Traverse City's Sara Hardy Farmers Market Prepares for New Permanent Pavilion

The market, managed by the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, is the largest grower's market in Michigan.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:52pm

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The Sarah Hardy Farmers Market in downtown Traverse City is preparing for its upcoming season, with vendor applications now open. The market, which has been an area institution since the mid-1980s, is scheduled to open for the year on May 2. The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, which manages the market, is planning to enhance the site with a new permanent pavilion designed to provide year-round shelter for both vendors and visitors.

Why it matters

The new permanent pavilion is expected to improve the market's connection to the Boardman River, provide better amenities for shoppers, and allow the space to be used for community events and conferences beyond the farmers market season.

The details

The planned pavilion is designed to provide shelter from northern winds and inclement weather during the market's shoulder seasons. While providing a permanent structure, the project will maintain the existing parking at the site. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) also plans to use the space for community events, conferences and parties through a partnership with the city.

  • The Sarah Hardy Farmers Market is scheduled to open for the year on May 2, 2026.
  • The DDA expects to break ground on the new pavilion in July 2026.
  • Officials are targeting a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pavilion in the Fall of 2026.

The players

Traverse City Downtown Development Authority

The organization that manages the Sarah Hardy Farmers Market and is overseeing the construction of the new permanent pavilion.

Harry Burkholder

The Executive Director of the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority.

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What they’re saying

“The old blue awnings that used to be in that site were one of the first investments by the DDA, almost 30 years ago. To see this kind of come a full fruition is really exciting.”

— Harry Burkholder, Executive Director, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority

“If you want to sit and enjoy your croissant after you purchase it at the farmer's market, we can do that.”

— Harry Burkholder, Executive Director, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority

What’s next

The DDA expects to break ground on the new pavilion in July 2026 and is targeting a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Fall of 2026.

The takeaway

The new permanent pavilion at the Sarah Hardy Farmers Market will provide year-round shelter and amenities for both vendors and visitors, while also allowing the space to be used for community events and conferences beyond the farmers market season, further cementing the market's role as a central gathering place in downtown Traverse City.