About Farmers Market
The Market Place on Broadway (often called the Ardmore Farmers Market) is a covered, year-round farmers market and event space in downtown Ardmore’s Depot District. It is managed by the Ardmore Main Street Authority and is part of the city’s historic district revival. Indeed, Main Street describes this spot as “a vibrant commercial district… home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, preserving the city’s heritage and promoting economic growth” (www.mapquest.com ). The market’s mission is purely local – it sells only Oklahoma-grown, farm-fresh products. As one listing emphasizes, this market “is the local farmers’/growers’ market for Southern Oklahoma” featuring “only locally grown products” (www.localharvest.org ). The building itself is a new enclosed pavilion, allowing customers to shop comfortably year-round. For example, the Oklahoma travel guide points out that you can “shop year-round for seasonal produce without worrying about the weather” in this indoor marketplace (www.travelok.com ). Signature offerings here include fresh fruits and vegetables, farm eggs and meats, cut flowers, honey, and homemade crafts from regional producers (shapeyourfutureok.com ) (www.chickasawcountry.com ). Because it ties rural farmers directly to city shoppers, the market is often noted for helping local family farms thrive and ensuring the “freshest and most nutritious produce” for customers (www.chickasawcountry.com ). Overall, its blend of small-town charm, deep agricultural roots and modern comfort makes the Ardmore Farmers Market stand out as a uniquely local destination.
Events and Programming
Farmers Market “events” are basically the regular market days themselves, plus the occasional special program. In practice the market is open about twice a week during the growing season. For example, an official schedule lists Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from spring through late autumn (roughly April–December) for market hours (shapeyourfutureok.com ). The Chickasaw tourism site specifically promotes summer markets on Saturday mornings (late May through mid-September) (www.chickasawcountry.com ). On those market days you’ll find vendors selling produce, baked treats, eggs, meats, flowers and more (see product list above). As a community gathering, the Market Place sometimes hosts extra activities: for instance, travelers are told to look for cooking demonstrations or cookbook signings during market hours (www.travelok.com ). Outside of those normal market hours, the open hall can be rented for private events (weddings, corporate meetings, classes). But typical public programming centers on the twice-weekly farmers market, which tends to be free and open to all.
Tickets and Booking
There is no admission charge for the farmers market – visitors come in freely and simply pay vendors for whatever they purchase. (There is no centralized ticket or box office.) If you want to reserve the building itself for a private event, you book through the Ardmore Main Street Authority. The published rental rates range roughly from $255 to $505 per event (www.ardmoremainstreet.com ), depending on date and duration (plus a refundable deposit). All rentals require a signed contract and deposit. In short, the public market days need no tickets, whereas special events or rentals use Main Street’s booking system at the above rates.
Seating and Layout
The Market Place hall is a simple open room with vendor tables rather than any fixed seating or tiers. On market days you will see rows of folding tables and tents arranged by the farmers around the floor. Visitors stand or stroll the aisles to shop. There is no amphitheater or café dining area – if an event requires seats (like a presentation) they usually bring in folding chairs. Acoustics are basic (sound carries a bit in the open space), and overhead lighting is functional and bright. A few picnic-style benches or crates might sit near produce stalls, but in general you should expect an informal, standing-room layout. (The market occasionally opens large roll-up bays on nice days to bring in fresh air, making it feel partly outdoor.)
Getting There and Parking
Farmers Market is located at 106 E Broadway St, Ardmore, OK 73401 (shapeyourfutureok.com ) in the Depot District, a few blocks east of Main Street. The main entrance faces Broadway. By car, take I-35 to the Ardmore/Museum exit (Broadway) and drive east; it’s a short distance from downtown Ardmore. Street parking is available on Broadway and the cross streets, plus public lots around the Depot area. All parking nearby is free. Note that Saturday mornings can fill up quickly, so you may need a block or two of walk from outlying spots. The hall has a curbside drop-off zone at the front entrance if needed.
Ardmore has limited public transit. The historic Santa Fe Depot (Amtrak station) is only one block away (www.greatamericanstations.com ), with Amtrak’s daily Heartland Flyer service to Dallas and Oklahoma City – convenient if you’re coming from those cities. Greyhound and other regional buses also serve Ardmore (centered downtown). Within town, Tulsa or local cabs/rideshares (Uber/Lyft) can drop you at the market entrance. (There is no city-run shuttle.) Bicyclists will find bike racks on Broadway outside. In short, driving or rideshare are easiest; if traveling by train you can walk a minute from the depot to get here (www.greatamericanstations.com ).
Inside the Venue
On the inside you’ll find a clean, well-lit open-air market environment under one roof. The concrete floor and high ceilings give an airy feel. Vendor booths and tables line the room selling all their goods. For example, one guide notes there are “fresh fruits & vegetables along with… watermelons, peaches, farm fresh eggs, meat items, cut flowers or quality Made in Oklahoma products” (shapeyourfutureok.com ) – reflecting the colorful scene you’ll see on a typical market day. The atmosphere is friendly and informal: you might hear music from a farmer’s radio or live guitar, and people often sample produce as they shop. There is no permanent café or counter service inside; at most you might find a vendor selling juice or baked bread to enjoy on the spot. As a tip, vendors typically provide small plastic bags, but bringing your own bags or a shopping basket can help carry your groceries. There is no coat check or locker – just carry belongings with you in the often-crowded aisle space. Basic facilities like restrooms are not available inside the hall (visitors usually use nearby restaurant or depot facilities instead). Cell phone signal is generally strong in this area, but there is no public Wi-Fi. No special worries – the market looks more like a tidy warehouse than a formal performance hall, focusing attention on the fresh colorful stalls rather than ornate décor.
Nearby Amenities
Several restaurants and shops are close by for a meal or coffee break. Within a block or two you’ll find (for example) Prairie Kitchen (a local diner serving breakfast and lunch), Casa Romo pizza, Café Alley (a casual diner), the famous Eileen’s Colossal Cookies bakery, and other cafes. A quick walk along Broadway will reveal coffee shops and small diners. If you want chain restaurants or fast food, the stretch of Broadway (I-35 corridor) has national chains like Chili’s, Whataburger, etc., about a 5-minute drive away. For lodging, hotels and motels are clustered near the freeway exit – Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, Hampton Inn and similar brands are within a couple of miles of the market. If you arrive early, some farmers’ markets have live music or local artists, which can add to the experience. In any case, arriving 10–15 minutes before the market opens or before a special event starts is wise, to allow time for parking and browsing ancillary shops.
What Makes This Venue Special
Ardmore’s market stands out for blending small-town charm with convenience. First, it’s in a historic railroad district – the agriculture theme fits the old depot environment. For example, kitschy murals or historic photos on the walls remind visitors of Ardmore’s heritage. Importantly, the facility is enclosed, so it truly functions year-round – a key point made in state tourism materials: visitors can “shop year-round for seasonal produce without worrying about the weather” (www.travelok.com ). This is unusual for the region and means a steady supply of local goods through cool or stormy days. The emphasis on pure “Made in Oklahoma” products is another draw – reviewers note it helps local family farms stay in business and delivers “the freshest and most nutritious produce” (www.chickasawcountry.com ). Many people love that this isn’t a sterile store or chain supermarket but a place where you meet the actual grower. In short, the Market Place on Broadway is treasured as a community hub – people come for the food but stay for the friendly atmosphere and sense of place. That combination of heritage, community and quality truly makes Ardmore’s Farmers Market special.
Visitor Tips and Information
Best Arrival: The market is busiest in the morning, so plan to arrive right at opening for best selection. By late morning many stands have sold out of popular items. Parking nearby also fills up fast on Saturdays, so give yourself extra time and maybe have a backup street in mind. If you like less crowd, try a weekday evening market or catch the tail end of Saturday (after 10am) when it quiets down.
What to Bring: Bring sturdy shopping bags, a small wagon or basket for produce. Some vendors provide bags, but it’s easiest to have your own. Hat/sunscreen aren’t needed inside, but if you shop outside stalls or wait in the parking lot they can help on sunny days. A refillable water bottle is useful, and cash in small bills is wise for incidental items (though many sellers take cards now). Don’t plan to use a coat check or locker – carry valuables yourself.
Clothing: Dress casually and comfortably. The hall is large but can warm up when packed. Layers are good (a shirt and light jacket). Old-fashioned 1950s style isn’t required – jeans and a T-shirt or sundress are perfect. Feel free to wear boots or buddies are fine. If you plan to taste samples, wearing a mask is up to your comfort, but it’s generally a relaxed outdoor-like vibe inside.
Food & Drink: The market itself is mainly for shopping. However, you can often grab small bites from vendors (sliced fruit from a stand, or baked goods). Eating at vendor tables is allowed informally. If you need a sit-down meal or restroom, the nearby cafés and restaurants in the Depot area have facilities. Note that CASA Romo (pizza) and Prairie Kitchen (breakfast/lunch) are very popular nearby, so expect lines at meal time.
Children and Pets: Families are welcome. Expect to see strollers and kids. There are no age restrictions; younger children just stay with parents. Friendly dogs on leashes are usually fine (just keep them out of produce and clean up after them). If you have specific questions about child safety or ADA access, feel free to ask security/volunteers on site – the venue is on one level and typically wheelchair-accommodating.
Avoid: Avoid bringing large umbrellas (they poke neighboring stands) or glitter/confetti (banned at all events). Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the building (www.ardmoremainstreet.com ). Loud music or parties must end by 10pm to comply with city noise rules, but most market shoppers leave by midday. It’s generally a family market, not a later-night scene.
Other: Most farmers speak English and are happy to answer questions. We recommend chatting with vendors about cooking tips or storage for their produce – they often give great advice. Lastly, if you want to rent the place or become a vendor yourself, check with Ardmore Main Street ahead of time; rates and rules are on their website. That’s it – enjoy the fresh shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ardmore Farmers Market free to enter, or do I need to buy a ticket?
The market is free for visitors. No admission fee or tickets are needed. You simply walk in and shop. Each vendor sells goods individually (so you pay vendors for what you buy). Only special ticketed events (rarely held here) would require tickets, but normal market days are open to all at no charge.
On which days and at what times is the market open?
The market runs twice weekly during the spring through fall season. Current hours are mid-morning markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays (roughly 7:30 a.m. to noon) from around April through early December (shapeyourfutureok.com ). (Seasonal schedules can vary slightly; watch for holiday exceptions.) In 2025, for example, Saturday markets were listed from late May through mid-September (www.chickasawcountry.com ), but the general pattern is Wed/Sat April–Dec.
Where is the Ardmore Farmers Market located, and where can I park?
It’s at 106 E Broadway St, Ardmore, OK 73401 (shapeyourfutureok.com ), on the east side of downtown in the Depot District. The entrance is right on Broadway. Street parking on Broadway and side streets is available and free. There are also public lots and spaces around the old train depot nearby. Parking spots can fill up on busy mornings, so you may need to walk a block or two if close lots are full.
Is there public transportation to the Farmers Market?
Ardmore does not have a local city bus, but there are regional options. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer stops at the Ardmore station (one block from the market) (www.greatamericanstations.com ) – convenient from Dallas or Oklahoma City. Greyhound buses also serve the town. Within Ardmore, taxis or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) can drop you off at the entrance. If driving from out of town, taking I-35 to the Broadway exit is easiest.
Is the market held indoors or outdoors?
It’s held inside a covered, enclosed building. This is one of the market’s unique features – you shop under roof year-round (www.chickasawcountry.com ). There are no outdoor stands in the parking lot; all vendors are inside the pavilion. On nice days the large garage-style doors may open for fresh air, but the structure itself protects visitors from rain, wind, or intense sun.
Is the Market Place on Broadway building wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The facility is on one level with wide aisles, and the entrance is flat from the street (no stairs). Wheelchair users and strollers can navigate freely. An ADA-compliant restroom (likely shared with the adjacent depot facility) is available nearby if needed. In practice, families with strollers and visitors in wheelchairs frequently attend the market, so it is accommodating.
Are pets (dogs, etc.) allowed at the market?
Generally yes, well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome. Many local visitors bring dogs. However, be considerate: keep your pet close and out of produce displays. Pick up after your animal and avoid bringing pets during very crowded times. Service animals (per ADA rules) are permitted everywhere.
Are restrooms available on-site at the Farmers Market?
The market hall itself has limited facilities. There isn’t a large public restroom bank inside. Visitors often use nearby restrooms – for example, the historic train depot event center (right across the street) or a nearby café. If public markets are running, portable restrooms may occasionally be provided in the parking area. Plan accordingly, and know you can quickly duck into a neighboring business if needed.
Do vendors accept credit/debit cards, or should I bring cash?
Most vendors accept both cash and cards these days. Cash is always safe to have, especially for smaller transactions or farmers selling only a few items. But you’ll find many stalls ready for card payments or even smartphone pay apps. (There is no ATM on-site, so bring a bit of cash if you anticipate buying fresh produce or baked goods.)
Is Wi-Fi or internet access available at the market?
No public Wi-Fi is provided. Cell phone service in downtown Ardmore is generally good, so you can use mobile internet. If you rely on internet, use your phone’s data or find a nearby café after shopping. Don’t count on free Wi-Fi for large uploads or streaming while at the stands.
Are visitors allowed to smoke (including e-cigarettes) on the premises?
No. Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited inside the Market Place building (www.ardmoremainstreet.com ). This is city code for indoor public spaces. If you smoke, do so well outside on the sidewalks or street (far from entrances and produce). This rule is posted at the entrance and enforced at all market events.
Is the market family-friendly and are all ages welcome?
Absolutely. The market is family-friendly and open to all ages. Children often attend with parents (strollers are fine). There is no minimum age or special ID needed. It’s a safe, daytime market environment, so feel free to bring kids. (Just keep an eye on them around vendor tables and any stands with small parts.)
Can I rent the Farmers Market space for my own event, and what does it cost?
Yes - when not in use for the market, the space is available for private bookings. Contact the Ardmore Main Street Authority for details. Current day-use rental rates start at about $255 and can go up to $505 depending on needs (www.ardmoremainstreet.com ). A deposit and compliance with rules (e.g. no confetti, proper cleanup) are required. This makes the venue a good option for community or corporate events, and those rates compare favorably to hotel conference rooms or community centers in the area.
What should I bring with me to the market?
Bring reusable shopping bags or a basket to carry produce. You may also bring a small cooler or insulated bag for frozen/meat purchases if you’ll drive a while afterwards. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea – you’ll be on your feet a lot. A water bottle is handy, as there may not be drinking fountains. No formal Dress Code is required; casual clothes are perfect. Finally, bring cash if you like (though most sellers take cards), and arrive with a little free time for parking.
Does the Farmers Market have seating or picnic areas?
Not really. This market is set up primarily for shopping, not dining. There are usually no dedicated picnic tables or chairs. Some waxed-paper tables or benches might appear temporarily, and a few vendors sometimes set out a chair or stool, but you generally stand while browsing. If you bring food you bought here, you can often stand by a planter or bench nearby to eat. For a sit-down meal, visit one of the cafés or restaurants in the Depot District after shopping.
What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
Rain or shine, the market goes on. Since it’s inside an enclosed hall, the weather outside doesn’t stop the farmers. In fact, one benefit noted by travel guides is that you can “shop year-round…without worrying about the weather” (www.travelok.com ). So on rainy or windy mornings, just hop inside the pavilion. In hot weather, the building stays cooler than standing outside. You won’t need rain gear or umbrellas once you’re inside the market.
What types of items are sold at the Ardmore Farmers Market?
A wide range of fresh farm goods and local products. Expect seasonal fruits and vegetables (eggs, tomatoes, peaches, watermelons, gourds, etc.), plus farmer-raised meats and poultry. Many vendors also sell honey, herbs, flowers, baked goods, canned/jarred preserves and even handmade crafts. One listing specifically mentions “fresh fruits & vegetables… farm fresh eggs, meat items, cut flowers” and more (shapeyourfutureok.com ). Essentially, if it’s made or grown in Oklahoma, you’re likely to see it here.
