Best Kansas City Farmers Market Guide: Fresh Produce, Local Eats, and Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss

If being in the social media business taught me anything, it's that people can come together universally around two things: animals and food. Being a social media manager nearly ruined me out of the sheer toxicity on some of the platforms, so I almost dropped it completely if not for needing it for work and brand awareness. Who am I kidding? I'm still kind of addicted to it; I just don't get on it more than I have to. But this past week I saw a post that really pulled at my heartstrings. It was a video of animals being cute with the subtitles following along with an elderly woman's voice as she said, "We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe. To learn. To grow. To love. And then we return home."

Artisan breakfast featuring multigrain toast with strawberry jam, smoked salmon with creamy drizzle, and soft-boiled eggs topped with fish roe and fresh parsley.

I usually disregard these things because, as you may know, I'm a bit of a Kansas City foodie who loves to cook and indulge in arguably the finest BBQ cuisine the world has to offer, right outside my front door. Okay, that's not an argument; that’s just a fact—it really is the best BBQ in Kansas City, and that makes it impossible to ignore. People here talk about barbecue as much as they do the weather, and if you say the wrong thing about someone's favorite hole-in-the-wall smokehouse, you might wake up in the hospital hungry and stuck eating something bland for a while. But I digress. This particular video just hit different and lingered in my mind for the past few days.

Daisy. She's a horse pretending to be a dog and like any smart lady, she knows how to get the angle just right for the best selfie.

I'm an animal lover through and through and always have been. I have to give credit to my grandparents for being such a big part of shaping who I am today and taking the time to teach me to "stop and smell the roses," as Grandma would say. If not for them, I'm sure the five dogs and the couple of cats running around at any given time would've raised me just fine in comparison to some people's parenting skills. So I thought about them and the compassion they showed every living creature they came across. I've been on a real self-improvement kick for the past eight months, and I refuse to let them—or any of my past pets—down.

Warren and Delores Liston inside the home they built and shared together until they passed away in i

Warren Liston with his youngest grandson Joshua Liston between his eldest Nicholas Liston

I also found myself wondering what kind of legacy I’d leave if I died right now. So again, I'm choosing to change my diet to be even healthier by eating more vegetables and plant-based meals in hopes of becoming a full-fledged vegetarian—saving the animals and the planet by devouring one fruit and vegetable at a time. This, of course, would be no easy task. So I Googled "vegetarian diet for beginners" and was on my way.

A lot of what I read advised against going completely cold turkey (pun intended) and instead suggested weaning off meat little by little. So after my morning routine—laundry, shower, and coffee—I headed to the River Market in downtown Kansas City, home to what I consider the Best Kansas City Farmers Market Guide in real life: a living, breathing collection of stalls, vendors, and fresh finds. Exploring the bustling Kansas City farmers market on weekend mornings is one of the few things that still makes me excited to live here in the summertime, when the heat and humidity dominate the afternoons. But today, I was on a mission—to track down hardy asparagus and Brussels sprouts, because I know I like those, and they’ll keep me full longer.

This season's haul of morels from my secret honey hole.

Finding parking near River Market on the weekend can be tricky. It used to be free and first-come, first-serve, but now you have to pay on top of being lucky enough to find a spot. I’ll save my free parking hack for another post, but here’s a hint… there’s reserved parking for lawyers around the corner from the Opera House, and they don’t work weekends. Works like a charm most of the time.

A curious peek inside the cold case of Local Pig. Full of pre-made snacks and even full meals already prepared, ready to be taken home and put in your oven for dinner.

So I set off north, and my first stop was The Local Pig. I know what you're thinking… “Shopping at a butcher shop while talking about starting a vegetarian diet? What an idiot!” But don’t be fooled. This small Kansas City butcher shop is also a hub for artisan goods and locally made products—from wine and spirits, local honey, and farm-fresh ostrich eggs to beard balm and mustache wax. Aside from their premium cuts, they partner with other small businesses to offer everything you’d need for a summertime cookout. I grabbed their homemade gouda-stuffed mushrooms on my way back to the car.

There's a seemingly endless variety of local Kansas City goods all around the inside of Local Pig in River Market.

I made my way into the main market—three long buildings with elbow-to-elbow customers browsing local vendors packed like sardines. There’s something for everyone here, and depending on the season, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with more than you planned. But that’s the beauty of supporting local small businesses.

The bustling City Market in Kansas City, Missouri, features local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, and a backdrop of the downtown skyline.

My first real stop was “Nature’s Choice,” which sells both fresh produce and ready-to-plant herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The owner, “Tomato Bill,” reminds me of my grandpa—knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to give gardening tips. I grabbed a lush Genovese basil plant and scored some strawberry plants from his discount section—all for $20.

"Tomato Bill" explaining to me how these strawberries are going to explode and take over my yard—giving me a lot more strawberries—like it's a bad thing. Oh no! NOT THAT!

I meandered on down the length of the vendor building. There were plenty of things I wanted, but really didn’t need or I wasn’t looking for. This place has everything and for the most part, you can try before you buy unless it’s something like flowers… or the dog treats from Yappy Hour Dog Treats.

Something for everyone—Even ol' Fat Ass and Li'l Shit.

These snacks are hilarious and there’s one to match the personality of every good boy and girl waiting for you back at home. This was the first time I’d heard of Yak Cheese. It’s the all-natural, brick-hard, no-BS chew your dog didn’t know they needed. Just milk, heat, and time—no chemicals, no crap, no corporate kibble filler. Born in the mountains, battle-tested in slobbery jaws. Their yak cheese dog treats are long-lasting and a hit for any dog owner looking for healthy pet treats.

Yak Cheese is tough and meant for those friends who gnaw through rebar. Serious stuff.

Outside, a tent in front of the Steamboat Arabia Museum caught my eye. BBQ sauce. And not just any—Kansas City barbecue sauce samples from Trick Bill’s Authentic Barbecue Sauce. The man behind the table, Andy Ashley, is a BBQ legend who’s cooked for NFL teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. Since 2004, he’s been winning BBQ contests, and his jalapeño sauce is worth every penny of the $10 I handed over.

Trick Bill himself sampling the good stuff to anyone smart enough to stop and try his varieties.

Trick Bill's selection of smooth and flavorful Kansas City-style BBQ sauces

Trick Bill's award winning rub that send Steve Harvey over the moon.

Around the outer edge of the market are more international food shops, including Carollo’s Italian Deli—a Kansas City institution offering fresh-grilled favorites, Italian imports, artisan cheeses, and an olive bar.

Cookin' up and slangin' turkey legs fresh off the grill in front of Carollo's in River Market Kansas City.

My last stop was Christina’s Produce, right next to Global Produce. It’s a budget-friendly goldmine where mounding bowls of fruits and vegetables sell for just a dollar each. Sure, some produce is overripe, but for cooking tonight’s dinner, it’s unbeatable for healthy eating on a budget.

Mounds of produce for only one dollar each? Say no more, fam.

I might not have found exactly what I was looking for, but I'm still so glad I went and embraced the experience. All in all, I spent less than $20 and still came out ahead—eating better, supporting small businesses in Kansas City, and connecting with my community. If we’re going to change the world, it starts with our own choices. Change your mind and your body will follow—starting with your stomach. Eating healthy doesn’t have to drain your bank account or your joy, and when you support local farmers and makers, you’re building a stronger, healthier Kansas City.