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Best Farmers' Markets in Raleigh
What are the best farmers' markets in Raleigh, NC? Here are some of the best markets in the Raleigh area for fresh produce, flowers, and local products.
Raleigh, North Carolina, is a vibrant city where southern charm meets modern innovation. As the capital of the state, Raleigh has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1792 into a thriving metropolitan area of 482,425 residents.
Known affectionately as the "City of Oaks" for its majestic tree-lined streets, Raleigh sits at the heart of the Research Triangle, alongside Durham and Chapel Hill, creating one of the most educated and economically dynamic regions in the Southeast.
But Raleigh is more than just a tech hub and university town. It's a city that honors its agricultural heritage while embracing sustainable, locally-sourced food systems.
The area's mild climate, with four distinct but temperate seasons, makes it ideal for year-round farming, and the surrounding Wake County countryside is dotted with family farms that have been passed down through generations.
This unique combination of urban sophistication and agricultural tradition has cultivated a farmers' market scene that ranks among the best in the nation.
Shopping at your local farmers' market is one of the best ways to support small businesses. It is also a great place to go and purchase fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods.
Living in Raleigh gives you direct access to amazing farmers' markets. Even if you live on the outskirts of Raleigh, there are a variety of markets for you to visit and shop. These markets are part of why Raleigh is a great city to live in.
Not only do they have some of the best farmers' markets, but these markets also bring the community together and are a great outdoor activity in Raleigh.
Whether you're searching for heirloom tomatoes at the peak of summer, fresh-cut flowers to brighten your home, or pasture-raised meats for your family table, Raleigh's farmers' markets deliver quality, variety, and that genuine personal connection you simply can't find at big-box grocery stores.
Let's explore the ten best farmers' markets that make this region a food lover's paradise.
1. North Carolina State Farmers Market
Location: 1201 Agriculture Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Season: Year-Round
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
At the North Carolina State Farmers Market, you will find 30,000 square feet of specialty shops, restaurants, and tons of fresh produce. A fun fact about Raleigh is that this market is considered one of the country's best and most modern markets.
As the crown jewel of North Carolina's agricultural markets, the NC State Farmers Market is an institution that has served the Triangle for generations. Spanning an impressive 75 acres with both indoor and outdoor spaces, this market is considered one of the nation's best and most modern agricultural facilities.
Located just off I-40 at Exit 297, it's easily accessible from anywhere in the Triangle. From March through the growing season, you'll find the freshest and widest variety of produce and plants in the area.
The enclosed, climate-controlled buildings house year-round vendors offering fresh produce from around the country, as well as meats, cheeses, bakery items, ice cream, coffee, and even custom picture framing.
Logan's Garden Shop is found here, which is a full-service lawn and garden center serving the Research Triangle area. Visitors must also check out the State Farmers Market Restaurant, famous for its country cooking and made-from-scratch biscuits.
2. Moore Square Market
Location: 201 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Season: May through October
Hours: Sundays: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (May through October) | Wednesdays: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (seasonal Midweek Market)
The Moore Square Market is nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh at the historic Moore Square, a public green space dating back to 1792. This market brings farm-fresh goodness to the city center.
Moore Square Market evolved from the former Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market and relocated to its current location when Moore Square reopened after renovation in 2019.
This producers-only market features vendors operating within 90 miles of Raleigh, ensuring truly local products. You'll find farm-fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, and artisanal goods from vendors who grew or made everything themselves.
What makes this local market so special is its community atmosphere. Each week, this market features live entertainment, children's activities, weekly nonprofit guests, and special theme days with unique programming.
The market is managed by Downtown Raleigh Alliance in collaboration with the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department.
3. Midtown Farmers Market at North Hills
Location: 4160 Main at North Hills, Raleigh, NC 27609
Season: April through November
Hours: Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Now in its 17th season, the Midtown Farmers Market has become a beloved Saturday morning tradition for North Raleigh residents. This producers-only market showcases over 35 local vendors offering products grown or made within a 100-mile radius of Raleigh, ensuring every item is authentically local.
Located in North Hills, this upscale shopping district offers some of the freshest produce in the area. Providing convenience to the community, the location's central position makes it easily accessible from anywhere in North Raleigh, with nearby restaurants and shops perfect for making a full morning outing of your market visit.
When visiting the market, you will find an impressive variety of fresh produce (including organic and sustainably grown vegetables), meats, cheeses, herbs, flowers, specialty baked goods, and handcrafted items.
The market's mission extends beyond commerce; it aims to enhance quality of life in Midtown Raleigh by fostering community connections while supporting local farmers and producers.
4. Wake Forest Farmers Market
Location: 235 S Taylor Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Season: Year-Round
Hours: April-September: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | October-March: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
If you are located in the Wake Forest area, this farmers' market is the place for you. It is the best way to support the Wake Forest community and small businesses. Located behind Wake Forest Town Hall, this nonprofit market has served the community for over 20 years.
The Wake Forest Farmers Market was founded by a farmer and baker dedicated to bringing quality, affordable food to what was then considered a food desert. The Wake Forest Farmers Market maintains its founders' vision of being a true "local" market.
All vendors must produce what they sell and operate within 75 miles of the market. Visitors will find fresh vegetables, baked goods, micro greens, bread, granola, various meats (beef, pork, lamb, and chicken), mushrooms, seasonal fruit, honey, jams and sauces, lavender, seafood, candles, soaps, cut flowers, and plants.
The majority of farm products at this market are raised using environmentally sustainable agricultural methods that are healthy for the soil, water, air, animals, and you. Many vendors practice pasture-raising, organic growing, or other regenerative agriculture techniques.
5. Holly Springs Farmers Market
Location: 300 W Ballentine Street, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Season: Year-Round (closed select dates for holidays and town events)
Hours: April-October: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | November-March: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Winner of North Carolina's "#1 Most Celebrated Farmers Market" for nine consecutive years according to the American Farmland Trust's "Farmers Market Celebration" contest, the Holly Springs Farmers Market sets the gold standard for community markets.
Averaging around three dozen vendors per market, this producers-only market means vendors only sell products they grew, raised, or produced in North Carolina. Located just outside the Holly Springs Cultural Center, this is a great farmers' market to visit for Holly Springs residents.
The product selection is outstanding: fresh seasonal produce year-round, free-range eggs, pasture-raised meats, local honey, NC seafood, breads and baked goods, sauces, condiments, beverages, pickles, preserves, confections, prepared foods, dairy-free frozen custard, and much more.
6. Cary Downtown Farmers Market
Location: 200 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511
Season: Year-Round
Hours: April-October: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | November-March: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Cary Downtown Farmers Market has grown into a beloved institution that's been a community resource for more than 30 years. Despite its growth, the market maintains its original mission: making fresh, healthy, locally grown food accessible to everyone in the community.
Located next to the beautiful Downtown Cary Park, the market benefits from its walkable downtown location. Perfect for families, the market features vendors offering produce, meat and seafood, baked goods, prepared items, and handmade crafts, jewelry, and art.
From April through October, live music enhances the market atmosphere, thanks to a Cary Art Daze Grant that allows the market to host and pay local musicians each week.
Nearly all vendors accept cash (preferred to avoid fees and keep costs down), though most also accept credit cards. Online ordering with Saturday pickup is available from select vendors.
7. Apex Farmers Market
Location: 1479 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex, NC 27502
Season: Year-Round
Hours: April-October: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | November-March: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Apex Farmers Market and local food alliance is a non-profit, volunteer-led community organization committed to Apex's health, wellness, and longevity. The organization provides outreach through education regarding food accessibility, sustainable living practices, and nutrition.
Located in charming downtown Apex, the market features vendors offering local growers and products produced within 150 miles of the market. The market changes weekly, with vendors offering produce, meat and seafood, baked goods, prepared items, and handmade crafts, jewelry, and art.
Parking is convenient with the nearby Depot Plaza (which closes for parking at midnight each Saturday, reopening around 1:00 PM), and the market is accessible via GoApex Route 1 public transit.
Special programming includes health screenings thanks to Advance Community Health, pet adoption events, and various community-focused activities.
8. Philips Farms Farmers Market
Location: 6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary, NC 27519
Season: Spring/Summer (April through August)
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April-August)
Phillips Farms of Cary brings a unique twist to the farmers' market experience. This 100+ year family farm, widely known for its strawberry picking and fall corn mazes, launched its farmers market during the pandemic shutdown as a way to support local small businesses.
The market has since grown into a community hub for Cary residents and visitors from across the state. Located under the farm's main pavilion, the market is free to visit with free parking.
The market showcases over 25 local vendors, including grass-fed beef, fresh baked goods, artisanal products, local honey, and handcrafted goods. What makes Phillips Farms special is that it's set on an actual working farm.
While the market is seasonal (spring through summer), the farm itself hosts activities year-round, including strawberry picking in spring and the famous pumpkin patch and haunted farm in fall.
9. Western Wake Farmers Market
Location: 101 Town Hall Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560
Season: Year-Round
Hours: April-November: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | December-March: Saturdays 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The Western Wake Farmers Market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was started by Wake County moms who wanted to feed their families with locally grown food. Since its founding, this Morrisville market has grown into a vital community resource.
The market features fresh seasonal produce, flowers, herbs, baked goods, prepared foods, eggs, cheeses, and meats, locally roasted coffee, and more. Throughout the season, the market hosts special events including craft fairs, workshops, and live music.
10. Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
Location: 121 N Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Season: April through early September
Hours: April-May: Saturdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | June-September: Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Fuquay-Varina Growers Market is a seasonal farmers' market found in the heart of Downtown Fuquay-Varina. With an average Saturday attendance of 650 shoppers (14,000 for the 2024 season), this market has become a local staple of the downtown Fuquay-Varina community.
Each Saturday, vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, refreshments, and handcrafted items. The market hosts live music, guest nonprofits, cooking and gardening demonstrations, and special community events throughout the season.
Methodology
Data was sourced from the City of Raleigh and local markets to determine the best farmers' markets in Raleigh, NC.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to go to a farmers' market?
Farmers' markets tend to be a little bit cheaper than grocery stores, plus it is a great way to support local farmers.
What is the biggest flea market in North Carolina?
The Raleigh Market is the biggest flea market in the state and is a great shopping spot for collectibles and antiques.
Should you bring cash to a farmers' market?
While most vendors at farmers' markets accept credit cards, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand.
Farmers' Markets in Raleigh - Final Thoughts
The farmers' markets of Raleigh and Wake County offer far more than just fresh fruits and vegetables. When you shop at these markets, you are investing in your community, supporting family farms, reducing your carbon footprint, and ensuring the freshest, most flavorful ingredients make it to your table.
The farmers' market is a great place to visit if you need a break from eating out at one of Raleigh's top-rated restaurants. What you put in your body is very important. Purchasing products you know are not full of additives or preservatives is a great way to live a healthy lifestyle.
For homeowners already settled in the Raleigh area, these markets provide weekly opportunities to connect with your neighbors and celebrate the seasons through local food.
Full of amazing neighborhoods, there is bound to be a farmer's market in Raleigh that will have what you are looking for. You can contact us today to find your dream home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
