The Triangle’s Best Farmers’ Markets

Learning to be a local Series

You may be living in the city of Raleigh or Durham, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy that comes with finding farm-fresh, local produce. And why should you? After all, agriculture is the leading industry in North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, there are more than 52,000 farms across 8.5 million acres in the state. Many of these farms are in the outskirts of the Triangle and their seasonal goods are brought into the area to sell throughout the year.

Why not find a new market to explore this weekend? We guarantee the farmers at the following Triangle-area markets will appreciate your business and you’ll want to come back time and time again.

North Carolina State Farmers Market  |  I-40, Exit 297, Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh

When: Open year-round, Mon.-Sat., 5am-7pm; Sun., 8am-5pm

A trip to the NC State Farmers Market can be a day-long adventure. The 30,000 sq. ft. Farmers Building offers produce and plants from farms across North Carolina, which means you’ll find a massive variety of options. This market also has a 15,600 sq. ft. shop filled with the state’s best meats, cheeses, wines, and more. There are other buildings to explore at this location, too, where you can find fruits and vegetables in bulk and imports for your home and garden. 

Durham Farmers’ Market  |  501 Foster Street, Durham

When: Open year-round, April-Nov., Saturdays 8am-12pm; Mid-Apr.-Mid-Oct., Wednesdays 3pm-6pm; Dec.-Mar., Saturdays 10am-12pm

Over 65 vendors make up the Durham Farmers’ Market, and all vendors must make or grow what they sell within 70 miles of Durham. This market, located in downtown Durham, offers specialty items like fresh -made pastas and tempeh, handmade soaps, a variety of meats and cheeses, mead, and more. When you’re done at the market, drop by the Durham Craft Market or Art Market Durham at Cecy’s Gallery, which are in close proximity.

Cary Downtown Farmers Market  |  135 W. Chatham St, Cary

When: Open year-round, Apr.-Oct., Saturdays, 8am-12pm; Nov.-Mar., Saturdays, 9am-12pm

Cary’s market requires that its vendors live, grow, or raise their products within 100 miles of the heart of Cary. They also ask that their vendors are environmentally responsible and that their animals are raised humanely, which ensures you’ll enjoy the best quality of vegetables, fruits, and meats. Approximately 30 vendors offer everything from meats and honey to vegetables and jewelry to baked goods and fresh milk.

Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market  |   201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill

When: Open year-round, Saturdays, 8am-12pm and Tuesdays 3pm-6pm

More than 30 farmers and artisans make up the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market, and it’s required they live within 60 miles of the city and remain throughout the year. You can pre-order produce for pickup at the market from many of its vendors. You’ll find everything from pet products to craft beers, kombucha, fresh seafood, pottery, and baked goods, as well as your traditional market goods.

Wake Forest Farmers Market  |  235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest

When: Open year-round, Apr.-Oct., Saturdays, 8am-12pm; Nov.-Mar., Saturdays, 10am-12pm

The Wake Forest Farmers Market is made up of around 20 vendors who produce the products they sell within 75 miles of Wake Forest. Here, you’ll find plant-based pet food, jams and baked goods, crafts, and honey. You’ll also find a selection of produce from farms not far away. It’s a fun, close-knit market you’ll enjoy throughout the year.

Moore Square Market  |  200 S. Blount St., Raleigh

When: Open May 1-Oct. 30 (excluding July), Sundays, 10am-2pm

The Moore Square Market is downtown Raleigh’s go-to source for vendors who offer fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and seafood, eggs, dairy, and more. All of this market’s vendors must operate within a 90-mile radius of downtown Raleigh. This outstanding location also provides a wealth of opportunities for guests, including music, activities for kids, and theme days.

Black Farmers’ Market  |  Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Rd., Durham; Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Rd. Raleigh

When: Durham market open 2nd Sunday 1pm-4pm    ; Raleigh market open 4th Sunday 1pm-4pm

The Black Farmers’ Market is designed to support Black farmers and entrepreneurs, who have historically not had generational wealth or access to land. Its goal is to build up and sustain Black marketplaces and to provide access to healthy foods within food deserts. This market prioritizes North Carolina’s Black farmers as its vendors, as well as those who support Black farmers with what they produce. Vendors currently offer a variety of goods including fresh produce, meat and seafood, health and beauty products, arts and crafts, and more.

Midtown Farmers’ Market  |  4300 Six Forks Rd., North Hills, Raleigh

When: Open Apr. 16-Nov. 5, Sundays, 8am-12pm

This North Hills features over 35 vendors who provide a breadth of locally produced goods like breads, nuts, desserts, dairy, meats, eggs, fresh juices, drink mixers, and more. Midtown Farmers’ Market requires that its vendors make their products within a 100 mile radius of the city. It’s a producer’s only market, and all of its offerings promote whole-body wellness. It’s a great constant for residents within the North Hills area.

South Durham Farmers’ Market  |  Greenwood Commons Shopping Center, 5410 NC-55, Durham

When: Open Apr.-Oct., Saturdays, 8am-12pm 

This market features more than 35 vendors who offer an expanse of various goods. You’ll want to come for the traditional market goods, but there is also a winery, an oyster farm, fresh seafood, bakeries, a fresh pasta maker, a salsa maker, and much more. There are also a few offerings like kimchi and Afro Diasporic cuisine that make it a great place to support Black, brown, and Asian farmers and their businesses. 

Holly Springs Farmers Market  |  104 W Ballentine Street, Holly Springs

When: Open May-Oct., Saturdays, 8am-12pm

The Holly Springs Farmers Market is a close-knit market with a list of local favorites from its vendors. You’ll enjoy a variety of fresh North Carolina seafood, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, honey, wines, all-natural skincare, natural dog food, and more. This market is constantly offering giveaways that will encourage you to come back each week. 

Did we miss someone who should be on the list? Share your favorite Triangle-area Farmers’ Market that shouldn’t be missed!