In 1987 the Downtown Development Board started the Orlando Farmers Market to help provide a shopping opportunity for residents who live in the downtown area. 

 

The Orlando Farmers Market's first home was located in a high-traffic area under I-4 across from the famous Church Street Station where it became a large attraction for tourists and locals alike. Even the chefs from the local downtown restaurants would come in their full uniforms and chef hats to buy fresh vegetables from local farmers for their signature menus.

 

In the late 90's an increase in Downtown construction made access to the Market difficult for visitors so the DDB relocated it to a more centralized and less busy part of the Downtown area known as Heritage Square at Central and Magnolia. It remained there until 2004 when the revitalization of the Downtown area boomed and the Market would have to move one final time to its current home at Lake Eola.

 

The beautiful backdrop of Lake Eola, a centralized location in Downtown Orlando and host of high-rise condominiums and downtown residents have made the Orlando Farmers Market's newest location at East Central Blvd and North Eola Drive a great success!

 

As the Orlando Farmers Market enters its 35th year, it is growing by leaps and bounds as it continues adding many new vendors, a brand new wine and beer garden, entertainment, an outdoor dining area and themed Sundays to promote pet-friendly, family-friendly, food and wine as well as arts in the park programs.