The seasons are changing, but farmers market days aren’t over yet

The first signs of fall are starting to show up across the Great Lakes Bay Region. School is back in session, the evenings are getting a little cooler and, before long, pumpkins and mums will start taking over front porches. But the growing season is far from over.

Farmers markets across Midland, Bay and Saginaw counties still have weeks of fresh produce ahead, with several markets staying open through October and, in Midland’s case, into November. For shoppers, the next few months bring the shift from tomatoes, sweet corn and berries to apples, squash, pumpkins and other fall staples.

Here is a look at several markets still open as summer gives way to fall.

Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market

Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market has one of the longer seasons in the region, staying open through Saturday, Oct. 31.

The market is held under the outdoor pavilions at the SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. It is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market brings together farmers, bakers, makers and other vendors from Saginaw and the surrounding region. Produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, jams, handmade products and other local goods are among the offerings.

It also participates in food access programs including SNAP, WIC Project Fresh and Senior Market Fresh, helping make locally grown food available to more shoppers.

Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of market season left. For now, the tomatoes and sweet corn are still here. Soon enough, they will be competing for table space with apples, squash, pumpkins and everything else that comes with a Michigan fall.

Midland Area Farmers Market

Midland Area Farmers Market continues its 2026 season through Oct. 31, with markets held Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dow Diamond East Parking Lot. The market will also be open the first three Saturdays in November, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The market is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and remains one of the region’s longest-running places to buy directly from local growers and producers. Shoppers can find produce alongside baked goods, meat, eggs, cheese, honey, maple products, flowers and other locally made goods.

As the season heads toward fall, the market still has more than two months of regular market days left before moving into its shorter November schedule.

Bay Area Farmers Market

Bay Area Farmers Market gives downtown Bay City shoppers a Thursday option, running from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Pere Marquette Parking Plaza, 401 Fifth St.

The market’s 2026 season runs through Oct. 1, leaving several more weeks to shop local before it wraps up for the year. Its mix of vendors includes local farmers and makers, making it a place to pick up produce while also browsing baked goods, handmade items and other products.

With its Thursday afternoon schedule, the market also makes an easy stop for people already spending time downtown or heading there after work.

Great Lakes Bay Harvest Market

The newer Great Lakes Bay Harvest Market in Bangor Township is heading into the part of its schedule built around the arrival of fall.

The market, held at Bangor Township Hall, 3921 W. Wheeler Road, is open Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Its regular season runs through Sept. 3, followed by two special market dates: Harvest Fest on Sept. 17 and a Halloween-themed market on Oct. 8.

Local produce, baked goods, artisan products, honey, specialty foods and prepared food vendors are all part of the market’s lineup. The special fall dates give the new market a reason to stick around after its regular season ends and give shoppers another chance to get outside before Michigan weather makes farmers market season a little more complicated.