The Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market first opened in June of 1928. Our building and property are on the National Register of Historic Places, giving patrons the opportunity to experience and learn about a culturally significant property in Oklahoma City’s history. We have been the stewards of this property for the last 20 years.

We are proud to continue making this property a place where people can gather to experience culture, music, arts, and local food. We host private events on a property steeped in history—Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Hank Williams are just a few performers who have played in here.

What is your mission?

Historically, the downstairs and surrounding area of the main property were used for a farmers’ market, and by the time we took over the property, there wasn’t a local farmers’ market on the property anymore. We made it our mission to bring this back, and through the partnerships we’ve built with our local community, we now have a year-round Farmers Public Market, every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm.

Being that the property had faded into obscurity, it needed a lot of work to bring it back to its former glory. We’ve spent millions updating and restoring the property, and we still continue this mission today.

We wanted to have a place where people in the cannabis community can gather to relax. It’s a place where people can bring seemingly limitless concepts to fruition. We have indoor and outdoor spaces to rent for events, from small gatherings to large festivals on our six-acre property.

What made you choose to start a company in this industry?

When cannabis became legal in Oklahoma we welcomed the cannabis community to our property with open arms. Many entrepreneurs, creatives, and business and community leaders needed a place to promote their businesses and give back to the cannabis community that supports them. It’s been a place for networking, celebrating, sharing ideas, promoting the arts, and showcasing products.

There are endless ways the property can be used, and we are still seeing new concepts pop up all the time. We also wanted to help culturally destigmatize and help create events that aren’t blasé or cliché.

What makes your business important to the community?

Our business is important because we are a melting pot of culture. We are a place to relax and escape from your daily routine or a place to network, discuss business, and promote your products or services.

We are the stewards of a significant piece of Oklahoma history, and a place for free expression and creativity. The property is a blank canvas to create memories and experiences that will last people for the rest of their lives. We connect the community with local food, arts, and culture.

How do you give back to your community?

We have the SNAP program at our local farmers’ market so low-income households can have better access to local food. We will donate or discount the space for charitable organizations. We provide a place for social gatherings and community building. We showcase local arts and free expression.

“It’s a place where people can bring seemingly limitless concepts to fruition.”