By Olivia Nygaard
As the harvest season arrives, farmers markets in the fall have more to offer than just pumpkins and apples. Shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their seasonal purchases, reduce food waste, and connect more deeply with local food. One of the best ways farmers market managers can deliver this value is through hands-on workshops.
Workshops add education, entertainment, and take-home-skills to a market visit. Keep shoppers engaged while highlighting the versatility of your vendors’ fall produce. Here are five workshop ideas to make your market a must-stop for your community.
1. Canning Classics: Apples, Pears & Tomato Sauces
A canning workshop at your farmers market not only teaches shoppers how to preserve fruits and sauces long after the season ends but also inspires them to make the most of seasonal produce. For example, apples, pears, and tomato-based recipes are ideal for fall canning classes, giving customers the confidence to safely store their favorite flavors at home.
2. Pickling Party: Tangy Vegetables to Take Home
Quick pickles are always a crowd-pleaser. As a result, hosting a pickling demonstration at your farmers market can showcase cucumbers, carrots, radishes, or beets in a fun, hands-on format. During the workshop, visitors can taste samples, learn easy recipes, and ultimately take home their own jar of tangy goodness.
3. Freezing Fundamentals: Fresh Flavors All Winter
Shoppers love practical skills, and a freezing produce workshop helps them get the most from their farmers market purchases. Show how to properly prep and freeze squash, berries, and herbs so families can enjoy farm-fresh flavor during the colder months. This workshop positions your market as a trusted source for food knowledge and storage solutions.
4. Fermentation Fun: Sauerkraut, Kimchi & More
Currently, fermentation is trending for both taste and wellness. Hosting a fermentation workshop at your market invites customers to explore sauerkraut, kimchi, and other probiotic-rich foods made with seasonal vegetables. In addition, this type of class appeals to health-conscious shoppers while also sparking the curiosity of adventurous foodies.
5. DIY Fall Preserves: Jams, Jellies & Fruit Butters
Apples, cranberries, and pears shine in fall preserve workshops. Teach participants how to make jams, jellies, or fruit butters that celebrate the season’s sweetest offerings. These classes highlight the creativity of local food while giving shoppers a product they’re proud to share at home.
Why Fall Workshops Benefit Farmers Markets
When farmers market managers add educational events like canning classes or pickling parties, they not only increase foot traffic but also build loyalty. As a result, shoppers return not only for produce but also for the chance to learn new skills and strengthen their connection to local food systems.
Furthermore, by incorporating food preservation workshops into your fall programming, your market can transform into a go-to destination for seasonal eating, sustainability, and community engagement.
Final Takeaway
Seasonal workshops are the perfect way to highlight fall produce and extend its value for months to come. Whether it’s canning apples, pickling carrots, freezing berries, or making jam, these events create lasting impressions and give shoppers more reasons to love your market.
This fall, transform your farmers market from a place to shop into a place to learn, connect, and thrive.
