What started as a handful of local vendors on Barr Street has grown into one of Indiana’s most celebrated community markets. Today, the YLNI Farmers Market stands as a vibrant hub of local culture and connection — and the community has once again shown its appreciation.
The YLNI Farmers Market has been voted Indiana’s #1 Farmers Market by American Farmland Trust for an incredible four consecutive years — 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Locally, our community has kept the momentum going, honoring the Market as Fort Wayne’s Best Farmers Market in the Readers’ Choice Awards from 2019 through 2025.
These recognitions are more than accolades — they’re a reflection of a movement that began nearly 15 years ago when Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) revived the historic Barr Street Market with just 4–6 vendors. Today, the Market proudly hosts more than 150 local vendors each week and welcomes an average of 10,000 visitors to downtown Fort Wayne every Saturday in the summer.
As a producer-only market, every vendor personally makes or grows the products they sell — from fresh produce, plants, meats, and baked goods to homemade crafts and artisan goods. All are local, hailing from Allen County or neighboring counties, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting small businesses, local agriculture, and community-driven entrepreneurship.
“The YLNI Farmers Market isn’t just a place to shop — it’s a place to belong. Our vendors pour their hearts into what they create, and our community shows up, week after week, to support them. That’s the true meaning of local.”
And there’s even more to celebrate this season — our Winter Market is moving to a brand-new indoor location! You’ll still see the same amazing vendors, the same great vibes, and the same strong community — just now with more space for food trucks, extra parking, and plenty of heat to keep you cozy all season long.
📍 New Location: 3811 Illinois Road
🗓️ Kicking off November 1st at the first Winter Market!
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home and continue the tradition of connecting local growers, makers, and neighbors — rain, snow, or shine.
The YLNI Farmers Market is more than a destination; it’s a reflection of what Fort Wayne values most: community, connection, and commitment to one another.
Thank you, Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana, for helping us grow from a small idea into a top-ranked Farmers Market!
Join us every Saturday at the Historic Barr Street Market (summer season) and at 3811 Illinois Road (winter season) to experience why the YLNI Farmers Market continues to be the heart of our community.
YLNI Farmers Market
Powered by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana
Taylor Fisher, YLNI Executive Director (left), and Ashley Wagner, YLNI Farmers Market Manager (right), receiving the 2025 Readers’ Choice Award.
