In the mid-1970s, a small group of seed customers from Spurlin’s Garden Center began meeting weekly at the historic train platform to sell their produce and supplement their income. That simple gathering became the foundation of our Market. While those early farmers eventually retired and the original Market faded, it found new life in 1995 when operations resumed at its current location.

The City of Hot Springs later entrusted the Market to the Friends of the Farmers Market, which incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting the community with high-quality local products and giving area farmers a reliable place to sell. With the Friends’ leadership, support from the City, and funding from a USDA grant, a state grant, and generous local donations, the Market Pavilion was designed and built—officially opening in May 2010.

Since then, the Market has grown beyond the Pavilion’s capacity, attracting more vendors than ever. Friends of the Farmers Market eventually became The Historic Downtown Farmers Market, Inc., a volunteer-run 501(c)(4) nonprofit that continues to oversee Market operations.

We are deeply grateful—to the community for showing up week after week to shop local, to our amazing vendors for bringing homemade, handcrafted, and homegrown goods, and to the City of Hot Springs for providing a home for the Market.

Today, the Hot Springs Farmers Market remains a cherished fixture for locals and a must-see destination for visitors. Open year-round, rain or shine—we’ll see you at the Market!