Truman Waterfront Farmers Market moves to earlier afternoon hours

The Truman Waterfront Farmers Market in Key West moved its hours earlier on Jan. 9, now running from 1 to 6 p.m. Organizers said the change was intended to better align vendor setup times with peak shopper patterns, aiming to smooth arrivals and reduce congestion during the market’s busiest windows.

The market remains a go-to spot for fresh produce, prepared foods and artisan goods, and it continues to serve as a family-friendly hub on the waterfront. Visitors can still expect harbor views, a nearby playground for children and easy walking access to local museums and attractions. Those features keep the market popular with both residents and visitors looking to combine errands, recreation and meals out.

From a public health standpoint, the earlier schedule offers a few potential benefits. A more predictable setup window reduces pressure on vendors to rush perishable food into place, which can help maintain food safety standards and lower the risk of spoilage. Concentrating foot traffic in midafternoon also spreads demand across the day, which can ease crowding and make social distancing or clearer traffic flows easier to manage when needed.

The shift has practical implications for park-and-ride patterns in the area. Visitors are advised to plan for parking and allow extra time on market days; the site is walkable from several nearby lots and street parking, and the market’s central waterfront location encourages visitors to combine a market stop with other downtown activities. For families, the earlier hours should better match typical afternoon routines and provide more daylight for children using the playground and waterfront paths.

There are equity and access issues to watch as the market settles into the new hours. Afternoon openings tend to favor daytime shoppers and tourists, improving access for seniors and families who prefer daytime outings. At the same time, later-shift workers who rely on evening market hours for groceries may find the new schedule less convenient. Community leaders and market organizers will need to monitor who benefits and who may be left out, and consider supplemental options such as weekday or weekend adjustments to broaden access.

The market’s role as a community gathering place remains intact: it supplies fresh food, supports local small producers and offers a low-cost place to connect with neighbors. The change is modest but meaningful for daily routines in Key West.

Our two cents? If you plan to visit, go in the early afternoon for the fullest produce selection, give yourself extra time for parking and bring reusable bags—the market’s new hours make it an easy stop before evening plans.