Pick Up Fresh Produce at BisMarket from June Through October
August 20, 2024
If you enjoy buying fresh produce from local farmers and noshing on treats from North Dakota artisans, then you will love BisMarket. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting), residents of Bismarck-Mandan gather along Sweet Avenue by Kiwanis Park. Shoppers pick up fruits and vegetables for the week while kids play and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. There’s music, dancing, and a strong sense of community.
“When you come home to Bismarck-Mandan, you can get to know the farmers who show up at BisMarket throughout the season,” says Nathan Schneider, Vice President of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. “If you are a baker, craftsman, or other producer of goods, you can turn your hobby into a hustle and become a vendor. BisMarket lets you get creative and Make Your Mark on the town.”
Discover why BisMarket is the best place to be on a Saturday and how you can get involved.
BisMarket is the Largest Farmer’s Market in Town
BisMarket has been a staple in the local community since 2013. It currently has between 40 to 45 vendors each week, with many farmers and craftspeople returning from one year to the next. It is run by a small staff and supported by a team of volunteers who make BisMarket possible.
“As president, I get to see how much this organization has grown in the few years I have been here,” says Robert Massie, President of BisMarket. “Not only is it a farmers market, but it is a place for the community to gather, meet up with friends, grab some lunch, and listen to great tunes.”
From a young age, kids can build healthy eating habits as they explore the different fruits and vegetables available. Adults can support local vendors and farmers right in their backyards.
Enjoy Live Entertainment While You Shop
One of the main principles of BisMarket is that it isn’t just a place to shop. Residents are meant to linger, chat with vendors, and enjoy their day in downtown Bismarck. To encourage people to stay, BisMarket schedules a variety of entertainers to perform each weekend. You can hear the live music pouring down the street and enjoy beautiful performances for free.
“Entertainment ties everything together,” says Massie. “If there was no entertainment, people would grab their purchases and leave. With musicians, dance troupes, gymnasts, and other entertainers, there is always something to see.”
Whether you want to enjoy some fresh air on a warm summer day or meet up with friends, BisMarket is the place to go. You may discover your new favorite performer or attend a live show in the area based on the acts you see.
There’s Always Space for Vendors
If you are interested in expanding your business or turning a hobby into a career, Make Your Mark at BisMarket! You can apply to be a vendor ahead of the next season and the BisMarket team will review and potentially approve your application. BisMarket also has clear guidelines for who should apply and how to sell your goods safely.
“Setting up at BisMarket can help hobbyist vendors decide whether they want to turn their ideas into full-time businesses,” says Schneider. “They can scale their efforts and eventually open storefronts, while already having brand recognition from selling on Saturdays.”
Bismarck-Mandan is a friendly environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The EDC has plenty of resources along with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Fall In Love With Bismarck-Mandan at BisMarket
If you are new to Bismarck-Mandan or visiting ahead of a relocation, spend your Saturday at BisMarket. Meet the vendors and chat with other residents who are happy to call North Dakota home.
“Yes, Bismarck is the state capital, but it feels like a small town,” says Massie. “There’s always something to do and the sense of community is amazing.”
Discover other ways to meet your neighbors and find recreation opportunities in Bismarck-Mandan. You don’t have to live here long to Make Your Mark and find your people.