The Dane County Farmers’ Market (DCFM) is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country, meaning every item sold is grown, raised, or produced in Wisconsin by the person behind the table. It operates year-round, moving to different locations in Madison to accommodate the seasons.
Application & Membership Fees
Before you can sell, you must navigate the market’s entry and membership requirements.
- Application Fee: There is a $25.00 non-refundable application fee to be placed on the DCFM Waiting List. This is a one-time fee for new applicants.
- Annual Membership Fee: For the 2025–2026 season, the annual membership fee is $110.00. This fee is mandatory for all members in good standing and must be paid by the first Saturday in March to maintain vending privileges.
- Booth (Stall) Fee Costs: Stall fees vary significantly depending on the season and the specific market location. Unlike smaller markets with flat daily rates, the DCFM provides specific fee schedules directly to its members each year.
Seasonal Locations & Schedule
The market shifts its operations based on the time of year to ensure local goods are available regardless of the weather.
- Outdoor Season (April – November)
- Saturdays on the Square: Located on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol (the “Square”) in downtown Madison.
- Hours: 6:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m..
- Note: On specific dates, the market may temporarily move to Breese Stevens Field.
- Wednesday Market: A smaller, more intimate mid-week market held on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m..
- Saturdays on the Square: Located on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol (the “Square”) in downtown Madison.
- Holiday Market (November – December)
- Location: Indoors at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.
- Hours: Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m..
- Focus: Features approximately 70–80 vendors offering holiday decorations, winter greens, and specialty gifts.
- Late Winter Market (January – April)
- Location: Indoors at Garver Feed Mill on Madison’s east side.
- Hours: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m..
- Experience: Includes about 50 vendors selling root vegetables, greenhouse greens, meats, cheeses, and baked goods in a cozy, community-focused setting.
Market Highlights
Community Vibe: Especially during the summer on the Square, the market is a festive event featuring street musicians, non profit booths, and a traditional counter-clockwise stroll by thousands of visitors.
Producer-Only Integrity: You buy directly from the farm families and artisans who created the products, allowing for direct expert advice on how to use or grow them.
Diverse Selection: Beyond fruits and vegetables, you can find local meats (including bison and elk), world-class Wisconsin cheeses, fresh bakery items, honey, maple syrup, and plant starts.
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