The 10 biggest & best farmers markets in North Carolina
Farming is a big part of North Carolina’s economy, and its wide variety of products and commodities makes it the third-most agriculturally diverse state in the U.S. It’s also home to a plethora of farmers markets where you can purchase everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to unique, handcrafted gifts.
Because there are so many farmers markets in the Tar Heel state, we decided to highlight some of the biggest and best. Keep reading to discover the top farmers markets in North Carolina.
Durham Farmers Market
501 Foster St., Durham
At the Durham Farmers Market, which is in its 25th year of operation, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items from about 65 local vendors. Everything that’s available at the market was grown or produced within 70 miles of downtown Durham. From vegan baked goods and kombucha to handcrafted soap and hand-dyed clothing, there’s something for everything at this market (see the full list of vendors and what they sell here).
The Durham Farmers Market is a year-round market that takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon (hours are reduced to 10 a.m. to noon during the winter months), and in 2008, it added a Wednesday market, which runs from mid-April through mid-October from 3-6 p.m.
State Farmers Market
1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh
The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is one of four farmers markets run by the North Carolina state government, and it’s one of the most impressive too. The market covers 75 acres of land and has multiple facilities — three restaurants, a craft building, a wholesale terminal, and more — that span 30,000 square feet.
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, ice cream, coffee, meat, cheese, or wine, you’ll find it at the State Farmers Market. The market is open seven days a week too, so you can shop at your convenience.
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
570 Brevard Rd., Asheville
The Western North Carolina Farmers Market is another state-run market that’s open seven days a week. Located in Asheville, it also boasts stunning mountain views! Shop for pantry staples like jam, honey, spices, and sauces, as well as meat, cheese, wine, and produce. Non-food products include handcrafted wood items, homemade crafts, home décor, gardening tools and supplies, plants, and much more.
If you get hungry, check out the on-site cafe, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
235 S. Taylor St.
Wake Forest Farmers Market is a year-round, all-weather market founded by a farmer and a baker who wanted to make quality, affordable food more accessible to their community. All vendors — there’s currently about 24 — must operate and produce the items they sell within 75 miles of the market.
In addition to typical food items you’d expect to see at a farmers market, you can also find lots of handmade items perfect for gifting, including wood cutting boards, jewelry, pottery, and fresh-picked flowers.
The Wake Forest Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon April through October and from 10 a.m. to noon November through March. Learn more about all the vendors here.
Cary Downtown Farmers Market
160 E. Park St., Cary
Be prepared to leave the Cary Downtown Farmers Market with a tote (or several) stuffed with delicious homemade treats. Vegan croissants and cream puffs, Mediterranean-inspired dips and spreads, gelato, kimchi, and tamales are just a few of the unique food items you can pick up at this market, though there are plenty of non-food products to shop as well. The roster of vendors is extensive and varied, with more than 40 businesses currently listed on the market’s website.
There’s also on-site cooking demos, plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, and live music during the summer months. During the traditional season (April through October), the market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. During the off-season (November through March), it opens one hour later.
Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market
5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills
Come for the fresh produce and locally made goods, and stay for the activities and beer. At Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market, an open-air market in Hope Mills, you’ll find fruits and vegetables, meat, baked goods, and other items from more than 55 vendors.
Start your morning with a yoga class and beer (you’re at a brewery after all), then head to the market to shop. While there, you can enjoy live music and lunch from one of the many food trucks. There’s also a playground for the kids, and the taproom is open if you want another brew.
Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte
If variety is what you’re after, head to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. At this market, also run by the state’s Department of Agriculture, there’s more than 100 participating vendors. There’s plenty of produce and baked goods, plus pet food, coffee, meat, jewelry, woodworking items, and so much more.
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is open year-round Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carrboro Farmers Market
301 W. Main St., Carrboro
The Carrboro Farmers Market, now in its 45th year of business, is one of North Carolina’s oldest farmers markets. This year-round market is a producer-only market and requires the farmers and artisans to be present at their stands. Vendors sell everything from locally grown produce and pasture-raised meat to pastries and pottery (see the full vendor list here).
The Saturday market is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. during the traditional season and from 9 a.m. to noon during the off-season. The Wednesday market runs from 3-6 p.m.
Pittsboro Farmers Market
220 Lorax Ln., Pittsboro
The Pittsboro Farmers Market is another producer-only market, which means the vendors are only allowed to sell items they grow or produce. To participate in this market, they must also be located within 50 miles from Pittsboro.
There’s a wide assortment of produce, prepared food, flowers, fresh seafood, eggs, and meat available. You can also pick up hand-dyed textiles, woven baskets, organic skincare, illustrated notecards, and more. Eight new vendors were added to the 2024 lineup (see the full list of vendors here).
The Pittsboro Farmers Market is open on Thursday from 3-6 p.m.
Black Farmers Market
Multiple locations
The Black Farmers Market was created to support black farmers and make healthy food more accessible. This seasonal market kicks off in April and runs through November. In addition to plenty of fresh produce, vendors also sell a variety of health and wellness products, prepared foods and beverages, and crafts.
The Black Farmers Market takes place on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., but the location rotates between Durham and Raleigh. On the first and third Sunday of the month, it’s held at Durham Tech Community College, and on the second and fourth Sunday, it takes place at the Southeast Raleigh YMCA.
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