A Wichita Tradition Since 1991
Old Town Farm & Art Market traces its roots back to 1991, when the Old Town Farmers Market began operating in Wichita’s historic Old Town district. From the beginning, the Market served as a gathering place where local farmers, food producers, artisans, and neighbors could come together on Saturday mornings to buy and sell locally produced goods.
For more than three decades, the Market has remained part of Wichita’s community life, connecting customers with local growers, makers, and small businesses in the heart of the city.
The Vision for
Farm & Art Market Plaza
Before redevelopment began in the late 1980s, what is now known as Old Town Wichita was primarily a historic warehouse and wholesale district. Most of the large brick buildings in the area were constructed between the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the neighborhood served as a hub for agricultural distribution connected to Wichita’s rail lines and nearby Union Station. Produce wholesalers, grain suppliers, grocery distributors, and farm supply companies operated from these warehouses, moving goods throughout the region. The district was busy during the day with freight and commerce, but largely quiet in the evenings.
As transportation shifted away from rail and toward trucking and highways in the mid-20th century, many of these businesses relocated to modern industrial areas outside the city center. By the 1970s and early 1980s, much of the district had become underused or vacant, leaving behind rows of aging but structurally sound brick warehouses.
In 1987, architect and developer David Burk of Marketplace Properties began redeveloping the area, choosing to preserve and repurpose the historic buildings rather than demolish them. As part of this effort, Farm & Art Market Plaza was created as a public gathering space intended to support local farmers, food producers, and artisans. The concept of a farmers market helped bring new life to the district and reconnected it with its agricultural roots.
By 1991, the Old Town Farmers Market began operating as a regular Saturday market. Vendors offered fresh produce, handmade goods, prepared foods, and locally crafted items, while musicians and street performers helped create the lively atmosphere that became a signature of the Market experience.
Over time, the Market became a familiar part of the weekend rhythm for many Wichita residents and was operated by a small handful of organizations over the following decades.
2017 – A New Chapter
In 2017, FarmShop assumed operational control of the Market, beginning a new chapter of modern market operations. The company shifted its focus toward market management and vendor-based event operations.
To concentrate fully on revitalizing the Market, FarmShop paused the food hub project and later closed its retail location in 2018, redirecting its efforts toward strengthening the Market experience for both vendors and customers.
New systems, standards, and operational improvements were introduced, and vendor participation increased 150% from 2016 to 2017, reflecting strong demand for a vibrant downtown Market.
FarmShop, LLC
FarmShop, LLC was founded in 2015 by Luke and Amy Snow with the goal of supporting local food producers and backyard gardeners in South Central Kansas. The business initially operated as a small retail shop in the Riverside neighborhood, offering locally produced foods and organic gardening supplies while also developing plans for a modern online local food hub connecting farms and ranches directly with consumers.
In 2016, while preparing to launch the food hub concept, FarmShop was presented with the opportunity to acquire the long-running Old Town Farmers Market.
During their research into farmers markets across the country, they discovered that most markets were operated by nonprofit organizations, vendor groups, or municipalities, often struggling with financial sustainability. A smaller but growing number were being operated under private ownership models.
FarmShop chose to move forward with the goal of developing a privately owned market model that is systems-based, and financially sustainable, while maintaining the long-standing tradition of low-barrier access for small businesses.
The Market Today
Today, Old Town Farm & Art Market operates as the largest privately owned farmers market in Kansas, welcoming thousands of visitors each week during its 37-week season.
The Market footprint has expanded significantly to accommodate a growing number of vendor businesses while also supporting relationships with community organizations throughout Wichita. The City of Wichita, Old Town Association, Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, and Visit Wichita have all become strong supporters as it is now Wichita’s Signature Market; a must-see destination for visitors and a weekly tradition for ICT locals.
While the Market has evolved over the years, its purpose remains the same as it was in 1991: supporting Wichita’s proud local culture and bringing people together around local food, art, artisan goods, and great live music.
2019 – Old Town Farm & Art Market
In 2019, the Market was officially rebranded as Old Town Farm & Art Market to better reflect the diverse mix of vendors that define the Market today.
The updated name emphasizes three core pillars of the Market experience: local food, art, and artisan goods. This broader focus strengthened it’s role as a platform for independent local businesses.
