Spring in Baton Rouge always signals one thing: it’s time to get outside, eat fresh, and reconnect with the local food scene. As the season shifts and produce begins to peak, the Red Stick Farmers Market is expanding its footprint across the city with a full lineup of weekly markets and community-driven events.

Beginning mid-April, residents will have even more opportunities to shop local throughout the week. A new Tuesday afternoon market is launching at the Main Library on Goodwood, offering a relaxed, family-friendly setting with shaded walkways, seating, and plenty to explore nearby. It’s an easy stop for anyone looking to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, garden plants, or ready-to-eat items while enjoying one of the city’s most active public spaces.

The expansion continues with the return of the Wednesday Mobile Market at the ExxonMobil YMCA. Designed to connect healthy food access with wellness, this smaller-scale market brings together farmers and vendors in a setting already centered around fitness and community. Opening day will also feature a live cooking demonstration, adding an educational component to the shopping experience.

Beyond the weekly markets, BREADA is kicking off the season with a series of seed swap events across Baton Rouge. These gatherings are designed to bring together gardeners, growers, and hobbyists to exchange seeds, plants, and knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, it’s an opportunity to learn, share, and take home something new to grow. Local experts will also be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance, helping to strengthen the city’s growing gardening community.

Accessibility remains a key focus across all market locations. Shoppers can pay using multiple methods, including SNAP benefits, which are matched to increase access to fresh produce. Programs are also in place to encourage younger shoppers to engage with the markets, making it an experience for all ages.

For those who have made the farmers market part of their routine, the year-round Thursday and Saturday markets will continue as staples, offering consistent access to local goods in familiar locations. The addition of seasonal weekday markets simply builds on that foundation, making it easier than ever to support local farmers and food producers.

With more locations, more events, and more ways to get involved, this season is shaping up to be one of the most active yet for Baton Rouge’s local food scene. Whether you’re stopping by for fresh ingredients, looking to grow something of your own, or just wanting to spend time outdoors, the Red Stick Farmers Market is making it easy to be part of it.