There are few places that capture the spirit of summer in Ventnor quite like the Ventnor City Farmers Market. Every Friday morning, locals and visitors gather beneath rows of white tents to shop for fresh produce, discover handmade goods, enjoy local food and beverages, and connect with friends and neighbors. As the market celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how this beloved community tradition has grown into one of the Jersey Shore’s premier weekly events.
A Decade of Growth & Community Spirit
For a decade now, every Friday morning from late May through early September, the parking lot at St. James Church (Holy Trinity Parish) at Atlantic and Newport Avenues transforms into one of South Jersey’s most popular community gathering places. What began in 2016 as a modest market featuring just 26 vendors has blossomed into a vibrant weekly event with more than 80 farmers, food makers, artisans, brewers, and community organizations.
Founded by local residents Andy and Penni Starer along with Maria Gatta, the market was created with a simple but powerful mission: connect residents and visitors with fresh, local products while strengthening community ties. Ten years later, that vision continues to thrive.
Today, under the leadership of Market Manager Maria Gatta and Karen Warner, the market has become a treasured summer tradition that supports small businesses, promotes Jersey Fresh agriculture, and creates a welcoming social atmosphere right in the heart of Ventnor.
Celebrating 10 Years
2016 → 2026
From 26 vendors in its inaugural season to more than 80 vendors today, the Ventnor City Farmers Market has become one of the Jersey Shore’s premier weekly community events.
Shoppers arrive with reusable bags in hand, grab coffee and breakfast, enjoy live music, and spend the morning catching up with neighbors while exploring the incredible variety of products available each week. The market is dog-friendly, family-oriented, and embodies the laid-back charm that makes Ventnor such a special place to visit.
What You’ll Discover at the Market
The Ventnor City Farmers Market offers one of the most diverse vendor lineups anywhere along the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, breakfast, lunch, flowers, gifts, or handcrafted goods, you’ll find something new every week.
Fresh Produce & Flowers
Seasonal fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, blueberries, locally grown produce, and beautiful fresh-cut flowers from regional farms.
Meats, Seafood & Dairy
Fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, farm-fresh eggs, and specialty dairy products from trusted local producers.
Prepared Foods
Pierogis, smoked meats, vegan specialties, specialty sauces, pickles, prepared meals, and countless local favorites.
Baked Goods & Sweets
Fresh breads, bagels, doughnuts, pastries, sourdough loaves, desserts, and sweet treats made fresh each week.
Beverages
Coffee, cold brew, lemonade, local wines, and craft beer offerings from some of the region’s favorite producers.
Handcrafted Goods
Jewelry, pottery, apparel, artwork, home décor, and unique handmade creations from talented local artisans.
This season also welcomes several new vendors to the market, including Armageddon Brewing, Obscura Brewing, Birdie Rolls, and Kismet Bagels, adding even more variety to an already impressive lineup.
More Than Just Shopping
While the incredible selection of vendors draws thousands of visitors throughout the summer, the market’s atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Live music fills the air as families enjoy breakfast together, visitors discover local businesses, and residents reconnect with neighbors and friends.
The market also serves as a gathering place for nonprofits, community groups, local organizations, and families looking to enjoy a beautiful Friday morning in Ventnor.
The Legendary Old Coots Giving Advice
One of the market’s most beloved traditions isn’t a farm stand or food vendor at all — it’s the famous Old Coots Giving Advice booth.
Part comedy act, part community gathering place, the Old Coots dispense free advice, local wisdom, life lessons, and plenty of laughs to anyone willing to stop by. Whether you’re seeking guidance on life, love, fishing, retirement, or absolutely nothing in particular, you’ll likely walk away with a smile.
Equal parts humor and hometown charm, the booth has become one of the market’s most photographed attractions and perfectly captures the friendly, quirky personality that makes Ventnor special.
Honoring the Loyal Originals
Eleven vendors have participated in the market since its very first season, a remarkable testament to the relationships and loyalty that have helped make the market such a success. Familiar names like Busy Bees, Viking Seafood, Monteleone Farms, Tony’s Farm Table, Red Room Café, and RSK Doughnuts continue to be favorites among longtime shoppers and help preserve the authentic local character that defines the market.
Why Supporting the Market Matters
The Ventnor City Farmers Market is much more than a place to shop. Every purchase supports family farms, local food producers, artisans, and small businesses throughout South Jersey. The market also serves as an important launching pad for entrepreneurs, helping many vendors grow from a single tent into successful year-round businesses.
By supporting local vendors, shoppers help strengthen the regional economy while preserving the creativity, entrepreneurship, and community spirit that make shore towns like Ventnor thrive.
Market Information
📍 St. James Church Parking Lot
6421 Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor City
🕣 Fridays, 8:30 AM – Noon
📅 May 22 – September 4, 2026
🎟️ Free Admission | 🐕 Dog Friendly | 🛍️ Bring Reusable Bags
Ten years after its founding, the Ventnor City Farmers Market remains one of the best examples of what makes this community special — local businesses supporting one another, neighbors gathering together, and visitors discovering the flavors, creativity, and hospitality of the Jersey Shore.
Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, Friday mornings in Ventnor are worth experiencing.
For the latest vendor lineup, market map, and weekly updates, visit vcfm.org and follow the Ventnor City Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram.
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