Farmers markets are the best places to find fresh produce, but these options across North Carolina offer much more than fruits and vegetables alone.
Farmers markets are fantastic places to find a given region’s freshest fare. And given the Tar Heel state’s agricultural prowess, I’m confident in saying that North Carolina has some of the very best in the country. But there’s more to farmers markets than pristine produce—they’re also great spots to find other treasures, like live music, art, ceramics, and food trucks. From pottery and prepared foods to pilates and playgrounds, don’t miss these eight NC farmers markets that offer way more than just fruits and veggies.
Hendersonville Farmers Market
650 Maple St., Hendersonville
Now in its seventh year, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is located at the charming Historic Train Depot in downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. From May through October, it’s open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, and boasts a rotating selection of at least 30 local and regional vendors, all of whom produce within a 60-mile radius of the city. On top of that, the market also features food trucks, art, special events like Tomato Day and Pollinator Day, and ample parking—all against the background of live music.
Foothills Farmers Market
126 W. Marion St., Shelby
Folks in the Shelby area know there’s one place to go for the absolute freshest local foods: the Foothills Farmers Market. Located at the Bobby Bell Pavilion in uptown Shelby, it operates year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. In addition to regularly hosting rotating food trucks, it features handmade arts and crafts such as candles and jewelry, as well as a variety of local items, including produce, meats, eggs, honey, and baked goods. Locals especially love its Power of Produce Kid’s Club, which provides kids with a free food-related learning activity every Saturday morning. When the activity is completed, kids receive a $2 token to spend on fresh produce.
New Bern Farmers Market
421 South Front St., New Bern
How do you make downtown New Bern even more charming than usual? Visit on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. year-round, and you’ll find out: the New Bern Farmers Market, located along the historic waterfront. One of the only year-round farmers markets in the area, it features local produce, baked goods, and an abundance of unique arts and crafts vendors showcasing wares like soaps, candles, pottery, and fiber arts. In addition to live music from local musicians and food trucks, the market also hosts special and seasonal events.
Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market
5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills
With a name like “Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market,” you’re likely expecting something out of the ordinary, and you’d be right in all the best ways. Located right off I-95 at the enormous Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom, the open-air market is a collaboration between the brewery and local farmers and artisans. It runs on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from mid-March through mid-November. This popular market features an array of local produce and products, a playground, dog park, a slew of food trucks, live music, and other fun events, like yoga and seasonal celebrations.
Elkin Farmers Market
101 E. Market St., Elkin
Located one block north of historic downtown Elkin at the Elkin Town Hall parking lot, this year-round farmers market features 45+ vendors with lovely local produce, meats, and eggs, as well as plants, baked goods, fresh flowers, and hand-made crafts like leather goods and pottery. The market’s regular season features live music and food trucks and takes place outdoors from mid-April to October on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The winter market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, two blocks down from the Visitors Center, from November to mid-April.
Matthews Community Farmers’ Market
188 N. Trade St., Matthews
The Matthews Community Farmers Market is the biggest, most diverse producer-only farmers’ market in the greater Charlotte area. Operating on Saturdays from April through November from 8 a.m. to noon and from December through March from 9 to 11 a.m., it features around 50 vendors, including farmers, makers, and crafters. Its wares—including a surprising array of local produce, prepared foods, and cheeses—are all produced within 50 miles of Matthews (except for the fish, which come from the NC coast). In addition to live music, the market also features cooking demos and seasonal events.
Cameron Farmers Market
172 US-1 Highway, Cameron
Held on the first and third Sundays of each month from 1 to 5 p.m., March through November, the Cameron Farmers Market focuses on farmers, growers, and makers who produce what they sell. Held at the picturesque James Creek Ciderhouse (which USA Today ranked No. 4 out of the country’s top 10 cideries in 2024), the family-friendly spot offers guests scenic orchard views, local vendors, food trucks, and live music. On top of that, it also offers fun events during the market, like Pilates & Pours. No wonder it’s considered one of the area’s top weekend hot spots.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
2914 Sandy Ridge Rd., Colfax
If you’re looking to get your steps in while you shop, you should definitely visit the mammoth Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. Spanning several buildings, it features a dazzling array of offerings, from local produce (including varieties you won’t see in grocery stores) and cheeses to garden supplies and handmade sundries like soap and more. It’s also known as the area spot for affordable custom floral bouquets. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., it also features plenty of parking, a variety of on-site food trucks, and fun seasonal events.
