Vote now! Readers' Choice Awards Best Farmers Markets of 2026

From coast to coast, farmers markets have become the beating heart of their communities, places where local growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and artisans meet the neighbors who eat what they make. Our panel of experts combed the country and selected these farmers' markets as their top picks. Nominees span centuries-old public market houses and lively open-air street fairs alike.

Now we need your help deciding which ones rise to the top. Browse the nominees, revisit the markets you love, and cast your vote in this and more of our Readers' Choice Awards.

Voting period ends on Sept. 9, 2026. We'll announce the winners on Sept. 17.

Vote for the best farmers markets!

Nominee 1: Boulder County Farmers Markets

Colorado

Set along Boulder's park-lined streets near Boulder Creek, Boulder County Farmers Markets is the nonprofit behind Colorado's original farmers market experience and one of the Centennial State's longest-running.

The Boulder market runs both Saturdays and Wednesdays in season, and it hosts well over 100 vendors offering fresh, locally grown produce alongside baked goods and prepared foods.

Our panel pointed to the market's strong bench of organic growers and artisan producers as a real draw for shoppers. Reviewers who wandered through on a day trip came away struck by how vibrant the produce looked and how many unusual finds turned up from stand to stand.

Nominee 2: Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market

Vermont

In the hills of southern Vermont, the Brattleboro Area Farmers' Market gathers dozens of area farms, food producers, and craftspeople for a classic New England market day. Held on Saturdays from spring through fall, it sits just outside downtown Brattleboro and pairs fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods with live music and a genuinely local crowd. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and Crop Cash alongside cards, reflecting a community-minded approach that keeps fresh food within reach for more shoppers.

Our reviewers added it to the roundup as a standout example of Vermont's deep farm-to-table tradition, where nearly everything on the table was grown, raised, or made nearby.

Nominee 3: Burlington Farmers Market

Vermont

About 150 miles northwest of Brattleboro, Vermont's largest city anchors one of its most beloved market days at the Burlington Farmers Market. This community fixture has been running since 1980, and today it is held Saturdays from late spring through autumn in Burlington's South End. Shoppers will find fresh Vermont produce from farmers, tasty prepared foods from local makers, and handmade goods at craft vendors. Live music offers a summery, festival-like energy rounding out the experience.

Our experts included it as a showcase of the state's farm culture and the walkable, downtown-adjacent markets New England does so well. Whether you're stocking up for the week or simply grazing your way down the rows, it captures the easygoing spirit that has kept the market going for more than four decades.

Nominee 4: Charleston Farmers Market

South Carolina

Charlestonites can attest that each Saturday from April through November (plus a holiday market in December), Marion Square fills up with white tents for the Charleston Farmers Market. This downtown gathering pairs the Lowcountry's famous produce with local art and food. Shoppers move among stands of fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, sweetgrass baskets, and cut flowers before stopping for breakfast or lunch from on-site vendors. Visitors dig into crepes, baked goods, herbal drinks, and sausages while browsing and listening to live entertainment.

Our reviewers called it unforgettable, praising not only the fresh produce and food but the artisan offerings and distinct regional specialties that give the market its sense of place.

Nominee 5: Copley Square Farmers Market

Massachusetts

Boston Public Library and Trinity Church serve as a striking market backdrop to Copley Square Farmers Market in the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood. Running Tuesdays and Fridays from mid-May through late November, it gives office workers, tourists, and neighborhood residents easy access to fresh Massachusetts produce, proteins, baked goods, honey, and ready-to-eat meals.

With more than three dozen regional farmers and producers filling the square, it manages to feel both bustling and neighborly. Our panel highlighted its prime location and its role as a busy, dependable source of local food for all walks of life in the middle of a dense downtown.

Nominee 6: Dane County Farmers' Market

Wisconsin

Opened in 1972, Dane County Farmers' Market is the country's largest producer-only market, meaning every item is grown, raised, or made in Wisconsin by the people manning each stand—we're talking cheese, produce, meats, flowers, and specialty foods. The wait to be a vendor at this market can reach two years!

The Saturday market draws a huge crowd and is set up in a loop around Madison's Capitol Square. In addition to the farmers' market, visitors will find arts and crafts vendors across the street, while buskers entertain.

Our reviewers called it a must-attend, praising both its scale and the integrity of its producer-only rule, and it's where more than one first-timer has tasted ramps or fresh curds for the first time. A pillar of Madison's food scene for more than 50 years, it lives up to its reputation.

Nominee 7: Downtown San Luis Obispo Farmers' Market

California

On Thursday evenings, downtown San Luis Obispo closes Higuera Street and transforms it into one of California's liveliest certified farmers markets. Running 6 to 9 p.m. across several blocks, the market has grown into a full-blown community event, with more than 100 vendors, live music, and restaurants serving right out onto the sidewalks.

Our panel loved its evening, festival-like atmosphere as much as its produce. Reviewers who visited weekly recalled late-summer Brussels sprouts straight from the field, berries, cucumbers, and enormous pumpkins. It is kid- and dog-friendly and open year-round, save for holidays and bad weather.

Nominee 8: Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market

California

The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market has been a Wednesday-morning institution since 1981. Held on Arizona Avenue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round, it's among the most respected certified markets in the country, stocked by California farms whose peak-season produce looks, as one of our reviewers put it, like prize-winning entries from the garden. Its reputation among top restaurateurs is well earned: this is where much of the city's fine-dining produce begins its day.

Our experts singled it out for both its quality and its role as a working market for the region's culinary community. Even casual shoppers will find vine-ripened fruits and vegetables that make you want to head straight home and cook.

Nominee 9: Eastern Market

Michigan

Detroit's Eastern Market is one of the nation's oldest and largest public markets, a sprawl of open-air stalls and historic indoor sheds wrapped in bold, block-long murals. Its spring Flower Day, a tradition spanning more than 60 years, draws thousands of shoppers and kicks off the region's planting season with acres of blooms and greenery.

Our panel flagged it as an essential Detroit stop, filled with local food vendors and classic Michigan-only specialties. The market's roots run deep in the city's daily life—generations of Detroiters have memories of dawn trips to load up on watermelons, sweet corn, and cucumbers to sell across the neighborhoods.

Historic, colorful, and unmistakably Detroit, it remains a place where the city's food culture is on full, vivid display.

Nominee 10: Franklin Farmers Market

Tennessee

Just south of Nashville, the Franklin Farmers Market is a producer-only market where nothing is shipped in from far away—everything is grown or made in Tennessee or within about 150 miles of Franklin.

Founded in 2002 by a handful of farmers, the nonprofit market now runs year-round on Saturday mornings, filling its lot with local meats and produce, honey, baked goods, food trucks, and artisan wares.

Our reviewers pointed to the strength of its local meats and produce, and the fun of its artisan stands, calling it a market worth the trip whether you live nearby or are just passing through the state.

Nominee 11: Lancaster Central Market

Pennsylvania

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Lancaster Central Market can trace its roots to 1730, making it one of America's oldest public markets.

Housed since 1889 in a striking brick market building on Penn Square, it draws both locals and travelers Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday for everything from homegrown celery and horseradish to baked goods, meats, and ethnic foods.

Our experts highlighted the strong Amish and Mennonite presence, with vendors selling traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods and seasonal specialties—apples in fall, honey through the warmer months.

Beyond the shopping, reviewers admired the building itself, with its high ceilings and handsome architecture. You can carry home canned goods and prepared foods or eat on site, soaking in a market that has anchored downtown Lancaster for centuries.

Nominee 12: North Market Downtown

Ohio

A short walk from the Arena District, North Market Downtown is Columbus' last remaining historic public market, established in 1876 and now home to some 30-plus merchants, all under one roof.

It's a feast for the eyes and the appetite: international treats both sweet and savory share the aisles with local meats, cheeses, seafood, produce, and baked goods. Our reviewers came for the food and stayed for the discoveries. Notably, this market is the birthplace of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

Repeat visits turned up standout vendors at nearly every stall. With its mix of grab-and-go stalls and local grocers, it functions as both a lunch destination and a place to shop for dinner.

Nominee 13: Pike Place Market

Washington

Most people have heard of Pike Place Market on Seattle's waterfront. This city landmark opened in 1907, but then nearly disappeared in the mid-20th century before a public campaign saved it.

Today, regulars visit produce stands, try specialty foods, examine the fresh catch at fishmongers and flower vendors, and shop the independent stores that sprawl across nine acres.

While regulars come for the towering fruit and vegetable displays, fresh-shucked oysters, and some of the best flower bouquets in the Northwest, Pike Place is known the world over for the fishmongers who toss salmon beneath the Public Market Center sign.

Our panel called it one of the finest markets they know, spotlighting its Washington State produce, its seafood, and longtime vendors like Chukar Cherries and Market Spice.

Nominee 14: Portland Farmers Market at PSU

Oregon

The Portland Farmers Market at PSU fills the South Park Blocks on the Portland State University campus every Saturday, year-round, and serves as the flagship of Portland's market network.

With as many as 100 vendor stalls, it pairs abundant fresh produce with local chefs and artisan food makers, plus cooking demos, kids' activities, live music, and even a "veggie valet" to help shoppers haul heavy loads.

Our reviewers described being genuinely awed on their first visit, noting how festive the scene feels. Drawing thousands of shoppers on a busy summer Saturday, it manages to be both a serious food-shopping destination and a lively weekend outing that offers the flavors of the Pacific Northwest's bounty.

Nominee 15: Roanoke City Market

Virginia

The Historic Roanoke City Market has been open since 1882. Surrounded by a lively district of shops and cafes, the oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia keeps its stalls stocked with fresh vegetables and local goods from area farmers.

Our reviewers described it as a hidden gem, praising its unique setting and the strong roster of local growers. Come the holidays, it transforms into part of Roanoke's Christmas Market, adding seasonal charm to the year-round appeal.

Nominee 16: Solvang Farmers Market

California

The Danish-inspired village of Solvang near Santa Barbara hosts the Solvang Farmers Market on First Street every Wednesday afternoon, year-round.

The certified outdoor market blends that Central Coast freshness—seasonal produce straight from area growers—with the local color of a town known for its half-timbered architecture and Danish bakeries.

Our reviewers called it a unique stop, where the farmers market doubles as a way to experience Solvang itself, pastries and all. It's also an easy addition to a day of wine tasting or wandering the Santa Ynez Valley.

Nominee 17: State Farmers Market

North Carolina

Spanning 75 acres near downtown Raleigh, the State Farmers Market is a year-round, seven-days-a-week destination run by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Beyond produce and plants, it packs in specialty shops, restaurants, and a garden center.

Our reviewers valued being able to meet the people who grow, make, and share, and singled out its summer tomatoes, which they insist taste better in the Mid-Atlantic than anywhere else.

Because the market is open all year, there's always something in season from local producers, whether you're after peak-summer heirlooms or cool-weather greens.

Nominee 18: Ventura County Certified Farmers Market

California

Every Saturday morning in Ventura, the Ventura County Certified Farmers Market has been bringing California growers to its downtown Main Street location (1 of 4) since 1986. The nonprofit farmers' cooperative outdoor market offers vine- and tree-ripened fruits and vegetables alongside fresh meats, herbs, honey, eggs, nuts, jams, cut flowers, and even ocean fish straight from the boat, plus artisan bakery goods and hot foods made on site.

Our reviewers counted it among their favorites—one recalled touring the stalls with an acclaimed chef who pointed out the region's remarkable bounty.

Nominee 19: West Side Market

Ohio

Cleveland's West Side Market has anchored the Ohio City neighborhood since 1912, and it remains the city's oldest and largest public market. Housed in a landmark building crowned by a 137-foot clock tower and topped with soaring vaulted tile ceilings, it's on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason.

Inside and out, some 60 vendors sell an internationally minded spread of pierogis, stuffed cabbage, and pasties beside stuffed olives, tacos, scratch-made ice cream, and European pastries.

Our reviewers adored it, praising the bakery stands, butchers, and Amish products, and reserving special enthusiasm for the breads.

Vote for the best farmers markets!

Our Experts

Donna Adinolfi

Adinolfi holds a communications degree and studied at William Paterson State University and New Mexico State University. With over 40 years in travel, she is an expert in wellness resorts, healthy eating, self-care, and mindful living. Her writing and photography appear in TravelWorld Magazine, Balance Magazine (Travel Editor 2000–2010), and Mindful Adventures. Donna is a member of NATJA and IFWTWA.

Jo Clark

Clark has often been heard to say, “I’ll eat anything that doesn’t eat me.” A travel writer, photographer, podcaster, and food-and-wine enthusiast, she explores destinations one bite, sip, and story at a time. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including RecipesTravelCulture, where she shares discoveries ranging from roadside gems to unforgettable culinary experiences. She keeps her passport up to date, her suitcase close at hand, and her camera ready. Follow her adventures at @JoGoesEverywhere.

Lisa Waterman Gray

Lisa Waterman Gray has written national and international stories on must-do travel, must-taste food and beverages, and eco-friendly destinations that engage and delight readers. Her print and online stories have appeared in DreamScapes Travel and Lifestyle Magazine, USA Today/10Best, Fodor's, AAA, Wander With Wonder, Foodie Travel USA, and several state tourism magazines and websites. Find more about her work on her website.

Kurt Jacobson

Kurt Jacobson is a freelance travel writer who covers food, luxury hotels, travel, and wine. His stories appear in over 50 websites and magazines across the United States. Kurt currently resides in Colorado with his wife and two Maine Coon cats. You can follow his adventures on Instagram at @KurtTravels2.

Susan Lanier-Graham

Lanier-Graham is an award-winning food, wine, and travel writer with more than three decades of experience exploring destinations around the world. She has visited luxury resorts, boutique properties, and hidden gems across six continents, bringing a discerning eye to every stay. As publisher of Wander With Wonder, she leads an award-winning digital publication that inspires readers to discover exceptional travel experiences. Her work blends firsthand insight with a passion for storytelling, offering trusted recommendations on where to stay, dine, and explore. Susan’s expertise helps travelers confidently choose destinations that transform trips into unforgettable, experience-rich journeys.

Joelle Machia

Joelle Machia is a travel writer, podcaster, photographer, and co-founder of Wanderers Compass, a multi-platform travel brand dedicated to immersive, culturally respectful storytelling. As a United Nations ECOSOC Representative and award-winning content creator, she focuses on sharing deeper travel experiences that go beyond the surface. Through Wanderers Compass, Joelle produces destination guides, long-form articles, a digital magazine, and a podcast that explores history, culture, food, and local communities.

Susan R. Pollack

As an award-winning travel writer, Susan R. Pollack's stories and photos have appeared in scores of newspapers, magazines, and websites over her five-plus-decade career. From her home base in Metro Detroit, she has traveled to all 50 states, six continents, most of the world's top cities, and several islands and outposts along the way. An avid golfer, foodie, and Mahjong buff, she is a longtime member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Midwest Travel Journalists Association, and Golf Travel Writers of America. Follow her on Facebook.

Julie Diebolt Price

Julie Diebolt Price is a seasoned photographer, author, ghostwriter, and syndicated travel writer with over 35 years of experience and footsteps on four continents and 48 states. Her diverse career spans travel, documentary, corporate, stock, and event photography. As a business entrepreneur, she leverages her extensive experience in various industries to teach aspiring photographers and business owners the essentials for success. See her work on Photo Travel Write.

Cori Solomon

Cori Solomon, an award-winning freelance writer and photographer based in Los Angeles, focuses on travel, art, food, wine, and pets. She often highlights the story behind the restaurant, chef, winery, winemaker, or artist. Her background in real estate and art both play a role in her writing, whether it is the architectural splendor of a building, a historical-artistic rendering, or the artistry of a winemaker or chef. Since Cori often travels with her dog, Salukis, she has a keen eye for pet-friendly stories. Follow her adventures on The Written Palette.

Reviewed Editors & Experts

Reviewed editors and experts have hard-earned insight from a broad range of backgrounds, and our nomination panel includes independent researchers, subject matter experts, and editorial team members. We provide unbiased, experiential editorial coverage on products, brands, and companies across the U.S.