Take the kids to one of our many wonderful local farmers markets and create or continue your family’s path to healthy eating, and let kids see where the healthy food on their plate is coming from. Some farmers markets run year-round while others are seasonal. Check websites for exact dates each year, weather policies and special events!
Virginia
Arlington Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Go to the Arlington County Courthouse parking lot for a farmers market of more than 40 local farmers and producers, providing a variety of offerings beyond just produce, including kimchi, empanadas, coffee, salmon, gelato and more.
Ballston Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3–7 p.m. Right next to Ballston Metro, in shady Welburn Square, rests the Ballston Farmers Market. Head over on the first Thursday of the month for the Mega Market, with live music, giveaways and a beer and wine garden for the parents.
Falls Church Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Between produce, meats, fish, baked goods, dairy and more, you just might be able to clear out your shopping list through local producers alone at this market.
Messick’s Farm Market
Open 7 days a week, times vary. A family-oriented market in Bealeton that features fresh produce, made-to-order meals and signature custard!
Old Town Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Come rain or shine, this market is open every week, and boasts a collection of over 70 vendors at peak season. They include a handy map on their webpage to help you find what you’re looking for in the sea of offerings.
Old Town North Farmers Market
Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. On top of your typical produce, this market offers sweets, salves, slaws, soaps and more.
Reston Farm Garden Market
Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; spring hours daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A garden market and farm market, open year round with locally-sourced produce, fresh bakes, eggs, dairy, meats, jarred goods, raw honey and more.
West End Farmers Market
Sundays, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. With the motto of “Eat well and have fun!”, this market certainly lives up to its aims, providing plenty of good eats, as well as local artisans selling handcrafted clothes, toys, jewelry and more
D.C.
CityCenter DC Farmers Market
Thursdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Set amid D.C.’s shopping district, this lunchtime market provides not only farm and producer goods, but also a variety of prepared food options so you can find lunch and do your shopping at the same time.
Eastern Market
Tuesdays, 12–4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Located in the heart of D.C., with its own Metro station right nearby, this community hub has consistent indoor vendors throughout the week and rotating outdoor vendors on Tuesdays and weekends. Come visit an iconic piece of D.C. history while shopping local!
Foggy Bottom Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 3–7 p.m. Located right by the Metro stop of the same name, this market is right by The George Washington University campus, and if your child goes there, they can use their GWorld card to shop for fresh food!
Mount Vernon Triangle Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Check the website to see what rotating vendors are scheduled for the week, then stop by to shop, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the ambiance at one of the market’s bistro tables
Rose Park Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 3–7 p.m. A smaller market, but a dog- friendly one set in the shady greens of Rose Park. Bring your canine companion along with you’ they might voice an opinion on what to buy!
Maryland
Bethesda Central Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. This year-round market is held in Bethesda Elementary School’s parking lot and features table seating, chef demos, kids club activities and more.
Butler’s Orchard Farm Market
Tuesdays-Sundays, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. With flexible days and hours, you can visit this Germantown market at your convenience to get produce, baked goods (our editor raves about their pies!), garden supplies, giftware, and your children can visit the activity filled kid’s corner.
Derwood Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. On top of all the local goods and vendors you’d expect, this farmers market has a rotating cast of local musicians performing each weekend to make every visit a unique delight.
Downtown Silver Spring Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Boasting over 45 farmers and producers, this producer-only market has a wide variety of goods, and a conveniently placed parking garage right next to the venue.
Kensington Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. A special recommendation for this, my own local market, situated next to antique row in historic Kensington. My personal favorite “get” here is dill pickles from Phil’s Dills, the best pickles I’ve ever tasted!
Main Street Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. With rotating selections of vendors, each week is a unique experience at this Gaithersburg market. Visit on the first Saturday of every month for live music from local musicians and songwriters.
Mary’s Land Farm Store
Open 7 days a week, times vary. As farm-to-table as it gets, this Ellicott City store sells goods grown and produced on-site, and tours of the farm are available to see where it all comes from.
Takoma Park Farmers Market
Sundays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Offering seasonal goods from farms and producers within 125 miles of Takoma Park, this market also matches federal benefits up to 30 dollars.
Rockville Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. This market – accessible by Metro, car and Ride On bus – offers a variety of goods, shifting throughout the season so you’re always being offered the freshest and the now.
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Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
