Great variety of vendors, tons of parking, and consistently fantastic produce and baked goods. read more

See all

I love this farmers market. It's especially fun on a fall Saturday morning. They have beautiful flowers, pumpkins, produce, etc. I stopped and made purchases at many vendors but I was specifically looking for apples. I love the Ten Eyck Orchard stand. They let you sample different apples. All of the vendors are so kind, friendly, and helpful. I love supporting these local farmers. I always end up with something I wasn't planning on getting. This time I got some delicious pumpkin honey and I came home with a few white and pastel pumpkins, they were too pretty to pass up. I typically try to arrive just before 8am. I like to make sure I can get some bread from Madison Sourdough before they sell out. The parking is really easy and nice that you can park so close so you can make trips to your car if needed. I really enjoy this farmers market because they have many vendors but it's never too crowded and has a nice neighborhood farmers market vibe. There aren't tons of tourists like the downtown market, it's all locals. Highly recommend! read more

See all

This is more a review of Chris & Lori's Bakehouse (CLB). The Coconut chocolate scon tastes just like a Mounds bar. Any scone coupkedwith the free coffee at the market and a quite spot at the DMV open patio area make for a lovely morning. CLB has a great selection of scones. My favorites are the espresso chocolate, white chocolate rapsberry and the afore mentioned coconut chocolate . They have a selection of healthy and healthier scones, but the not so healthy are awesome. read more

I am a big fan of the Dane county Farmers Market. What I am not a fan of are dumbasses with their strollers who stop and stand like deer in headlights for 45 seconds, and then start walking again, so you don't even have enough time to get around them. Then they repeat this about 30 times as you walk around the square. I'm also not a fan of people who are standing in your way because they are trying to get a sample from a vendor, and then don't buy anything. Enter the Westside Community Market. This smaller scale farmer's market has basically everything you'd want from the larger market without the hassle. Sure you're not going to find hot spicy cheese bread, but who cares? That stuff is over rated. Come to the Westside market for Blue Marble Dairy where you can buy fresh milk (!!!) Honey Bee Bakery where you can buy little mini quiches to take home and for all the same staple vendors from the larger market. With less crowds, and ample free parking. :D read more

Are you just as tired as me? Tired of walking through the Capitol Square Farmer's Market traffic jam of baby strollers, wagons, kids on leashes, and the "samplers" (def. one who stops at every booth offerring a sample and never buys anything)? Or perhaps you're tired because you wake up at 6am to try and hit the Cap Square market before the hoards? Then maybe the westside community market is for you. We're talking basically the same selection of meats, produce and cheese. Plus you're going to find Blue Marble dairy (!) and Sugar River Farms yogurt (!). Also, you'll bask in the wide open promenade, and enjoy beaucoup de free parking (!). Plus, if you park by the post office you find yourself right in between TWO markets. That's right, the Hilldale farms market is just down the step in the Macy's parking lot. So, if you want to get your beauty sleep, your beautiful bounty, all without the headache of Cap Square, hit up the Westside Market and chiiiiilllll. read more

A fantastic alternative to the busy summer Capitol Square farmer's market. Sometimes you just don't want to fight the crowds You can still get your produce, meats, dairy, and baked goods here with easy access for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Often there is a small group of musicians near the info table. There don't really tend to be any food carts around this market, so if you wish to get a smoothie or a coffee you will have to head over to Hilldale. A few picnic tables are available near the building if you wish to sit down, and plenty of bicycle&car parking. The quality of vendors is as good as the Square, but the entire experience is much more relaxing! read more

This is my go-to market. When guests are in town I bring them to the Downtown Market on Saturdays, but personally I can't stand the crowds and double-wide strollers and super slow pace. I just want to buy local produce without alot of hassle and get on with my Saturday morning. The Westside Market has a few dozen vendors selling all kinds of veggies, fruits, meats, plants, baked good, chocolates, dairy products, etc. The vendors are friendly and knowledgable. Be sure to sign up for their weekly newsletter. It's really great, with recipes and anecdotes and market updates. read more

This is close to where I live, and with far fewer people. It's much smaller than the Capitol Square farmer's market, but it still has a fair selection of vegetables, pastries, and curds. Plus, lots of free, easy access parking, and WIDE aisles for traveling from stall to stall. It's a far less stressful experience. I came here this past Saturday for the first time and picked up some beautiful long beans and 2 for 1 scones. Also, Mad Maiden Shrub has a booth here on Saturdays so you get to sample some delicious locally made shrub and chat with the owner. Sign up for their mailing list and you're entered into a drawing for $5 to spend on your next visit. read more

I think this is a great, quick alternative to the market downtown. They have a decent selection of baked goods, veggies, and flowers. I love that Chris and Lori's is here (please come next year too! I know you aren't sure if you will...) and sometimes I stop just to grab a scone from them! Parking is not terrible if you are patient and willing to walk. Also, be aware, you need cash here. No one takes cards. read more

Fantastic farmers market! Great selection, easy in and out, easy to bike or drive to. No getting stuck behind strollers, people randomly stopping for now reason, etc... if you want a nice, laid back market to attend, this is the place! read more

I went to this little farmer's market to avoid the hordes that have converged on the Capitol and State Street for Maxwell Street Days. This is WAY more my speed. I don't have to trip over fifty people and get assaulted by a stroller to get that lovely bunch of Thai basil I was looking for. I also scored French green beans, red onions, and some gorgeous zucchini and summer squash. Can't wait for dinner! read more

The Westside Community Market is a great alternative to the Dane County Farmers Market. It has a smaller number of vendors but the quality is excellent. I was very pleased with the Door County cherries that I picked up today. The less crowded atmosphere allowed you more time to browse and select the best quality produce without feeling rushed. There are some vendors that have spots at Dane County, like Stella's and Madison Sourdough, but you get some smaller local vendors as well. Parking is easily available on the lot or on the street and you don't have pay for it, always a plus. The atmosphere is a leisurely and laid back one where you don't feel the pressure to make hurried decisions because of the crowds pressing around you. read more

Just found out about this farmers' market this summer and it is awesome. Now if I have a hankering for local veggies/plants/fruits/baked goods on a weekend, this is my spot to go. Tons of parking and a good selection. This is so much easier than wandering around the crowded Dane County Farmers' Market. read more

I love the Westside Community market. It is large enough to have everything you want, and small enough that is does not seem too crowded to shop.I would not be as harsh on the moms with strollers at the square as a previous review gal was- they should be able to get out and enjoy the market just like everyone else. And the samples...thats the fun of it all! You cannot be in a hurry there, and just enjoy the free spirit of it all. The Venue at the square is awesome and everyone should go there once or twice a season but just to pick up a few things the Westside Market is the place to go. The vendors donate free coffee and organic milk for the shoppers. Moldy Jam plays music and makes it a fun atmosphere. read more