Sturgis Gathering Market Logo

About the Sturgis Gathering Market

Mission Statement

At the Sturgis Gathering Market, our mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive community space that celebrates local growers, makers, and food producers. We aim to connect residents and visitors of the Black Hills region with the freshest, most authentic products our area has to offer, while nurturing meaningful relationships between producers and consumers. By providing an accessible marketplace in the heart of Sturgis, we foster local entrepreneurship, healthy living, and community resilience.

Vision Statement

We envision a welcoming weekly market that feels like a community gathering—where neighbors meet, musicians play, kids learn, and shoppers discover the story behind every product. We aspire to support a diverse array of local farmers, artisans, and food creators by offering an affordable, well-managed, and lively venue in downtown Sturgis. Our vision includes transparent sourcing, respectful resale practices, and a blend of tradition and innovation that celebrates our rural roots and modern community spirit.

Our Story


How It All Started

The Sturgis Gathering Market was born from a shared vision between two local businesses — BrewBerry Bistro and Bear Butte Gardens — who saw the need for a welcoming, community-focused market space in the heart of Sturgis.

As farmers, chefs, food lovers, and neighbors, we wanted to create more than just a place to shop. We imagined a weekly gathering spot — a place where local growers could share the fruits of their labor, where bakers and artisans could showcase their craft, and where community members could come together to enjoy good food, live music, and each other’s company.

With the generous support of our fellow producers and the use of the BrewBerry Bistro parking lot, the idea began to grow. We planned a summer season of Friday markets, featuring everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts and educational workshops.

Whether you’re a longtime resident, a visitor passing through, or someone new to exploring local food, we invite you to be part of this gathering. Come shop, share, and celebrate what makes our region so rich in flavor, creativity, and community spirit.

Brew Berry Bistro Logo
Bear Butte Gardens Logo

What Makes Our Market Special?

What You’ll Find at the Market


Each Friday at the Sturgis Gathering Market, you’ll discover a lively mix of local flavor, talent, and heart. Our market brings together a diverse group of growers, makers, and food creators who offer goods that are fresh, unique, and rooted in the Black Hills region. Whether you’re filling your pantry, searching for the perfect gift, or just soaking in the community vibe, there’s something here for everyone.

🍅 Fresh, Seasonal Produce

Enjoy a colorful array of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs harvested from nearby farms. From crisp greens and juicy tomatoes to heirloom varieties and garden surprises, our produce offerings change with the season and reflect the care of regional growers.

🥩 Local Meats & Eggs

Find farm-fresh eggs, pasture-raised meats, and specialty items such as sausage, jerky, and smoked products — all sourced from responsible producers committed to quality and humane practices.

🍞 Baked Goods & Ready-to-Eat Foods

Pick up artisan breads, pastries, cookies, and other baked treats — or grab a hot coffee and lunch from vendors offering homemade soups, wraps, or globally inspired dishes. It’s a delicious way to start the weekend.

🧂 Canned & Preserved Foods

Stock up on local jams, jellies, pickles, sauces, salsas, and more. Many of our vendors use traditional recipes or seasonal ingredients to create small-batch preserves perfect for your table or as gifts.

🎨 Handcrafted Items & Local Art

Explore handcrafted soaps, candles, textiles, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and original art. Every item tells a story and supports local creativity.

🧺 Resale Products with Local Roots

Some vendors offer high-quality products from other regional producers. These are clearly labeled and sourced with transparency, giving you even more access to the best our broader community has to offer.

🎶 Live Music & Mini-Classes

Each week, enjoy live music from local performers, plus short educational activities like cooking demos, gardening tips, sustainability talks, or crafting workshops — perfect for all ages.

Our Values & Guiding Principles


At the Sturgis Gathering Market, we believe that a great market is built on more than just goods — it’s built on values that bring people together. As organizers, vendors, and community members, we are committed to creating a space that supports local livelihoods, nurtures trust, and celebrates the abundance of our region.

🤝 Community Connection

We are a gathering place — not just a marketplace. We exist to strengthen the bonds between producers and consumers, neighbors and newcomers, artists and audiences. This market is a space where people share stories, traditions, and a love of good, local things.

🌾 Local First

Our market is rooted in the local. We prioritize goods that are grown, made, or sourced from our surrounding region. When reselling occurs, we require transparency about where the product comes from, and we encourage vendors to choose regional suppliers whenever possible.

🥕 Freshness & Quality

We value products that are fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully produced. From just-picked vegetables to handmade soaps and baked goods, everything at the market reflects care and quality. We want our visitors to trust that what they’re taking home is something they can feel good about.

🌱 Support for Sustainable & Organic Practices

We welcome all types of producers, but we especially celebrate those who use organic, regenerative, or environmentally responsible methods. While organic certification is not required, we encourage vendors to communicate clearly about how their products are grown or made, and we support continued learning about sustainability and stewardship.

🎨 Creativity & Craftsmanship

Handmade items carry the heart of their maker. Whether it’s a hand-sewn apron or a small-batch jam, we honor the craft and creativity that go into every item. Our market is a place to showcase and celebrate the skill and ingenuity of local makers.

💬 Honesty & Transparency

We believe in building trust. That’s why we ask our vendors to clearly label products, share their sourcing practices, and represent their offerings truthfully. Customers should always know what they’re buying and where it came from.

🎶 Enrichment & Education

Our market isn’t just for shopping — it’s for learning and inspiration, too. Through live music, short demos, and fun, informal classes, we offer opportunities to explore food, farming, arts, and sustainability in approachable ways.

Meet the Organizers



Chef Travis Bartels

Travis Bartels is a passionate small business owner and community builder who believes in the power of good food, good coffee, and strong local connections. As the manager and Chef of BrewBerry Bistro, a popular café in downtown Sturgis, Travis has created a welcoming space where neighbors gather, ideas are exchanged, and local culture thrives.

With a deep appreciation for local sourcing and regional flavors, Travis brings a food-forward, hospitality-minded perspective to his role as co-founder of the Sturgis Gathering Market. His commitment to collaboration and creativity is helping shape the market into a vibrant destination that celebrates producers, artisans, and the Sturgis community alike.

Whether behind the espresso bar or at the market’s welcome booth, Travis is always focused on bringing people together and making everyone feel at home.

Photos of Chef Travis

Farmer Rick Grosek

Rick Grosek is a lifelong advocate for local food systems, sustainable agriculture, and community resilience. As co-owner of Bear Butte Gardens, a certified organic farm located just outside of Sturgis, Rick has spent years cultivating not just vegetables, but relationships — connecting producers, eaters, and educators across western South Dakota.

Rick brings deep experience in organic farming, farmstand management, and community outreach to his role as co-founder of the Sturgis Gathering Market. He’s passionate about helping small producers succeed, creating welcoming spaces for local commerce, and educating the next generation of land stewards and gardeners.

Whether he’s tending crops, hosting a class, or welcoming market-goers, Rick’s commitment is always rooted in one thing: building a stronger, more connected community — one market day at a time.

Photos of Farmer Rick

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