Visiting a farmers’ market is one of our favorite things to do in Raleigh, or wherever we travel. Not only is it a chance to meet with local farmers and purchase some of the freshest produce in the county, but it’s a chance to give back to the community, feel the joy and vibrancy of Raleigh, and connect with the local arts scene.
We are blessed to have many great farmers markets in Raleigh, from the small, community driven weekend markets to the large, daily state-wide markets.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the delightful atmosphere, learn about where our food comes from, or simply want to pick up some fresh local produce, then below are some of our favorite Raleigh farmers markets including dates and times they are on.
Afterall, you can’t get this kind of quality service or seasonal produce in most grocery stores!
11 Farmers Markets in Raleigh (and surrounds)
1. Raleigh State Farmers Market
- Address: 1201 Agriculture St.
- Website: www.ncagr.gov
- Dates & Times: Monday – Saturday, 5.00am – 7.00pm, Sundays 8.00am – 5.00pm
If you’re looking for a farmer’s market that’s open seven days a week year round, then you cannot miss North Carolina’s favorite State Farmers Market, which is the first farmers market in Raleigh, opening its doors in 1955.
This huge market covers a space of 75 acres, including both an indoor and outdoor vendor area. Inside the Farmers Building you’ll find specialty products from local farmers, including fresh produce and plants from March until the end of growing season.
You can also find fresh produce from further afield inside the Market Shoppes, which has meats, cheeses, and bakery items from all over the county and state. The room is climate controlled so produce stays fresh – we love to get our pasture raised meats here from Rainbow Meadow Farms (they are there Saturday and Sunday, 9am-3pm).
There are also some specialty shops selling crafts, custom picture framing, and local North Carolina wines in the Market Shoppes Building.
And don’t miss the three on-site restaurants, Market Grill by Carolina Crispy Fry, N.C. Seafood Restaurant, and the State Farmers Market Restaurant, one of our favorite places for breakfast in Raleigh (very busy on weekends).
2. Midtown Farmers Market (North Hills)
- Address: The Commons, 4191 Main at North Hills Street
- Website: MidtownFarmers.com
- Dates & Times: 8.00am – noon on Saturdays from April 15th – November 4th
The Midtown Farmers’ Market in North Hills, Raleigh is another vibrant and buzzing market that offers a wide variety of fresh, locally farmed foods. It started in 2003 and has slowly become a beloved community gathering spot in the heart of Midtown Raleigh.
With a mission to support local farmers and artisans as well as support environmentally conscious efforts, the Midtown Farmers’ Market is a producers-only market that showcases the best of what Raleigh and surrounding region has to offer.
Here you can expect to find an impressive selection of vendors offering everything from fresh organic produce and meats to homemade bread and artisanal crafts.
The Midtown Farmers’ Market is not only committed to creating a sustainable and resilient local food system, it’s also striving to foster a strong sense of community. It has a vibrant, lively atmosphere and a lot of friendly smiles.
If you’re a supporter of local businesses and prefer to shop sustainably, then head over to The Midtown Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning.
3. Moore Square Market
- Address: Moore Square, 200 S. Blount Street
- Website: downtownraleigh.org
- Dates & Times: 11.00am – 3.00pm Sundays, May 14th – October 22nd
Another weekend only farmers market in Raleigh is Moore Square Market, which is one of the newest markets in Raleigh since it only started in 2019.
This is another market that showcases the best of local produce and artisan goods. Managed by Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the City of Raleigh, the market is ideal for families and those with accessible needs, since it’s located in a park with accessible amenities such as drinking fountains and restrooms. Read our guide to the Moore Square District.
The market features a diverse range of vendors offering farm-fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, and artisanal goods, as well as a delightful array of locally-made products, including homemade bread and crafts.
The market provides an opportunity to support local businesses (all vendors must be within a 90-mile radius of Raleigh) as well as enjoy the bustling community spirit that you find here in Raleigh.
You will also find live entertainment and children’s activities, as well as guest speakers and other special programmes. Grab a coffee at nearby 42 & Laurence, one of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh.
4. Apex Farmers Market
- Address: The Beaver Creek Crossings, Apex, Wake County
- Website: apexfarmersmarket.com
- Dates & Times: Saturdays, 9.00am – Noon, weekly from April-December, then bi-weekly from December-March.
The Apex Farmers Market is a not-for-profit market that has been offering a wide variety of locally sourced products since it opened in 2013. While not located directly in Raleigh, it’s only a short drive to The Beaver Creek Crossings venue in Apex.
Like most of the farmers markets in Raleigh, this market also hosts vendors who provide fresh produce, such as farm eggs, locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally raised meats, homemade cheese, baked goods, and crafts.
Its purpose is to promote sustainable, locally sourced products and support local businesses in the Apex community, as well as be an educational resource for the local community who want to adopt healthier and happier eating habits.
Note: All vendors at Apex Farmers Market are found within 150-miles of the market.
5. Black Farmers Market
- Address: Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Rd
- Website: blackfarmersmkt.com
- Dates & Times: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Sundays, every 2nd and 4th Sunday
The Black Farmers Market is a community-centered marketplace that aims to support and uplift Black farmers in the Raleigh and Durham area.
This inclusive and fun market provides a platform for these farmers to showcase their products and connect with the local community. The market only takes place bi-monthly, rotating between Durham and Raleigh, but the atmosphere is addictive!
You can expect to find the usual farmers market environment with a diverse range of vendors selling fresh produce and meats to handmade crafts and artisanal goods.
What sets this market apart is how it goes above and beyond to create a community that directly supports Black farmers and entrepreneurs by providing a space for these individuals to thrive, and the market contributes to building a sustainable and inclusive local food system.
6. Cary Downtown Farmers Market
- Address: 200 E. Chatham St, Cary
- Website: caryfarmersmarket.com
- Dates & Times: Saturdays from 8.00am – noon (April – October) and 9.00am – noon (November – March)
The Cary Downtown Farmers Market is another one of the oldest farmers markets in the area, which first started operating in 1996 by three small, family-owned and run farms. Their aim was simple – to provide the local community with a place to find the highest quality agricultural and craft products.
The market showcases vendors who have traveled within a 100-mile radius of downtown Cary, ensuring that the items sold are grown or crafted locally.
While the market has expanded past the three farms that started the market, you can still find fresh produce, meats and plants, as well as baked goods and unique artisanal creations.
They also run the Farmers Fall Festival which takes place on September 23rd from 9.00am – 3.00pm, at Academy Street, Downtown Cary.
7. Wake Forest Farmers Market
- Address: Wake Forest Farmers Market, 235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest
- Website: wakeforestmarket.org
- Dates & Times: Every Saturday from 8.00am – noon (April – September), 10.00am – noon (October – March)
The Wake Forest Farmers Market offers a vibrant and diverse selection of fresh-off-the-farm produce, pasture-raised meat, local honey and plants, and much more.
The market not only provides an opportunity to support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses but it also aims to offer the freshest and highest quality products at an affordable price.
The market also aims to promote sustainable agriculture, support local food systems, and provide the community with access to fresh, healthy, and nutritious food options.
It was founded over 20 years ago by a local farmer and a baker and has now grown to one of the most popular farmers markets in the Raleigh area. Note: All vendors at the Wake Forest Farmers Market operate within 75-miles of the market.
8. Holly Springs Farmers Market
- Address: 300 West Ballentine St. (outside the Cultural Center)
- Website: hollyspringsnc.us/319/Farmers-Market
- Dates & Times: Saturdays 8.00am – noon (May – October 21), 9:00 a.m. – Noon (November – April)
The Holly Springs Farmers Market is a community driven marketplace that offers an array of locally sourced products.
Visitors can expect a diverse range of vendors offering a variety of products, from fresh seasonal produce and free-range eggs to pasture-raised meats, local honey, N.C. seafood, breads, and other baked goods.
The market provides an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying high-quality, wholesome products.
9. Western Wake Farmers Market
- Address: Morrisville Healthy Food Hub, 280 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville
- Website: westernwakefarmersmarket.org
- Dates & Times: Saturdays 8.00am – noon (April – November)
The Western Wake Farmers Market has been providing fresh produce to the local community since 2009.
Founded by Wake County moms with a passion for locally grown food, this market aims to connect the residents of western Wake County with fresh, healthy produce.
Visitors to the market can expect a wide variety of vendors offering an array of products, from farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to pasture-raised meats, artisanal bread, handmade crafts, and more.
Be sure to get there from 9:30am – 11:30am to see live music and entertainment! They also host book drives, blood drives, pet adoption booths and other charitable events at the market.
10. The Market @ Rebus Works
- Address: 301-2 Kinsey St, Raleigh
- Website: rebusworks.us/market
- Dates & Times: 10.00am – 3pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10.00am – 7.00pm Thursday – Saturday
If you’re looking for a midweek farmers market in Raleigh, consider checking out The Market @ Rebus Works. It started out as a Saturday Farmers Market in 2015, and has now evolved into a daily market, known for selling dairy, meats, produce, and other local goods.
Visitors to this market can find the usual forms of fresh produce, as well as other locally made products such as chili sauces, coffee and even kombucha!
11. Downtown Rolesville Farmers Market
- Address: 302 S Main Street Rolesville, Rolesville
- Website: downtownrolesvillefarmersmarket.com
- Dates & Times: Saturdays from 9.00am – 1.00pm from March – October
The downtown Rolesville Farmers Market is a seasonal market that operates from Spring to Fall. It’s a small market with over 25 vendors, all from the Roseville area.
As well as produce, you can find artisans and crafters selling everything from bird houses to dog food. What’s more is that this farmers market is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along!
They also have live entertainment, from live bands to author workshops and signings. They also have local charities running food drives and other local community efforts, so come down and see how you can help support your local community!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve visited a farmers’ market before or it’s your first time, there are many great choices available to those of us living in Raleigh or even if you visit Raleigh for the weekend.
Shopping at farmers markets is one of our favorite things to do in Raleigh, not only does it promote sustainable agriculture and encourage healthier eating habits, but they also have a lively atmosphere with a real community feel, one of our favorite ways to spend a few hours!
Do you have a favorite farmers market in the Raleigh area? Share in the comments below!
