The Old Town Wichita Artisan Market takes place in the historic Old Town district of Wichita, Kansas, at East 1st Street North and Mead Street, a neighborhood recognized for its late-19th-century brick warehouse architecture, independent restaurants, and weekend cultural life. The Saturday-only market runs seasonally from May through October, operating from 9am to 2pm, and serves as the city's primary showcase for locally produced art and handcraft alongside a curated selection of artisan food products. Unlike produce-focused farmers markets, the Old Town Artisan Market leans heavily toward visual arts and handmade goods. Vendors include professional and emerging Kansas artists working in hand-thrown pottery, blown glass, hand-stamped jewelry, oil painting, watercolor, screen-printed textiles, and large-format photography prints capturing the Kansas landscape and prairie light. The Wichita art community is well represented, with many vendors also showing work in local galleries, giving the market a quality level above typical craft fairs. Kansas-themed artwork depicting scenes of the Flint Hills, Wichita skyline, rural grain elevators, and native wildflowers is a consistent theme throughout the stalls. Food vendors operate alongside the art stalls, offering prepared foods and specialty artisan products including handmade hot sauces, locally roasted coffee, flavored popcorn, and small-batch preserves. The Old Town location benefits from proximity to established cafes and restaurants on nearby Douglas Avenue, giving visitors options for a sit-down breakfast or coffee before or after browsing. Payment norms at the market favor card over cash, as most vendors use smartphone point-of-sale readers, though some craft makers accept cash only. Prices for original artwork range from around $20 for small prints and jewelry to several hundred dollars for original pottery or framed photography. Kansas sales tax applies to most craft and art purchases. The atmosphere is leisurely and creative, with live music from local performers frequently running on Saturday afternoons. The compact Old Town district is walkable, allowing visitors to combine the market with exploration of independent boutiques and public murals in the surrounding neighborhood.
Location
E 1st St N & Mead St, Wichita, KS 67202
37.6872, -97.3298 View on map
Highlights
- Art by working Kansas artists including pottery, blown glass, photography, and oil painting in the historic Old Town district
- Kansas-themed artwork featuring the Flint Hills, Wichita skyline, grain elevators, and native prairie wildflowers
- Artisan food vendors selling handmade hot sauces, locally roasted coffee, flavored popcorn, and small-batch preserves
- Live local music on Saturday afternoons adding to the creative, leisurely atmosphere
- Walkable location near independent restaurants and cafes on Douglas Avenue for pre- or post-market dining
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 10am to browse before the peak mid-morning crowd; popular pottery and photography vendors can sell out
- Most vendors accept card payments via smartphone readers, but carry some cash for a few smaller craft stalls
- Prices for original art range widely; prints and jewelry pieces under $30 make practical and unique souvenirs
- Old Town district restaurants open for brunch on Saturdays, making the market a natural morning itinerary anchor
- Parking is available in Old Town surface lots and on surrounding streets, typically free on Saturday mornings
Frequently asked questions
When is the Old Town Wichita Artisan Market open?
The market runs Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, May through October, in the Old Town district of Wichita at East 1st Street North and Mead Street.
What type of goods are sold at the Old Town Wichita Artisan Market?
The market focuses on handmade art and crafts, including pottery, blown glass, jewelry, photography prints, and Kansas-themed paintings, alongside artisan food products such as hot sauces, coffee, and preserves.
Are there food and drink options at or near the market?
Yes, food vendors on-site sell prepared foods and specialty artisan products. The Old Town district also has numerous cafes and restaurants within walking distance on Douglas Avenue.
Do vendors accept credit cards at the Old Town Artisan Market?
Most vendors use smartphone point-of-sale readers and accept major cards. A small number of craft makers prefer cash only, so carrying some bills is advisable.
Is there parking available near the Old Town Wichita Artisan Market?
Surface lots in Old Town and surrounding street parking are available, typically free on Saturday mornings. The walkable district makes it easy to park once and visit multiple venues.