Farmers’ Market, Griffy Lake Boathouse Open April 4 for the 2026 Season

Bloomington, Ind. – The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market and Griffy Lake Boathouse open this weekend, marking the start of the summer season for Parks and Recreation.

Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market

The 52nd season of the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market begins Saturday, April 4, at 8 a.m. at Showers Common, 401 N. Morton St., next to Bloomington City Hall.

Hours and Location

The Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, at Showers Common through October. Market hours are 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from April through September, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in October.

In November, the Market moves indoors to the Switchyard Park Pavilion at 1601 S. Rogers St., and is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Parking Information

Parking regulations are enforced on Saturdays. Market visitors may park for $1 per hour in metered spaces on surrounding streets, or for 50 cents per hour in the Trades District Parking Garage at 489 W. 10th St. or Morton Street Parking Garage at 220 N. Morton St. Free parking is available in the lot immediately north of City Hall. Parallel parking spaces along Morton Street are reserved for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit.

Opening Day Activities

Parks and Recreation hosts Mayor’s Team at the Table on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., kicking off the weekly community outreach program that invites Market-goers to ask questions and discuss areas of interest to the City. This week’s representative is Parks and Recreation Director, Tim Street.

Products Available

Products anticipated to be available this weekend include sweet and savory prepared foods and beverages, eggs, cheeses, meats, honey and an assortment of produce and cut flowers.

Learn More

For more information about the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market, including vendors, products, entertainment, and special events, visit bloomington.in.gov/farmersmarket or call 812-349-3700.

Griffy Lake Boathouse

Season Opening

The Griffy Lake Boathouse opens Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals and launch permit sales. Watercraft rental reservations are also accepted. 

2026 Boathouse Hours

• April: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• May to August: Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• September: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (new hours)
• October: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (new hours)

Watercraft Rental Prices

• Hourly rental: $12 per hour
• 10-hour punch pass: $100 (saves $20 over 10 regularly priced rental hours)

Launch Permit Prices

Daily launch permits are available for privately owned watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, paddleboards, and jon boats. Motors are limited to electric trolling motors.

• $10 per day
• Same rate for motorized and non-motorized watercraft

Annual Launch Permits

• Motorized: $125 per year
• Non-motorized: $100 per year
• Additional household permits: $30 each

New Photo ID Requirement

To improve accuracy in rental waivers and support user safety, renters and launch permit holders must present a state- or university-issued photo ID. Contact information will be stored electronically for up to 30 days, then securely deleted.

Payment Information

Watercraft rentals and launch permits may be purchased at the boathouse using cash or credit card.

Learn More

For more information about Griffy Lake Boathouse hours, rentals, and launch permits, visit bloomington.in.gov/griffylake or call the boathouse at 812-349-3732. 

Fishing at Griffy Lake

Griffy Lake is stocked with bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. A valid Indiana fishing license is required. The boathouse does not sell fishing licenses; licenses may be purchased online or from a fishing supply retailer.

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