Monument Circle hosts farmer's market during City Market rehab

The Original Farmers Market kicked off Wednesday on Monument Circle. The market moved to the location because of renovations at the Indianapolis City Market.

Iris Dillon, administrator at the Department of Metropolitan Development, said the new location makes sense.

"We get more vendors, they have more space. They just feel this sense of community and the atmosphere that it offers is important," Dillon said. 

Monument Circle has long been a space that occasionally closes to vehicle traffic for events. There have also been ongoing discussions about permanently closing the circle to traffic. 

Spark on the Circle, an arts and activity program, will return and close the northwest corner of Monument Circle starting June 1.

Dillion said these kinds of pedestrian placemaking efforts are key.

"It is very vital to the energy, downtown is coming back, you know slowly but it also brings our neighbors it also brings our residents," she said. 

The Original Farmers Market has been a part of City Market activities for decades. The market was temporarily moved to the circle in 2020 when East Market St. was under construction. 

The open air market offers local produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods, as well as meal options from local vendors. The market runs every Wednesday until Oct. 2.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.