We love farmers markets for so many reasons. They are a family friendly, community oriented and totally fun way to get local, often organic, fresh food while supporting area farmers.
They’re a great way to get the kids (and ourselves) off the screens to have some family connection time outdoors. They’re also great places for playdates, meeting up with family friends and entertaining visiting relatives. Most have free live music, cooking & healthy living demos, food samples, and kid-friendly activities, too.
Additionally, farmers markets provide a ton of educational opportunities for children, you can: help kids understand where foods come from and how they grow; strike up a conversation with the farmers and encourage your kid to ask questions (queue Mr. Rogers, “who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood?…”); introduce kids to new foods and cook with them at home; help them practice their math / money skills by letting them handle a purchase.
A tip if you’re bringing kiddos: don’t forget the sunscreen for the fair ones and bring plenty of water. I once attended a smaller market where the only beverages available were coffee and kombucha, which didn’t work for our tot and we had to cut the trip short. Major bummer, especially given the Herculean effort required to get a toddler out the door to begin with.
All that said, here is a 2016 rundown of DFW area Farmer’s Markets to explore!
DFW Area Farmers Markets:
Cedar Hill’s ReMarket
Held the 4th Saturday of each month in the spring and fall, this community market features fresh produce, local arts and crafts, a flea market, eco-friendly goods, food and live music.
Hours: 9am – 2pm on May 28 (last one until September) | Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 26
Location: Houston and Texas St, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
City of Dallas Farmers Market
The Dallas Farmers Market has changed to a market for real farmers to sell their locally grown produce rather than resellers who import cold-storage produce from around the world like grocery stores. Because farmers need to be at their farms most days, The Shed is now open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with plans to be open seven days a week as the number of vendors grows. For a list of produce that’s in season and farmers, ranchers and artisans selling at The Shed.
Hours: THE MARKET: Monday – Sunday 10AM-6PM, The Shed: Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-5PM
Location: 920 S. Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
Coppell Farmers Market
In addition to farm fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, pecans, plants and artisan goods, the Coppell Farmers Market historically has lots of great events and a wonderful kids learning garden! Produce vendors at the CFM must be located within a 150 mile radius of Coppell, this type of market is called a “producer only” market. This keeps produce locally grown, seasonal, and fresh; often the produce has been picked the day before the market!This market operates weekly beginning in April through the summer, with a modified winter schedule. In addition to the learning garden, there’s a playground and water feature for the kids.
Hours: Weekly Saturday Markets 8AM-Noon
Location: Old Town Coppell at 768 W. Main St, Coppell, Texas 75019
Cowtown Farmers Market in Fort Worth
Another producer only market. featuring locally grown fruits, vegetables, raw honey, grassfed meats, cut flowers, herbs, flower & vegetable plants, artisan breads & baked goods, cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses, tamales, liquid & bar soaps, and bath & body products. They’re open year round on Saturday Mornings. In addition to their regular market vendors, the Cowtown Farmers Market features a series of themed Festivals with entertainment, activities, food, and fun. every second Saturday of the month throughout the spring and summer. The first in their 2016 series is May 14th, the theme will be berries. Future festival theme dates and other events are usually posted on the Cowtown Farmers Market facebook events page.
Hours: Weekly Saturday Markets 8AM-Noon
Location: 3821 Southwest Blvd Fort Worth, TX, 76116
Denton Community Market
Denton Community Market, another producer-only farmers market, is open weekly on Saturdays in April – November (with special market days in the winter). This kid and pet-friendly market is located downtown at Denton County Historic Park, with shade trees and several seating areas with umbrella covered tables. In addition to local farms and local artists, the market features live music, kids activities, yoga, special events and presentations, food trucks and vendors and more! The market regularly hosts engaging kids activities, well positioned in full view of the outdoor seating area! Since Denton is well known for its creativity, it’s no surprise that the artisan pieces sold here are some of the most unique and beautiful around.
Hours: Every Saturday 9am-1pm, April-November
Location: Denton County Historic Park 317 W. Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201
Eden’s Organic Garden Center in Balch Springs
Just 15 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas, this old fashioned Farmer’s Market – with all “Real Farmers and Ranchers Selling their Products” is held right on a (non-certified) old fashioned organic working, urban farm! This market is touted as the “Home of DFW’s first All-Clean, All Farmers – Market day.” We haven’t been here yet but as sustainable food advocates and consumers, we’re incredibly excited to check it out. The Alice Waters quote (known as the mother of the modern Slow Food movement) on the facebook page is a great clue to the level of integrity and awareness of the market organizers and vendors. “Everyone on this planet deserves to eat food that’s really nourishing and produced in a way that is fair to the people who produce it.” I suspect that in addition to a sweet little market where you can trust the food source, it’s a great place for the kids to experience a working farm and really make connections about where the food they eat(ideally) comes from.
Hours: 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays, 9am-Noon, April thru the 1st Saturday in December
Location: 4710 Pioneer Rd., Balch Springs, TX 75180
Fairview Farms Marketplace in Plano
Plano’s first traditional Farmers Market, open six days/week beginning May 1st, This market offers fresh and local fruits, vegetables, farm raised beef and eggs, honey, plants, baked goods, hand made lotions and soaps and good old fashioned family fun. This complex also has restaurants with great patio seating to relax and unwind, unique pottery, monthly concerts, and more.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 6 pm, opening May 1
Location: 3312 North Central Expressway Plano, TX 75074 (at Parker Road)
Four Seasons Farmers Market in Richardson
Four Seasons Markets was established to develop and manage European style markets. Ranchers, farmers, specialty food producers and artisanal craftsmen interact with customers and other vendors in a colorful, exciting, family-friendly atmosphere that mimics the village markets popular throughout Europe. In addition to produce, the market is known for its artisan breads and cheeses, craft bacon, local honey, pecan pies and other gourmet desserts, tamales and gluten free options, as well as crafts. The Four Season brand also hosts markets in Carrollton and on Beltline in Richardson, with upcoming events on May 8th, but it’s not clear if these are one-time or ongoing market days. You can see these events and their vendors here.
Hours: Every Saturday, from 9am to 2pm
Location: 677 W. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Frisco Rotary Farmers Market
Local growers offer juicy melons, peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob and lots more. Also offered are baked breads, meat from local ranchers, honey, arts and crafts, and various other products. The market allows consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, which enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers. A great place to encourage your kiddo to strike up a conversation with a farmer, to help make that farm-to-table connection. Their opening day is this Saturday and they run through October.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-1pm or Sell Out, May- Mid October
Location: NEW LOCATION – 4th Street between Main & Elm Frisco, Texas 75034
Good Local Markets in Dallas
With a Saturday market on Garland Rd and a Sunday Market outside of Half Price books off NW Hwy, you will find local produce, meats and cheese, bread and pastries, pickles, jams, specialty foods, workshops, cooking demos, and occasional contests like pie eating and chili cook offs – yum! The market also includes artisans with handmade furniture, toys, clothes, soaps, and more, all made by North Texans. This market carries a great vibe that embodies what we love most about the revitalization movement & East Dallas culture, it’s just cool. A true neighborhood resource dedicated to improving the health and quality of life in East Dallas, it’s heartening to know that they also accept Lone Star EBT cards. GLM Tokens can be purchased at the info booth in $1 and $5 values, to be used at all booths selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads and more.
Lakeside: Until this year, the White Rock Market was held every other Saturday at Green Spot. This year, from March to December, 2016, the Lakeside Market will now be EVERY Saturday at Lakeside Baptist Church – just a mile from the former Green Spot location.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, Mid March – Mid December
Location: Lakeside Baptist Church, 9150 Garland Road Dallas, TX75218
Vickery Meadows:
Hours: Every Sunday 10am-3pm, March – December
Location: Outside Half Price Books, 5803 E. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231
Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Open Saturdays from late March through mid-December and features locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants, tamales, baked goods, salsas, dips, relishes, eggs, honey, chips, soaps, candles and more. This indoor/outdoor market has themed special events each week, including a Craft Fair Day and Crawfish Boil, among others.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, March-Mid December
Location: 120 W. Main St. on the corners of NW 2nd and W. Main streets in downtown, Grand Prairie
Grapevine Farmers Market
Family owned and operated, this little indoor market is open 6 days a week, year-round. Featuring Texas produce, with organic options, and products such as salsas, jams, jellies and pickles. Their website has more information about their growers and they are happy to answer questions about their sources.
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 8pm, Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Location: 520 South Main St. Grapevine, Tx. 76051
Handley Farmers Market in Fort Worth
Formerly the Downton Arlington Farmers Market, this market relocated to SE Fort Worth last year, not far from its original location. Now called Handley Farmers Market, this affordable little market supports and encourages organic and sustainable growing practices by bringing produce from local farmers. It also features farm eggs, baked goods, pickles, jams, salsas, artisanal products such as soaps, fine handmade jewelry, crafts, and so much more! The venue is both indoor / outdoor and there are usually kid-friendly activities, like bubbles, chalk and hula-hoops available for the littles.
Hours: Friday and Saturday 9am – 3pm, open year round
Location: 7101 East Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76112
Keller Farmers Market
This weekend, May 7th, is opening day of this casual, open air, seasonal market at Keller Town Hall. The market offers fresh Texas produce, meats, tamales, baked goods, artisan bread, cheese, salsa, pasta, pickles, jellies and jams, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, pet products and crafts, all from the state of Texas or within 150 miles. In addition to food, you’ll find live music, chef demonstrations, samples, health and wellness presentations, and other fun activities. This market also has several great programs, including a mobile educational cooking unit, an awards program for those who travel to the market by bike, SNAP and Lone Star Card support and more. After your market visit, enjoy the relaxing walking trails and large parks surrounding the area.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-Noon, May to late October
Location: Keller Town Hall 1100 Bear Creek Parkway Keller, TX 76248
Mansfield Farmers Market
Local Farmers Market opening for it’s 13th year on May 21st, in Historic Downtown Mansfield. Local produce, local artisan cheese, meats and farm fresh eggs. Quality arts & crafts, live music, free lecture series on local gardening fundamentals and animal adoptions.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, May – November
Location: 206 Smith Street Mansfield, TX 76063
McKinney Farmers Market
An open-air seasonal market, operating May – October, featuring a variety of vendors offering local, grass fed beef and free range chicken, specialty items such as tamales, pastries, jerky as well as a wide selection of arts and crafts vendors who offer everything from locally made goat milk soap to wood turned bowls. New this year is ART IN THE MARKET where a local artisans will demonstrate skills. Potters, painters and a wide variety of artisans will offer free demonstrations every Saturday morning in the Chapel garden. Live music, face painting and pony rides are always a treat and available every Saturday.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-Noon, starting in April
Location: Chestnut Square Market, 315 S. Chestnut Street McKinney, TX 75069
Rockwall Farmers Market
This seasonal market opens this Saturday, May 7 and runs through September. Dog and pet friendly, Rockwall Farmers Market features fresh produce and specialty foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh baked artisans breads, farm eggs, seafood, honey, jams, pasta, tamales to name just a few. This market also hosts local talent with live music every market day.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-Noon, May-September
Location: Historic Downtown Rockwall, 101 Rusk St Rockwall, Texas 75087
Saint Michael’s Farmers Market in Dallas
A smaller neighborhood market with only local and organic food established in 2012. The volunteer run non-profit market also features exercise classes, live music and concessions. It’s known as a friendly gathering place with a loyal following.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-Noon, Mid April – Mid September
Location:8011 Douglas Avenue at Colgate Road Dallas, TX 752250
Waxahachie Farmers Market
A seasonal, shaded, open-air market open from April – October. This market maintains a quaint and laid-back southern feel, and features fresh locally grown produce, plants, jams, jellies, spices, and one-of-a-kind hand made goods — even cowboy hats! With occasional live music and fun activities to entertain and engage the kiddos, it’s a very family-friendly and pet-friendly market.
Hours: Every Saturday 8am-1pm, Mid April – October
Location: 410 S. Rogers Waxahachie, TX 75165
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