, so it’s one definitely worth a stop.
This Sunday Celebrity chef Simon Bryant will host a cooking demonstration from 11am.
Buskers, live music and kids games will also add to the atmosphere, but best to get in early as the market usually attracts about 6000 people!
Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market
WHERE: 23 Mann Street, Mt Barker
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8.30am–12.30pm
The Hills market will feature a cooking demonstration by Season Garden Café owner Silvia Hart from 10.30–11.30am.
An animal nursery will entertain kids from 9.30am–12.30pm, while face painting and live music will also unfold.
Keen to hear something a little different? Be sure to chat to the owners of Adelaide Hills Pastured Eggs, who will tell you all about the Maremma sheepdogs who protect the farm’s hens from predators.
Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread or pastries? No, there is not.
Barossa Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Cnr Nuriootpa and Stockwell Roads, Angaston
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 7.30–11.30am
From jams to award-winning cream, dried fruit, fresh veggies, olive oil and dukkah, this market features the best of the Barossa (and was named 9th best in Australia in 2015 by the Australian Traveller magazine).
Aside from the usual offerings, the Barossa Farmers’ Market will this weekend feature a scavenger hunt and hide and seek games to keep kids entertained.
Cittaslow Goolwa Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Jeralde Park, Goolwa Wharf Precinct
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 9am–1pm
Teams will put their Webers (and other smoking equipment) to the test this Sunday for the annual Cittaslow Smoke Off.
From ham to fish, beef and chicken, cooks will smoke all kinds of fare in hope of being crowned the best.
A smoked meat demonstration will also show market goers how it’s done.
Kingscote Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Bay of Shoals Winery, Kangaroo Island
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 10am–2pm
Islander Bridgette Bruce from Flavours of Petite Provence will cook up a storm in her market to plate cooking demonstration.
Located at the scenic Bay of Shoals Winery, this market is one for having a cuppa, grabbing some food, having a browse and making a morning of it.
Mt Gambier Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Watson Terrace, Mt Gambier
WHEN: Saturday, February 25, 9am–noon
You can’t go past the Limestone Larder Pies, Kalangadoo Organic juices or the Pine Ridge Honey, just to name a few.
Nor can you go past produce picked just the day before the market.
Kids will be entertained and educated about life on an Aussie farm through a performance by George the Farmer.
Mt Pleasant Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Mt Pleasant Showgrounds, Melrose Street, Mt Pleasant
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–noon
2014 My Kitchen Rules winner Bree May, now behind ‘Food According to Bree’, – will host a cooking demonstration from 9.30am. The first 20 people to grab a seat will receive a free goodie bag!
This under-cover market features quality produce from the southern Barossa and Adelaide Hills and will also feature an SA Food Trail.
Riverland Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Berri Senior Citizens’ Hall, Crawford Terrace, Berri
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 7.30–11.30am
This Riverland gem is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors as the brekky bar offers a range of local food choices, freshly squeezed orange juice and, of course, locally roasted coffee.
To get a good overview of this food bowl region, check out stallholders Glen View Poultry Farm, Riverland Dried Fruits, and Bella Lavender.
Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Grosvenor Gardens, Torrens Street, Victor Harbor
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–12.30pm
This is the place to embrace and support Fleurieu producers.
From home-style baked treats to boxes of stone fruits, hand crafted choccies, and wild caught seafood – the Victor Harbor market is a seaside treat.
Also, don’t miss Victor Hotel’s Dan Armon’s cooking demonstration!
Willunga Farmers’ Market bustles with hundreds of people every Saturday.
Willunga Farmers’ Market
WHERE: Willunga Town Square, Main Road, Willunga
WHEN: Saturday, February 24, 8am–12.30pm
Celebrity chef Simon Bryant will delight the audience’s senses with a cooking demonstration from 10.30am.
This weekend the market is also celebrating its 16th birthday with games and activities for the kids as well as henna tattoos and face painting.
Grab a coffee, have a graze, and stock up for the week ahead.
Wirrabara Producers’ Market
WHERE: High Street, Wirrabara
WHEN: Sunday, February 25, 8.30am–noon
The Mid North is not exempt from farmers’ market frivolities – the Southern Flinders Ranges town of Wirrabara is a foodie’s haven.
Whether it’s homegrown, handmade or home-cooked – you’ll find something to fill your tote bag.
Check out local craft stalls, taste a drip of local honey or simply watch the crowd go by in the sunshine.
Visit I Choose SA to find out how you can support our State by choosing South Australian businesses, products and services.
