10 Best Farmer's Markets in Raleigh: Locations, Times, and More
Best Farmer's Markets in Raleigh
What are the best farmer's markets in Raleigh, NC? Here are some of the best markets in the Raleigh area for fresh produce, flowers, and local products.
Shopping at your local farmer's market is one of the best ways to support small businesses. It is also a great place to go and purchase fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods, and more. Living in Raleigh gives you direct access to amazing farmer's markets. Even if you live on the outskirts of Raleigh, there are a variety of markets for you to visit and shop.
These markets are part of why Raleigh is a great city to live in. Not only do they have some of the best farmer's markets, but these markets also bring the community together and are a great outdoor activity in Raleigh. Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to support your community. There are farmer's markets and Spring markets all around the Triangle area that are open during the week and on the weekends.
Please keep reading to learn more about each of these farmer's markets and what they offer to their customers and community.
Here are the ten best farmer's markets in Raleigh
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North Carolina State Famers Market
Location: 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (daily)
At the North Carolina State Farmers Market, you will find 30,000 square feet of specialty shops, restaurants, and produce tons. A fun fact about Raleigh is that this market is considered one of the country's best and most modern markets. Customers come and browse delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have various meat and dairy products to purchase from local farms.
This is the place to go if you are looking for beautiful plants, from herbs to flowers. There are tons of products to explore at the North Carolina State Farmers Market. You can make an entire day out of shopping and browsing.
Some local businesses you can find at this farmers market are 321 Coffee, Annelore's German Bakery, and more. There is even a North Carolina State Farmers Market Restaurant that serves Southern cuisine.
Local Favorites:
- State Farmers Market Restaurant
- Trophy Brewing and Taproom: Creative pizza and house-brewed beer are the highlights of this rustic parlor with a low-key vibe. It is a great restaurant to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather of Raleigh.
- Irregardless Cafe: This is a long-running cafe offering a global menu of locally sourced food, plus they have live music.
Moore Square Market
Location: 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Hours: Only from May 14th through October 22nd, Sundays, 11 am - 3 pm
This farmers market is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Moore Square Market is full of local vendors and fresh farm food. They also have a variety of artisanal goods for you to purchase. Some local favorite vendors are Carroll's Kitchen, Jones Lemonade Slushys, and Sew You.
A great thing about this farmers market is the live music. Nothing is more soothing than listening to a great band while supporting local businesses. All vendors operate within 90 miles of Raleigh for them to be considered. Moore Square Market is an evolution of the old Raleigh Downtown Farmer's Market. It has been around since 2019.
Local Favorites:
- Marbles Museum: A non-profit children's museum located in downtown Raleigh. It is an interactive museum made just for kids.
- Vic's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria: An intimate, informal Italian kitchen and pizzeria with old-country murals and outdoor seating.
- Watts and Ward: A unique basement cocktail bar with a vintage library vibe, tufted couches, and artisanal drinks.
- Brewery Bhavana: Maker-inspired hub for craft beer, dim sum, books, and flowers in a stylish space.
Midtown Farmers Market
Location: 4160 Main at North Hills, Raleigh, NC 27609
Hours: Saturdays 8 am until noon
Located over in North Hills, you will find Midtown Farmers Market. This market has some of the freshest produce in the area. It is in the middle of the popular retail and entertainment area. This is a great spot to visit to buy family-farmed goods. Most of the items you will find at this farmers market are organic and sustainable.
They have items to purchase, like fruits, vegetables, bread, herbs, and more. They also have a variety of vendors for you to visit to support small local businesses. Not only do they have goods for you to purchase, but they also have fitness classes, cooking demos, live music, and kid events.
Some vendors you can find here are:
- A-Peeing Beauty
- AM Bakery
- Blessed Mama Candles
- Cold off the Press
Local Favorites:
- Cowfish: This restaurant is known for its burgers, sushi, and fusion combos. They also have a variety of beer and cocktails in a vibrant, colorful place.
- Chuy's: This Tex-Mex restaurant chain serves "big as yo' face" burritos and other Tex-Mex dishes in an Elvis-heavy setting.
- Kings Bowl - North Hills: Here, you will find top-notch dining, bowling alleys, an arcade, and entertainment in a fun, safe, clean environment.
- STIR: If you want a modern, relaxed restaurant featuring international cuisine, an oyster bar, and cocktails, check out STIR.
Wake Forest Farmers Market
Location: 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Hours: Saturdays, 8 am until noon
If you are located in the Wake Forest area, this farmers market is the place for you. It is the best way to support the Wake Forest community and small businesses. Vendors gather here to sell meats, seasonal produce, baked goods, local honey, and flowers.
The Wake Forest Farmers Market has been around for over 20 years. It was founded by a farmer and baker who wanted to bring quality, affordable food to the city. They also wanted to be a true definition of local, so all vendors had to produce what they sold within 75 miles of Wake Forest.
After bouncing around in different locations for many years, the farmers market settled in its current permanent place in 2019.
Some of the vendors that you can find here are
- Blush and Bashful
- Brogden Farm
- Carthage Fresh
- Crystal Coast Kettle Corn
Local Favorites:
- Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum: Tapas restaurant.
- Black and White Coffee Wake Forest: A delicious coffee shop with freshly brewed coffee.
- Over the Falls: A pubby bar and grill with a something-for-everyone menu and a drink list that includes delicious cocktails.
Holly Springs Farmers Market
Location: 300 W Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Hours: Saturdays, 8 am until noon
For those in Holly Springs, this is a great farmers market to visit. They have been voted North Carolina's most celebrated farmers market for eight years. The Holly Springs Farmers Market is outside the Holly Springs Cultural Center.
You can purchase local items like fruits, vegetables, meats, sauces, condiments, and more here. A handful of vendors are also located at this farmers market for you to support the Holly Springs community and businesses.
Some vendors you may find here are:
- 3 Pups Bakery
- Ann's Bakeshop
- Barnes Farm and Produce
- Bombshell Beer Company
Local Favorites:
- My Way Tavern: American bar and grill in downtown Holly Springs.
- OSHA: A family-friendly restaurant that serves authentic Thai cuisine and sushi in a modern atmosphere.
- Holly Springs Community Library: Offers book browsing, Wi-Fi, public computers, printing, and programs for children.
Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Location: 200 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Hours: Saturdays, 8 am until noon
The Cary Downtown Farmers Market has a goal to ensure everyone in our community can access fresh, healthy, locally-grown food. While walking around the market and shopping, you can also enjoy live music during the summer season.
A unique thing about this market is that they have a chef's corner. You can head over to find Chef Mitch and watch to learn how to use all the market's best seasonal produce and offerings to make delicious meals at home.
This farmers market has been a part of the Cary community since 1996. It started with only three small family farms that wanted to sell their products directly to the community. Over the years, more and more local vendors have joined and have created this fantastic market for the district to enjoy.
Some of the vendors that you will find here are:
- Altar Cross Farms
- Be Bakery
- Bear Branch Farm
- Boxcarr Handmade Cheese
Local Favorites:
- BREW Coffee Bar: Innovative coffee bar with a chic interior offering a changing selection of gourmet coffee and beer.
- Bond Brothers Beer Company: Brewery
- Taipei 101: Chinese spot specializing in cooking from the Sichuan and Taiwanese regions, plus a dim sum menu.
Apex Farmers Market
Location: 1479 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex, NC 27502
Hours: Saturdays, 9 am until noon
The Apex Farmers Market and local food alliance is a non-profit, volunteer-led community organization committed to Apex's health, wellness, and longevity and surrounding areas. The organization provides outreach through education regarding food accessibility, sustainable living practices, nutrition, and more.
Here you will find a variety of farmers, bakers, jewelers, roasters, and more. Nothing is better than shopping locally to support your community while purchasing healthy, homemade products.
Some of the vendors you will find here are:
- Filly Coffee Co.
- CW Dressings
- Blend of Soul: Cold pressed juices and wellness shots
- Sassy Goat Soaps
Local Favorites:
- Sushi Iwa: Sushi restaurant and Asian cuisine
- Cold Stone Creamery: Ice cream
- Homegoods: Home decor chain
Philips Farms Farmers Market: Shop and Play Saturdays
Location: 6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, NC 27519
Hours: Saturdays, 9 am - 3 pm
Philips Farms Farmers Market is located in the heart of the triangle. It is situated on maintained farmland, and every building has been built by hand. This family farm has been owned and operated for over 100 years. New generations keep helping this farm blossom and delight the triangle communities. This has only been the third year Philips Farms has hosted a full farmers market with vendors.
The Philips designed their farms to provide an open-air, safe environment for locals looking for fun, affordable activities, local fresh shopping, and seasonal adventures, all in a low-stress welcoming environment for you and your family to enjoy. Not only does this farm host local farmers' markets, but they also have fun events and activities year-round.
Local Favorites:
- Northwest Cary YMCA: Gym, Pool, Child care, etc.
- Whole Foods Market: Eco-minded chain with natural and organic grocery items
Western Wake Farmers Market
Location: 280 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560
Hours: Saturdays, 8 am until noon
The Western Wake Farmers Market is located in Morrisville and has been operating since 2009. Western Wake Farmers Market has connected the residents of western Wake County with local vendors and fresh, healthy food.
Local Favorites:
- Szechuan Garden: Chinese cuisine
- La Cucina Italiana: Small Italian restaurant, pizza, calzones, pasta, salads, etc.
- The Kupkake Fairy is a local cupcake shop that makes and sells cakes.
Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
Location: 121 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Hours: Saturdays, April - May 9 am to 1 pm and June - September 8 am to 12 pm
The Fuquay-Varina Growers Market is a seasonal farmers market found in the heart of Downtown Fuquay-Varina. Connecting local farmers, growers, and artisans with the community, this market is the perfect place to visit for fresh produce and homemade goods.
Some of the vendors you will find here:
- Pipa's Farm
- Ogburn Berries and Produce
- Blue Ridge Pepper Patch
- Hidden Acres Farm
Local Favorites:
- Aviator Brewing Company: Enjoy a rotating selection of beers at this craft brewery.
- Fainting Goat Brewing Company: This small boutique brewery offers handcrafted brews in a laid-back atmosphere.
- The Mason Jar Tavern: Dine on classic American cuisine with a Southern influence.
Best Farmers Markets in Raleigh - Our Last Words
Not only does Raleigh have a variety of farmer's markets, but they also have tons of fun events that take place throughout the year. These events are another great way to support locally-owned businesses and mingle with the Raleigh community.
Shopping at farmer's markets in Raleigh and surrounding areas support your local farmers and bakers and is a great way to help you create delicious meals at home with fresh products if you need a break from eating out at one of Raleigh's top-rated restaurants. What you put in your body is very important. Purchasing products you know are not full of additives or preservatives is a great way to live a healthy lifestyle.
Full of amazing neighborhoods, there is bound to be a farmer's market in Raleigh that will have what you are looking for. You can contact us today to find your dream home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!
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