The Saturday Morning Market in Downtown St. Petersburg is a blend of farmers market, art festival, and street fair. The market runs throughout most of the year but closes for the summer. It features fresh produce, locally produced food, and one of a kind arts and crafts. Live music plays in the food court area, featuring local bands and folk-style musicians performing jazz, blues, zydeco, Celtic and other styles. The Market opened in November 2002 and has been in operation ever since, bringing in locals and visitors from surrounding areas to Downtown St. Pete. All ages frequent the market: young adults, couples walking their dogs, soccer moms with their kids, and seniors enjoying their retirement.
Food Vendors
There is a selection of foods of all varieties available, with most of the food vendors setting up every week. You can experience ethnic cuisine from around the world, such as Thai, Cajun, French, Ethiopian, Indian, Mexican and Cuban. La Petite France is an authentic French creperie that offers savory and sweet crepes that are to die for. At the Uhuru Breakfast Cafe you can get a traditional breakfast omelet or breakfast bowl accompanied by fresh fruit and wheat toast, and a portion of the cost goes to fund a charity. After your meal, stop by Sweets by Caroline where you’ll find delicious homemade brownies and more, and Bay Coffee and Tea, where you can enjoy a certified organic iced mocha on a hot afternoon. Don’t forget to stop by some of the stalls to pick up your weekly grocery items, like Pappardelle’s Pasta for a selection of fresh, dried pasta. There are several produce stalls featuring fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, and separate vendors selling fresh orange juice and tangerine juice, squeezed while you wait.
Arts and Craft Vendors
The arts and craft vendors at the Saturday Morning Market rotate weekly so that there is some variety for returning visitors. You can find handcrafted decor, kitschy collectibles, oil paintings, one of a kind jewelry and more. The jewelry artisans specialize in handcrafted beaded jewelry, sterling silver and wood jewelry. Bag It is a regular market stall featuring handwoven baskets perfect for carrying home your weekly market purchases, and bags made from recycled materials. Traditional artists with original paintings market their wares, and offer reproductions for lower prices for those who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on originals. There are regular vendors carrying handcrafted garden decor, crystals and new age trinkets. Mixed in are the odd collectibles, like ash trays and spoon rests made from repurposed beer bottles, and wine glasses made from Mason jars.
Check out the market on your next trip into St. Pete and enjoy some delicious food and a day of browsing the booths.