Centennial Lakes Farmers Market Dad Guide: Fresh Finds and Family Fun
📍 Centennial Lakes Park, Edina, MN
🗓️ Thursdays, June 5 – October 2, 2025 | 🕒 3 PM to 7 PM
🎯 Local goods, live vibes, and a low-key win for suburban families
If you’re a suburban dad looking for a midweek break, a fresh way to shop local, or a low-stress family outing, the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market in Edina should be on your radar. Held every Thursday from 3 to 7 PM, this local gem offers more than just produce—it’s a lifestyle reset.
From June through the first week of October, Centennial Lakes Park transforms into a relaxing, tree-lined market filled with seasonal fruits, hot food, friendly farmers, and a backdrop of paddle boats and walking paths. Whether you’re solo on an errand or bringing the whole family, this farmers market delivers on freshness, variety, and good old suburban charm.
🍅 Why Dads from the ‘Burbs Love This Market
1. It’s More Than Groceries—It’s a Weekly Ritual
Let’s face it: grocery shopping isn’t exactly thrilling. But swap the fluorescent lighting for sunshine, swap shopping carts for lakeside strolls, and suddenly your weekly produce run becomes an event. At Centennial Lakes Farmers Market, every Thursday can feel like a mini vacation.
You can load up on fresh vegetables, chat with a beekeeper, grab an iced coffee, and then treat your kids to ice cream—all without stepping foot in a grocery store. Wins all around.
2. Dinner is Already Done (Or At Least Started)
Planning dinner is probably not your favorite chore. The good news? The food truck scene here is strong. From Muddy Tiger’s Indian street food to Soul to Soul BBQ, you can skip the kitchen altogether or at least bring home some gourmet add-ons.
Want to fire up the grill? Grab fresh-cut meats from Pampered Pork, sauces from Sota Saucy, and corn from Untiedt’s Farm. You’re halfway to backyard grill master status.
3. Your Kids Won’t Hate It
It’s rare to find an outing that pleases toddlers, teens, and adults alike—but this market comes close. The wide, shaded walkways of Centennial Lakes Park are stroller-friendly and surrounded by water, ducks, paddle boats, and green space. Treats like cookies, croffles, and lemonade keep the little ones happy, while you browse without stress.
Bonus: when the kids get restless, the putting course and walking trails are right there.
🛒 What You’ll Find at the Market (It’s a Lot)
With more than 40+ vendors throughout the season, every Thursday offers something new. Here are just a few categories of local goodness to expect:
🥕 Fresh Produce
From leafy greens to juicy melons, stock your fridge with in-season produce you’ll actually want to eat. Farmers like Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm, Chang Farm, and Svihel Vegetable Farm bring the good stuff week after week.
🥩 Meats & Proteins
Shop locally raised meats, smoked pork, eggs, and even frozen meals from vendors like Pampered Pork and Veteran’s Farming Initiative.
🍞 Baked Goods & Sweets
Get fresh bread from Great Harvest Bread Company, pies from Mary’s Kitchen, cookies from Flour Power, or artisan croffles from The Croffle Corner.
🌶️ Sauces, Spices & Jams
Level up your pantry with small-batch BBQ sauces, dips, jams, hot sauces, and spice blends. Here’s the Deal Spice Co. and Red Eye Hot Sauce are local faves.
🥘 International & Local Cuisine
Grab lunch or takeout from globally inspired food trucks like Tibetan Family Momo, Banh Sizzle, Natasha’s Pierogis, and JM Bistro. There’s something for every palate.
☕ Coffee, Ice Cream & Beverages
Don’t skip the cold brew from Norte Cafe Roasters or the creamy treat from La La Homemade Ice Cream. Also, lemonade stands and fruit smoothies make a solid refreshment option.
👨🌾 Meet the Vendors
The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market is known for its friendly, passionate small businesses and family-run farms. Here’s a small sampling of the 2025 vendor list:
- Atacama Catering
- Bee Happy Honey
- Ola Oats
- Natasha’s Pierogis
- Healthy Greens
- Udder Buddies Dairy
- Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn
- …and many more!
Vendors do their best to attend each Thursday, but it’s always wise to check the market’s official newsletter for weekly updates.
🧭 Location, Parking & Pro Tips
📍 Location:
Centennial Lakes Park – a gorgeous, 24-acre public space in Edina featuring walking paths, paddle boats, mini golf, and seating areas. The market is set up along the main brick walkway by the lake, near the clock tower.
🅿️ Parking:
Free, plentiful, and close. Enough said.
🛍️ Pro Dad Tips:
- Bring reusable bags. You’ll need them.
- Arrive early for the best produce and bakery items.
- Bring cash and cards. Most vendors accept both, but it’s good to be prepared.
- Let the kids pick a treat. A cookie or lemonade buys you time to shop in peace.
- Stick around after. Paddle boats, the putting course, or just a walk around the lake is a great way to wind down.
🤝 Community Impact
The Centennial Lakes Farmers Market isn’t just about convenience—it also gives back. The market partners with VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People), donating thousands of pounds of produce to local families in need.
While the market does not currently participate in the EBT program, it does honor the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), helping ensure access to fresh food for those who need it.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
- Opening Day: Thursday, June 5, 2025
- Last Market: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM every Thursday
- Location: Centennial Lakes Park, Edina, MN
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🙋♂️ FAQ: Centennial Lakes Farmers Market
Q: Is the market dog-friendly?
Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Just make sure to clean up after your pup.
Q: Are there bathrooms nearby?
Yes, public restrooms are available at Centennial Lakes Park.
Q: Can I use EBT at the market?
Unfortunately, the market does not currently accept EBT. However, it does participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).
Q: What happens if it rains?
The market is rain or shine! Some vendors may adjust based on weather, but the market typically stays open unless there’s extreme weather.
Q: Is there entertainment or music?
Occasionally, local musicians or community groups perform at the park, especially during peak summer weeks. Check the newsletter or park event calendar for updates.
Q: How do I become a vendor next year?
Vendor applications for 2025 are closed, but those interested in 2026 can contact Tiffany Bushland for early info.
Final Word from a Fellow Suburban Dad
You don’t need a complicated weekend plan to make memories or get good food. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick trip to the Centennial Lakes Farmers Market—a place where you can support local businesses, fill your fridge, eat something delicious, and enjoy a few calm hours in the middle of your week.
So grab your cooler bag, pack up the kids (or don’t), and make Thursdays from 3–7 PM your new favorite routine.
