To shake off those winter doldrums, visit one of North Texas’ many farmers market this weekend. From a carrot contest to chef demos, you won’t be disappointed by the fresh produce and artisan goods available at these local markets. Best of all, browsing is free.
8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Saturday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
Browse the homemade salsas, hand-rolled tamales, and grass-fed/hormone-free beef and sausage sold at the Bedford Farmers Market. The friendly little market is open daily and also carries specialty items ranging from gourmet chocolates to local honey, which can help relieve the watery eyes and runny noses caused by those pesky North Texas allergens.
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday
This weekly farmers market offers a shaded pavilion to protect visitors from the blistering Texas sun. What’s fresh this week? Strawberries, hothouse tomatoes, spinach, salmon, fresh spices, sugar snap peas, pecans, and a whole lot more. You can also find artisan-produced items like locally roasted coffee, salsa, and granola. If you’re new to the farmers market scene, check out this handy color-coded chart detailing what’s in season now, or meet the vendors beforehand. Don’t miss a special chef demo by Cesar Hernandez, who can be found across the street at Dodie’s Restaurant. Learn how to make Cajun-inspired pasta starting at 10 a.m. April 30.
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday
Head over to Fort Worth’s Cultural District for this popular farmers market. Everything sold there is made or grown within 150 miles of Fort Worth, like Latte Da Dairy’s famous plain chévre, feta, and Caerphilly. Bring a reusable tote so you can take home some of Prairie Oasis Farms’ pastured chicken. Sometimes, there’s even an old-timey fiddle-and-guitar jam session happening nearby. Remember to arrive early, because your favorites might be sold out by mid-morning.
The Market |10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday – Sunday
The Shed |10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Sunday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
This local institution has been serving downtown Dallas since 1941, but recently it has begun a welcome transformation. The market now consists of a 26,000-square-foot food hall and vendor market containing restaurants and a mix of local specialty foods, artisanal food vendors, and seating areas. Take in the Dallas skyline while stopping by vendors selling everything from beignets and macarons to tacos. Find the list of current vendors here. Bonus: The DFM is hosting a Farm Shed Dinner this Saturday evening, where local chefs and local farmers pair up to create exclusive, one-night-only tasting menus. This dinner’s theme is “Lamb & Jam,” featuring lamb barbacoa tacos and rhubarb pudding. Tickets start at $100 and you can get them here.
Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday
Stop by the Grand Prairie Farmers Market on your way to the Grand Prairie Cinco de Mayo parade this Saturday. All of the market’s regular fare will be available, but we suggest snagging a tamale or two in the spirit of the holiday.
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Saturday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday
This outdoor farmers market used to be held at the Town Square Gazebo, but recently moved to an indoor, year-round location. Check out the market’s Facebook page for photos of the yummy produce and baked goods available. Enjoy seasonal fruit from a family-run farm in Waxahachie and strawberries from a 65-year-old farm in Mexia. The market recently added Full Quiver Farms (yogurts and cheeses) and Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company to its list of vendors. They offer plenty of samples, so stop in for a visit even if you’re just browsing.
Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square
8 a.m. to noon, Saturday
This cozy little local market feels like the farmers markets of yore. Browse the selection of organic fresh produce, jams and jellies, honey, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, and grassfed beef. There’s plenty of parking, and Dixie’s Store at Chestnut Square will be selling soda, old-fashioned candy, ice cream, crafts, and classic toys if you’re looking for some nostalgia. If you’ve ever wanted to start your own chicken coop, get tickets to the Tour de Coop on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This self-guided tour will give you a look at several backyard chicken coops. Single tickets are $8, but you get a discount if you buy them in groups of four. Get them here.
8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday
Held at Lakeside Baptist Church near the Dallas Arboretum, you can find local produce or artisan foods and crafts almost year-round at this East Dallas farmers market, which began as White Rock Local Market in 2009. Visit vendors like O’Kelley Woodworks, Sanford Vintage Bikes, and That Cactus Guy for a variety of intriguing finds. Make a day of it by visiting the Arboretum after you check out the market this Saturday. Good Local Markets has become so popular, it also has a Vickery location that’s open on Sundays. Bonus: The market is holding its first-ever Spring Carrot Contest from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday. The contest is free to enter and features prizes awarded for Best Savory, Best Sweet, and Most Creative. Visit the Good Local Markets website to register your carrot creation. You can also learn about homing pigeons between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. with Trinity River Audubon Center’s Casey Cutler, who will release a pigeon at noon carrying a secret message.
