The market will kick off Saturday, June 6, and extend through Oct. 10, in the parking lot at the intersection of Iron Mountain and A streets, across from the Dickinson County Library in downtown Iron Mountain. Hours are from 8 a.m. to noon.

“The Farmers & Artisans Market has become a staple of the downtown area, consistently drawing about 10,000 people during the 20-week season,” Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Program Coordinator Tim McCauley said. “The 2025 season was another good year — we counted as many as 600 to 700 on many of the ‘Market Saturdays.'”

Each week, the downtown fixture features 30 to 40 vendors from the local area, as well as from across the Upper Peninsula and northeastern Wisconsin.

The DDA has continued to gain new vendors each season, seeing about a 30% increase since the market first launched.

Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Program Coordinator Tim McCauley and DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel go over vendor applications for the 2026 Farmers & Artisans Market, set for Saturday mornings from June 6 through Oct. 10. The DDA also has several sponsorship opportunities, not just for the market but other events. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“We have already received a great response from last year’s vendors,” McCauley said. “Many are very enthusiastic about coming back.”

Shoppers will again find a wide variety of items, including handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, local and organic produce, seasonal plants, honey and maple syrup, flowers, and homemade baked goods. Fresh produce is usually available around the first week of July.

Vendors will vary from week to week, with an updated list posted on the DDA’s website.

The layout will be similar to past years, keeping the space compact and convenient for shoppers, McCauley said. “It also doesn’t take away from the parking,” he added. “In addition to attending the market, people are also coming downtown to shop and dine.”

Local musicians returning to perform are Alyssa Jorgensen, DB Rouse and Crystal and Dawn, weather permitting. “They will provide relaxing background music for the event,” McCauley said.

Stag Farms of Breitung Township will again have honey products at the 2026 Farmers & Artisans Market in downtown Iron Mountain. (Contributed photo)

DDA event coordinator Katherine Mentel encourages acoustic musicians interested in playing on a Saturday to reach out to the office. “Although it’s not a paid position, the musicians play for tips and also provide a table with their information,” she said.

The Farmers & Artisans Market 2026 season signature sponsorship opportunity is still available.

“This is a good way for a business or organization to get exposure to a lot of people over an extended period of time,” he said, noting the market draws more attendance than an individual festival.

Mentel added that in addition to the market, the DDA still has many levels of sponsorship opportunities available.

“We still have the Oktoberfest signature sponsor open. We saw record attendance last fall and expect to see more this year,” she said, adding because they have teamed up with Run IM, the market will be moved behind City Hall that Saturday.

Begres Farms offered fresh locally grown produce at the 2025 Farmers & Artisans Market in downtown Iron Mountain. (Contributed photo)

They are still seeking a season sponsor for the 10-week Out to Lunch free concert series, which can see up to 3,000 attendees.

“We have a handful of concert sponsorships open as well,” she added. “This helps bring those great musical groups to the First National Bank & Trust downtown stage.”

A number of select festival activity opportunities are available as well, including the new Summer Rollout event.

“That funding helps us get those bigger ticket activities like axe throwing and bounce house structures,” Mentel said.

The Iron Mountain DDA has introduced updates to its tiered sponsorship structure and encourages interested businesses and organizations to go to its website for full details.

The DDA is open to working with sponsors to align visibility and marketing opportunities with their specific goals, helping maximize the value of each partnership.

“Sponsors are such a valuable part of what we do,” Mentel said. “We are truly grateful for everybody, whether first-time or returning — that’s what allows us to put on these events.”

McCauley added that local residents can also support downtown beautification efforts by donating toward flowers and maintenance.

“This is available to anyone in the community at any amount,” he said.

Community members and businesses can further get involved by donating raffle baskets or volunteering at any of the DDA’s festivals and events throughout the year.

The DDA has opened its volunteer sign-up for the 2026 season.

“It’s perfect for local businesses to have employee team-building by volunteering,” Mentel said. “It takes great vendors, great sponsors and great volunteers to pull these events off.”

All proceeds from DDA festivals or events go toward revitalization efforts in the downtown area.

For more information on any of the programs, contact the DDA office at 906-774-8534 or go to downtownironmountain.com.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.