Banded bundles of asparagus stand at attention; floppy-bloom daffodils fill paper cones; green cardboard baskets overflow with strawberries. Spring is announcing its arrival at neighborhood farmers markets in Philadelphia, set to be open around town from mid-May to November.

In the U.S., food can travel hundreds of miles to reach its final destination. Produce at farmers markets, however, gets transported much shorter distances, using fewer fossil fuels and other natural resources. That makes shopping at Philadelphia farmers markets a great way to fight climate change — all while stocking your pantry with delicious, health-giving foods, and putting money into the overalls of regional farmers.

Below is where to find awesome farmers markets in Philadelphia (and just across the Delaware River in New Jersey) where you can buy locally grown produce, freshly cut flowers, baked goods and artisanal products.

Philadelphia farmers markets

The home of the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market has high standards for farmers markets. Here are some urban markets that live up to local expectations.

Clark Park Farmers Market

The Clark Park Farmers Market is one of The Food Trust’s largest — and it might just be one of its most beloved. In 26 years, it has become a neighborhood staple, and it’s not unusual to see people stick around to eat their purchases or goodies from the food trucks that stop by. The Clark Park market operates year-round, thanks to the support of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Friends of Clark Park, and the University of the Sciences.

Regular vendors: Countryside Farms (produce, baked goods), Eden Garden Farm (seasonal orchard), Hands on the Earth Orchard (fresh fruit, cider, baked goods), Katydid Hill Farm (herbs, tinctures, tea blends, tonics) Landisdale Farm (certified organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, chicken, eggs, raw milk), Livengood Produce (produce, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, eggs), Lost Bread, Native Sun (candles and wellness products), Nilla Coffee, Otolith Sustainable Seafood (Alaskan seafood), Pound Cake Heaven, Primordia Mushroom Farm, Slow Rise Bakery (breads), Unique Gardens (fresh cut flowers and wreaths) Valley Milkhouse (cheese, butter, buttermilk).

New vendors: Aaji’s Kitchen (tomato lonsa, an Indian condiment)

Special events: Occasional special events. Check the Food Trust’s Instagram for updates.

Where: 43rd Street and Chester Avenue

When: Saturdays, 10am to 2pm, year-round

TIPS:

• Rotating vendors include many selling locally-made spirits, including Red Brick Distillery, Succession FermentationPloughman Cider, and Triple Bottom Brewing.
• All vendors accept cash, SNAP/EBT/P-EBT cards, Food Bucks, and WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers.
• Many vendors accept credit/debit cards.
• In the summer, overlaps with the Uhuru Flea Market monthly.

Dickinson Square Farmers’ Market

This South Philly (Pennsport) market is producers only, which means farmers sell only what they produce, and food artisans selling prepared foods must purchase ingredients from nearby farms. This means Dickinson Square offers many items that can’t be found in stores.

Farm to City operates Dickinson Square and 12 more local farmers markets. The organization also works year-round to unite families, communities, farmers and food artisans through healthful, locally-grown food. Their motto is “Real Farmers. Real Food.” Their goal is to save farmland by making farms profitable through direct sales to customers.

Regular vendors: ), Urban Essence (natural soaps, scrubs, body butter), The Potato Homestead (root and above-ground veggies and fruit), Fruitwood Farms, Juisibox (cold pressed juices), Lost Bread, Second Daughter Baking Co.

Where: Moyamensing Avenue and Morris Street

When: Sundays, 10am to 1pm, May through November, first and third Sundays, 10am to noon, December through April

Tips:

• Accepts FMNP WIC and Senior Vouchers).
• Runs year-round

Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market

This popular market, also run by Farm to City, borders Rittenhouse Square. It runs along Walnut Street on the north side of the Square for two blocks. In summer, it continues down the east and west sides of the park too.

Regular vendors: Beechwood Orchards (strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, apples), Frecon Farms (tree fruit, berries),), Kismet Bagels, s, A-Frame Apiary (honey), Buck Wild Bison, Davison Exotic Mushrooms, Deer Creek Malthouse, Doc Pickle, Flour & Oats (cookies), Forest & Main (draft brews), Gail’s Egg Farm, Hands on the Earth Orchard, Katydid Hill (teas), Market Day Canele (baked goods), Mediterranean Delicacy (olive and argan oil, spices, olives, pickles) Merz-bacher’s (breads), PetAl Plants & Flowers (succulents, houseplants, flowers), Red Brick Craft Distillery, Rineer Family Farms, Shellbark Hollow Farm (goat dairy products), The Pasta Lab, Triple Tree Flowers, Urban Essence, Wild Flour Bakery, Wild Fox Farm

Special Events: The Square is often full of street musicians and artists, especially during nice weather. The market continues to operate during the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show and other special events held in the park, when it can become very crowded.

Where: 18th and Walnut Streets

When: Saturdays and Tuesdays 9am to 2pm, shorter hours in winter

Tips:

• The most Instagrammable spot on Saturdays is the corner of 18th and Walnut where Triple Tree Flowers displays big, bright, beautiful bouquets. But if you do take photos of the flowers, keep in mind that the Amish farmers who run Triple Tree prefer not to be photographed.
• Come for brunch in the neighborhood, then hit the market or buy prepared foods and picnic in the park.
• Several vendors offer samples.
• Runs year-round.
• Accepts FMNP Vouchers, also known as the Senior Vouchers or the WIC Checks. Farm to City is not able to accept SNAP/Access cards until further notice.

Germantown Farmers Market

Located in the heart of historic Germantown, this farmers’ market will have 22 local food producers and artisans this summer. The market was opened in 2018 by The Food Trust in collaboration with Germantown United CDC and Weavers Way Co-op. It is now independently operated by Philly Forests, a small farm in Northwest Philadelphia that is driven to diversify the local food system. Philly Forests buys trees, shrubs, and perennial plants and distributes them for free in neighborhoods with the least tree canopy in the city.

Regular vendors: Wyncote Farms , Dirty Transplants (house plants), Pauline Nader Flower Farm, Jewells in Bloom Flower Farm, La Llamita Vegana (peruvian food), Maria V the Farmer (soaps and produce), Taiku Goods (essential oils and hand sanitizer), Majdal Bakery, Manna Bakery, Funky Fresh Ferments Kombucha, Clara Coffee Cart, Earthside Provisions (bone broths and herbal teas), US Thai Street Food, Spotted Horse Provisions (sauces, jams, spices), Goodlands Food Co (hot sauces), Masas Discos, Algorithm Vegan Food Truck, Melmos Dog Treats, Guud Lyfe Smoothies, 1 Love Jerk Hut (jerk sauces), Soap by Alana, The Rounds (sustainable household essentials)

New vendors: Penn Grows (pesticide-free microgreens)

Special Events: Pride in the Park, Saturday, June 1st 11am-3pm, featuring LGBTQ+ vendors such as Khaleelart, Jaz Makes Studios, Sodomware, and Prevention Meets Fashion

Where: 5501 Germantown Avenue

When: Bi-weekly Saturdays, 11am to 3pm

Tips:

• There’s no application fee for vendors and a $25 per day fee for the duration of the season, making it more attainable by all.
• BIPOC-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQIA-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Most vendors accept SNAP and FMNP.

Headhouse Farmers Market

This year-round farmers market was established in 2007, but Philadelphians have been shopping at Headhouse Square since Colonial days. The open-air brick building, known as the Shambles, is one of the oldest surviving market buildings in the country. It provides shade for vendors and shoppers on hot days and protection against rain or snow.

This Society Hill market is one of The Food Trust’s largest, with approximately 40 vendors each week. You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables plus locally prepared foods and artisanal goods such as bread, soup, caneles, coffee, beer, cider, and wine.

Regular vendors: Griggstown Farm (fruit pies, pot pies, sausages, quail eggs), Mom-Mom’s Kitchen (pierogi and Polish snacks), Shore Catch (fresh, local seafood), Three Springs Fruit Farm

New vendors: Tartery (Artisan pastry shop using locally sourced ingredients), Triple Bottom Brewing (Local beers)

Special Events: Occasional special events. Check Instagram for updates, @TheFoodTrust.

Where: 2nd and Lombard streets

When: Sundays 10am to 2pm, May through December, Sundays 10am to 1pm, January through April

Tips:

• Many vendors accept pre-orders online.
• All vendors accept cash, SNAP/EBT/P-EBT cards, WIC and FMNP vouchers, and Food Bucks.
• Most vendors accept credit/debit cards.
• Looking for one particular vendor? Bypass the busy center path. Take the east side of the Shambles, which is closed to traffic.
• Neil’s Sharpening Service visits the market to service dull knives on the third Sunday of every month.
• Come early or late. If you come late, some things may be sold out, but sometimes you’ll get a deal from vendors.

East Falls Farmers’ Market

This year-round, weekly market is a real community hub that since 2017 has been run entirely by volunteers. Since then, it has flourished, even during Covid, and now, on a typical weekend, there are about 20 vendors of food, crafts, and art beneath the twin bridges in East Falls. It’s also a place neighbors shop and socialize.

Regular vendors: Spring Hollow Farm (meat), Everwild Farm (produce), McCann’s Farm (produce), Twisted Gingers Brewing Company (small batch beer),), Little Mac’s Snax (pet treats), Lynda’s Lady’s Secret Valley Apiary (honey)

New vendors: Darnel’s Cakes (baked goods), Earthside Provisions (bone broths and teas)

Special Events:Live music, special classes (such as making scrap vinegar)

Where: 4100 Ridge Avenue

When: Saturdays 10am to 1pm, May to November , Saturdays 11am to 1pm December to April, Rain or shine

Tips:

• Come for lunch. The market has not only produce and ingredients but also hot, ready-to-eat foods.
• The market has a website that is updated weekly with details of the market and special events.
• It’s in a parking lot — half for vendors’ booths/half for customer parking. And parking is free!
• The last Saturday of every month, there’s a double-sized market with lots more craft vendors (but less parking).
• The market is right off the Schuylkill Trail, making it easy to access by bike. There is also an Indego bike station there.

Fairmount Farmers Market

The Fairmount Farmers Market was established in 2004, across 22nd Street from Eastern State Penitentiary. The bustling market, which is operated by The Food Trust, is growing and now attracts about a dozen vendors each week. It has a real focus on local makers, like Ursa Bakery, which Food and Wine dubbed the best bread in Pennsylvania. The market is open year-round.

Regular vendors: Ursa Bakery (fresh bread), Beechwood Orchards, Ben’s Produce

New vendors: Aaji’s Kitchen (tomato Ionsa), Jezabel’s Cafe (Argentinian pastries and empanadas), Sazon 2 Go (Home-style Venezuelan cuisine)

Special events: Occasionally. Check out the Food Trust’s Instagram.

Where: 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue

When: Thursdays 3 to 7pm

Tips:

• Accepts cash, SNAP/ACCESS cards, Food Bucks and WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers
• Most vendors accept credit/debit cards.
• Free parallel parking on 22nd Street; next to a parking lot

Hunting Park Farmers Market

A revitalization project started in 2009 brought a weekly farmers market, community garden, orchard, new greenery and places to play to this 87-acre park, part of the Fairmount Park system. The Food Trust strives to provide delicious, nutritious food for all. Though this market is small, residents have grown to count on the unique partnership between the market, orchard, and community garden for access to healthy food.

Regular vendors: Wyncote Farm(fruits,vegetables, honey and eggs)

New vendors: MADCRUMBS (baked goods)

Special events: Details are posted on the Food Trust’s Instagram.

Where: Old York Road and West Hunting Park Avenue

When: Saturdays 10am to 2pm, May 28 and through November.

Tips:

• Accepts cash, SNAP/ACCESS cards, food bucks, WIC, and Senior Farm Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers
• Plenty of free parking available in the park
• Kids can bring their bikes. Little Philly Safety Village, a mini bike track for kids (ages 12 and under), is nearby.
• Trees in the community orchard have identification signs.

For other Philly farmers markets, check out Farm to City’s list here, and The Food Trust’s here.

South Jersey farmers markets

Do you stop in Jersey for tomatoes and blueberries on the way to the shore? Or as a welcome relief from traffic while fighting Sunday night traffic on your way back home? Here are more local markets in the Garden State and some good reasons to take your reusable shopping bag across the river.

Collingswood Farmers’ Market

The Collingswood Farmers’ Market, which USA Today dubbed one of the best in the nation, draws thousands of shoppers each week. This market is all about local — in capital letters. The emphasis is on New Jersey farmers, growers, and food preparers, so if you like to know your local farmer, grower, beekeeper, and baker by name, this market is for you.

Regular vendors: Flaim Farms (conventional produce), Savoie Organic Farm, Muth Family Farm (organic), Natures Own Farm, Hillacres Pride (family dairy)

New vendors: Aaji’s Kitchen (tomato lonsa), Milk Jawn (small-batch ice cream)

Special Events: Live music on two stages. Annual pie and salsa contests.

Where: 713 North Atlantic Avenue (between Collings and Irvin Avenues/under PATCO), Collingswood, NJ

When: Saturdays 8am to noon, May to Thanksgiving

Tips:

• Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but the owner must use a market leash. Sales of market leashes have raised more than $15,000 for animal shelters and rescues.
• Accepts WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
• Gift certificates (called Market Bucks) are available at the Friends of the Farmers Market table.

Haddonfield Farmers Market

This will be the 19th year for Haddonfield Farmers Market. The market attracts about 28 vendors, including Muth Farm Flowers, which has been around since almost the very beginning, and Sara’s Produce, which offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies

Regular vendors: Bear Soaps (homemade products soap, cream and other products and raw honey), Blue Rascal Distillery (blueberry brandy, vodka, and whiskey),  The Angry Unicorn (baked goods), Seashore Smoothies

New vendors: Zookene Cheese (vegan, nut-free cheese sauce), Whinnies Barkery (pet treats) Special Events: Weekly events include live music, giveaways and raffles.

Where: 2 Kings Court, Haddonfield, NJ

When: Saturdays 8:30am to 1pm, May 14 to October 15

Tips:

• Rain or shine.
• To be in the know, subscribe to the market’s newsletter.

Irene Levy Baker is the author of 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia. Looking for fun things to do and places to eat? Need gifts? Get signed copies of books on the website. Readers can use promo code CITIZEN for a discount.

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