Spring is here and the proof is in the market totes and piles of freshly-pulled radishes. Not only have the tulips popped (the ones that survived February’s unprecedented freeze), but the farmers markets are shaking off the winter season and embracing the sun.
For Good Local Markets, the pandemic meant farmers markets were in jeopardy at a time when they were needed most. Casey Cutler, director of Good Local Markets, immediately went to work securing “grocery exempt” status for farmers markets. They were, after all, a safer outdoor food option. Good Local Markets, which began as the White Rock Farmers Market, expanded with a second producer-only location in Lakewood. All vendors come from a 150 mile radius of Dallas, something Cutler appreciates as it means “many of our customers go through the ups and downs of farming with our vendors.” In other words, when the snow storm knocked out nearly all the local produce, people still came to buy jam, pickles, and other non-perishables to help make up the lost income.
For Cutler, farmers markets are not just a place to get healthy, sustainably sourced food, but a way to strengthen community relationships. “I even met my now husband at the market because of our many conversations about backyard chickens (he runs Urban Chicken Inc.),” says Cutler. Both Good Local Markets locations are open now with precautionary measures in place and Cutler urges people to hustle in for the last of strawberry season.
And most markets are welcoming back their farmers and customers with similar social distancing guidelines, so grab a mask and hit these neighborhood favorites before the weather turns sweltering.
Dallas Farmers Market
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Year-round
This is the tried-and-true staple for fresh local produce, shopping opportunities, and daily happy hours, too (looking at you, Taqueria La Ventana $3.50 house margs). Although you can hit the shops seven days a week, the open air market on the weekends is where you’ll track down pasture-raised eggs and Texas’ best pecans. Don’t forget to bring a cooler bag and cash (though lots of vendors take cards).
Good Local Markets
White Rock Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m to noon
March 13 thru December 19
Lakewood Village Farmers Market
Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
February 21 thru August 15
What started as the East Dallas neighborhood farmers market, the White Rock Farmers Market has now expanded into a nonprofit called Good Local Markets. It recently debuted a second location in Lakewood, which just opened in February. This is the place for fresh Bishop Hill flowers, Texas Fungus, and even freshly baked vegan baked goods via Frankly Good Foods. Be sure to check each location’s Facebook page to see which vendors are lined up for the weekend.
St. Michael’s Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
April 17 thru September
Head to the west parking lot of St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church to get your fill of certified organic kombucha from Bare Bucha, goat cheese from Lost Ruby Ranch, and Mama T’s all-natural elderberry syrup. This community favorite is open on Saturdays through the summer season. Check their website for weekly vendor lineups.
Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April thru December
Recently voted the number one farmers market in Texas, the Grand Prairie Market is unmissable. The market takes place in Grand Prairie’s market square every Saturday until mid-December and the half-acre park is packed with tamales, handmade soaps, local relishes, and more.
Coppell Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
April 3 thru November
The Coppell Farmers Market is a wonderland of freshly cut flowers, just-carved meats, and heads of lettuce. If you arrive early, you’ll see people wandering away with totes full of bread, eggs, and greens. Check their blog to see what’s fresh that week.
Frisco Fresh Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Year-round
Join the Frisco Farmer’s Market on Frisco’s Main Street for chef demonstrations, music, and, of course, local vendors. Be sure to bring your dogs and don’t miss Strawberry Day on Saturday, April 24. The regular vendors will feature a fresh summer-strawberry good—think strawberry cheesecakes, breads, and balsamic vinegars.
Clearfork Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon
Year-Round
Located right on the river next to Press Café, the Clearfork Farmers Market is a weekly Fort Worth treasure. Early morning runners cruise in from the trail to grab coffees and peruse the gourmet popcorns, hot beignets, scratch-made granola. Don’t miss the Spring Market, a farmers market and shopping event on May 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for special Mother’s Day treat opportunities.
Roanoke Farmers Market
Most Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon
April 3 thru September
Historic Roanoke’s City Hall Plaza gives way to free yoga, local talent, sourdough breads, and fruit pies every Saturday. The Roanoke Farmers market offers fresh produce from L’Cajn farm and treats for your furry farmers market companions from La Barkeria.
Keller Farmers Market
Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
May thru October
The Keller Farmers Market is an eclectic mash up of farmers, food vendors, local artisans, and artists. Here you can find anything from paper flowers to boudin balls to wine made right in Keller. The market also hosts a chef series where local chefs use products from the market that day to put together tastings for everyone to enjoy.
