The best farmers’ markets in NYC

Located in one of New York’s most well known spaces, the Union Square Greenmarket has become world-famous. Since its first appearance in 1976, this Greenmarket has grown exponentially and continues to do so every year. With over 140 different vendors and an estimated 60,000 shoppers, the atmosphere is exciting, lively and ready for action. The market operates year-round, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8am–6pm. Find the vendors on the North and West sides of Union Square Park, as well as compost and textile recycling on market days between 8am and 4pm (compost through 5pm). Open Mondays year-round 9am–6pm (also select Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). North and West sides of Union Square Park (grownyc.org).

Visitors to the New York Botanical Garden have a chance to both see a beautiful display of plants and take home a tasty, wholesome treat during the summer and fall farmers’ market. The NYBG Greenmarket provides fresh foods available for purchase—expect to see delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farms like Acevedo’s, Gajeski’s and Red Jacket Orchards (plus baked goods from Meredith’s Bakery in Ulster County, NY). Open late June through late October, Wednesdays 9am–3pm. Moshulu Gate on Southern Boulevard between Moshulu Parkway and Bedford Park Boulevard, Bronx (grownyc.org). 

Brooklyn has many hidden gems, and its farmers’ markets are no exception. Thanks to the market hosted by The Old Stone House in Park Slope (at 4th St at 5th Ave), you can munch on some fresh fruits and veggies, purchase some pasture-raised meat and set your sights on some internationally-inspired cuisine on Sundays from 10am–5pm. You can even shop on Sundays from 10am–4pm during winter months (January through early April). This market also has preserves, eggs, honey and dairy, plus fiber and yarn for local knitters and crocheters! Some cool vendors to expect include Bread Alone, Dr. Pickle, Brooklyn Cured and Stone & Thistle Farm. Sundays 10am–5pm. 4^th St atn 5^th Ave (just before JJ Byrne Playground and Old Stone House) (downtoearthmarkets.com). 

What better way to kick-off your weekend than to purchase some local produce for a great meal at home? Families are invited to explore the Queens Botanical Garden Farmers’ Market, packed with fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs on Fridays. You’ll also find eggs, dairy, honey, specialty foods and plants for sale. Mid June through mid November, Fridays 8:30am–4pm. Dahlia Ave at Main St (downtoearthmarkets.com).

This Queens market provides fresh produce, meat, fish and specialty goods to the Sunnyside Gardens community year round. Stop by on Saturdays from 8am–3pm on the tree-lined sidewalks near Lou Lodati Park to check out the selection—you'll find herbs, eggs, cider, grass-fed beef, baked goods, fresh-caught fish, pickled veggies and even wine from local producers. Keep an eye out for the Greenmarket’s weekly cooking demos, family-friendly activities and seasonal celebrations. Saturdays year-round, 8am–3pm. Skillman Ave between 42nd and 43rd Sts (grownyc.org).

Harvest Home has one mission: provide the right resources so all families can be healthy. This organization strives to provide lower-income communities with access to fresh and locally grown produce while educating local parents and children in the process. The Coney Island Market offers an opportunity for residents of the area to mingle, embrace the historic community and educate themselves on healthy living! You can find the markets in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

Here’s another market in collaboration with GrowNYC that fills 175th Street with energy and excitement every Thursday, June through November. Along with the popular pies and scones made with local flour, this market specializes in Mexican cuisine. Greenmarket also often doubles as a social center and field-trip destination, too. Don’t miss produce from Wager’s Cider Mill, Nature’s Way Farms, Hoeffner Farms and La Baraja Farm. Thursdays June–November 8am–5pm. 175th St between Wadsworth and Broadway (grownyc.org).

This seasonal UES market offers veggies, fruits, baked goods, dairy, eggs and even locally caught seafood from American Pride Seafood of Suffolk County, NY. Regulars include Wager's Cider Mill, Bread Alone, Gonzalez Farm and Stannard Farms. Be sure to take advantage of Upper Green Side recycling collection and GrowNYC's compost collection from 9am–1pm on market days to responsibly dispose of waste like batteries, cords, cellphones, corks and cartridges. Sundays 9am–5pm, 1st Ave between 92nd and 93rd Sts (grownyc.org). 

Running since 2005, this gathering of upstate farmers features country bread, apple cakes, fresh-pressed olive oils and artisanal pickles. Grocery shopping at the nearby Whole Foods means major crowds on the weekends, so you’re better off going to a greenmarket like this, where you can build relationships directly with the farmers. Saturdays 9am–5pm. 110th St and Manhattan Ave (downtoearthmarkets.com).

On Saturdays starting in May, this awesome greenmarket offers plenty of great fresh food for families. It's put on by the Church of the Holy Apostles on the north side of 23rd St, east of 9th Ave and operates from 9am–5pm through December. Families will find everything from craft beer to veggies to herbs and extracts. Saturdays, 9am–5pm. Church of the Holy Apostles (North side of 23^rd st, East of 9^th Ave)(downtoearthmarkets.com).

The Williamsburg community gathers at this greenmarket year-round on Saturdays from 8am–3pm to track down locally produced goods. You can find bread, pastries, cheeses, meat and eggs from regular vendors throughout the year, as well as some seasonal growers that bring apple citer, fresh vegetables and plants and flowers during certain months. Saturdays year-round 9am–3pm. Union Ave between Driggs and North 12th St, Brooklyn (grownyc.org). 

Get up early and peruse more than 100 products from local farms at this Hunt Points market. Fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, which are harvested 24 hours before being sold to ensure optimum freshness, go for killer wholesale rates. There's also a daily online map of where each purveyor is and what exactly they sell, so you can that to plan an efficient trip. April –Dec, Tuesday–Saturday, 2am–8am, 290 Halleck St at Viele Ave, Bronx (grownyc.org).