Local
Tools
Typography

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua added a new rhythm to its weekends on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as the long-anticipated Market on Main officially debuted at Skinner Park, reintroducing a weekly market experience that celebrates local craftsmanship, small business, and homegrown creativity. From handmade soaps and jewelry to jams, cakes, greenery, woodworking, and tallow-based lotions, the market offered a vibrant mix of sights, scents, and flavors that signaled a fresh chapter for downtown activity.

Organized by the Alachua Business League, the new market is designed to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurship of local residents while giving downtown a renewed weekend attraction. The event marked the first regularly scheduled market in the city in several years. Opening-day attendance was steady, with shoppers filling the park early to browse, sample goods, and mingle with neighbors.

Previous farmers markets in Alachua — including those once hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce — eventually faded as vendor participation and attendance declined. Organizers of the Market on Main say this new version was built for sustainability, featuring seasonal scheduling and a focus on locally made, artisan-quality goods alongside a selection of traditional produce.

Through March 2026, the market will operate Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beginning in April, it will transition to “Summer Nights,” taking place Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m. through September. The dual schedule is designed to accommodate both vendors and visitors while offering flexibility during Florida’s warmer months.

The market’s variety reflects how the community’s small-business culture has evolved — from traditional farming to a diverse network of local makers, hobbyists, and independent retailers. The goal is to provide both a venue for traditional farmers market products and a platform for local entrepreneurs, as well as a welcoming gathering place for residents.

The Market on Main’s debut also comes amid regional discussions about the future of local markets. The long-standing Alachua County Farmers Market in Gainesville — in operation for more than 40 years — may soon close or relocate as county officials consider new uses for its site on U.S. Highway 441.

Alachua’s new market offers a convenient alternative for vendors and shoppers alike, combining the accessibility of downtown with the walkable, family-friendly character that defines the city’s historic district.

Although Skinner Park serves as the current site, city leaders are developing plans to eventually move the market to Main Street itself. A bollard system now in design would allow temporary street closures between Northwest 150th Avenue and Northwest 148th Place for community events such as the Market on Main, parades, and downtown festivals.

For many attendees, Saturday’s debut was about more than shopping — it was a chance to reconnect with neighbors and celebrate the creativity that defines small-town life. With strong community support, organizers hope the Market on Main will become a weekly tradition that showcases local talent, supports small business, and strengthens Alachua’s growing downtown identity.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

View Comments