How to Find Farmers Markets in Virginia

Farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce—they are vibrant community hubs that connect consumers directly with local farmers, artisans, and food producers. In Virginia, where agriculture has deep historical roots and a thriving rural economy, farmers markets offer an authentic way to experience the state’s seasonal bounty, from sweet Virginia peaches and crisp apples to handcrafted cheeses, free-range eggs, and artisanal breads. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the region, knowing how to find farmers markets in Virginia can transform your weekly grocery routine into a rewarding, sustainable, and flavorful experience.

The importance of locating these markets goes beyond convenience. Supporting local agriculture reduces food miles, strengthens regional economies, and promotes environmental stewardship. Farmers markets also provide transparency—knowing exactly where your food comes from and who grew it fosters trust and community connection. With over 250 registered farmers markets across the Commonwealth, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, finding the right one can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step to discover, evaluate, and maximize your farmers market experience in Virginia.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Structure of Virginia’s Farmers Market Network

Virginia’s farmers markets operate under various models. Some are organized by local governments, others by non-profits, agricultural extensions, or independent farmer collectives. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) maintains an official registry of certified farmers markets, which is the most reliable starting point. These markets must meet state standards for vendor eligibility, meaning at least 50% of the products sold must be grown, raised, or produced by the vendor themselves.

Understanding this structure helps you distinguish between legitimate markets and those that may simply be craft fairs or pop-up events. A true farmers market prioritizes direct farm-to-consumer sales. Knowing this ensures you’re not just shopping for local goods, but supporting the farmers who grow them.

Step 2: Use Official State Resources

The first and most authoritative tool for finding farmers markets in Virginia is the VDACS Farmers Market Directory. Visit the official website at vdacs.virginia.gov/farmers-markets. This interactive map allows you to filter by county, season, days of operation, and accepted payment methods—including SNAP/EBT and WIC benefits.

Each listing includes:

• Market name and address
• Operating days and hours
• Seasonal availability (e.g., April–October)
• Vendor types (produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, etc.)
• Contact information

Bookmark this page and check it regularly. Market schedules change seasonally, and new markets open each spring. The VDACS site is updated quarterly and is the only source that verifies vendor compliance with state regulations.

Step 3: Leverage Local Government and Extension Offices

Each county in Virginia has a Cooperative Extension office affiliated with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. These offices serve as local hubs for agricultural information and often maintain updated lists of farmers markets within their jurisdiction.

To find your local office, visit ext.vt.edu and use the county lookup tool. Once there, search for “farmers markets” or contact an agent directly. Extension agents frequently collaborate with market organizers and can provide insights not listed online—such as which vendors are known for organic produce, or when the first harvest of strawberries typically arrives.

Many city websites, especially in areas like Charlottesville, Richmond, and Roanoke, also feature dedicated “Local Food” or “Sustainable Communities” pages that list nearby markets with maps and event calendars.

Step 4: Utilize Mobile Apps and Online Platforms

While official resources are foundational, mobile apps offer real-time convenience. Two highly recommended platforms for Virginia shoppers are:

• LocalHarvest – This national platform has a robust Virginia database. Search by ZIP code or city, and filter by product type, certification (organic, non-GMO), and open days. Users can leave reviews and photos, which helps gauge market atmosphere and vendor quality.
• Farmers Market Finder by USDA – A government-backed app that pulls data from the National Farmers Market Directory. It includes GPS-enabled location services, so you can find the nearest market while on the road.

Download both apps and cross-reference listings. Some smaller markets may not be listed on all platforms, so using multiple tools increases your chances of discovery.

Step 5: Engage with Social Media and Community Groups

Facebook Groups and Nextdoor are invaluable for hyperlocal market intelligence. Search for terms like “Virginia Farmers Markets,” “Richmond Local Food,” or “Roanoke Farmers Market Updates.” Many markets have dedicated pages where vendors post daily inventory, weather updates, or special events like live music or cooking demos.

For example, the “Northern Virginia Farmers Market Enthusiasts” group has over 12,000 members who share photos of seasonal finds, vendor recommendations, and even parking tips. These communities often know when a market is temporarily closed for rain or when a popular vendor is out of town.

Instagram is another useful platform. Follow hashtags like

VirginiaFarmersMarket, #FarmersMarketVA, or #EatLocalVA. Many vendors post daily updates, giving you a preview of what’s available before you arrive.

Step 6: Visit Markets in Person and Build Relationships

Once you’ve identified a few markets, make a point to visit them in person. Talk to vendors. Ask questions about their farming practices, harvest cycles, and recommended products. Many farmers enjoy sharing tips—like which tomatoes are best for sauces or how to store fresh herbs to extend their life.

Over time, you’ll develop relationships with your favorite vendors. They may save you a basket of ripe peaches or notify you when a new crop is coming in. Regular patrons often receive early access to limited items or special discounts.

Also, observe the market layout. Are vendors organized by category? Is there seating or restrooms? Is there a children’s activity area? These details impact your overall experience and can help you prioritize which markets to return to.

Step 7: Plan Around Seasons and Harvest Cycles

Virginia’s climate creates distinct growing seasons. Knowing what’s in season helps you time your visits for peak freshness and value.

• Spring (April–May): Asparagus, strawberries, spinach, radishes, and fresh herbs
• Summer (June–August): Tomatoes, corn, peaches, blueberries, cucumbers, zucchini, and melons
• Fall (September–October): Apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, kale, and cider
• Winter (November–March): Storage crops like onions, potatoes, cabbage, and preserved goods (jams, pickles, honey)

Markets in the Shenandoah Valley may open later than those in the Tidewater region due to elevation and frost patterns. Always check a market’s posted season before driving long distances.

Step 8: Check for Special Events and Market Festivals

Many Virginia farmers markets host seasonal festivals that attract dozens of vendors and hundreds of visitors. These events are excellent opportunities to sample a wide variety of products and meet multiple farmers in one location.

Examples include:

• Charlottesville City Market’s Fall Harvest Festival – Features live music, pie contests, and local wine pairings
• Richmond’s First Fridays at the Farmers Market – Evening markets with food trucks and artisan vendors
• Virginia State Fair Farmers Market – Held annually in October in Richmond, showcasing top vendors from across the state

Subscribe to newsletters from your favorite markets or follow their social media to stay informed about these special events. They often feature limited-edition products not available on regular market days.

Best Practices

Bring the Right Supplies

Being prepared enhances your market experience. Always bring:

• Reusable shopping bags – Many markets encourage sustainability and may offer discounts for bringing your own
• Reusable containers – For bulk items like honey, nuts, or cheese
• Cash – While many vendors accept cards, smaller vendors may only take cash, and change can be limited
• A cooler or insulated bag – Especially in summer, to keep perishables like dairy, meat, and eggs fresh during your drive home
• A notepad or phone for taking notes – Jot down vendor names, product recommendations, or prices for future reference

Arrive Early for the Best Selection

Popular items—like organic eggs, heirloom tomatoes, or handmade sourdough—sell out quickly. Arriving in the first hour of operation (typically 7–9 a.m.) gives you first pick of the day’s harvest. Vendors also tend to be more relaxed and available for conversation early in the morning.

If you’re looking for specific items, call ahead or message the market organizer. Many are happy to let you know if a particular product will be available.

Ask Questions and Learn

Don’t hesitate to ask vendors how their food is grown, raised, or made. Questions like:

• “Are your chickens pasture-raised?”
• “Do you use organic or conventional methods?”
• “What’s your favorite way to prepare this squash?”

These conversations build trust and deepen your connection to your food. Vendors often appreciate the interest and may even share recipes or storage tips.

Support Year-Round Markets

While most markets operate seasonally, several in urban centers like Alexandria, Arlington, and Roanoke offer year-round shopping. These markets often feature greenhouse-grown produce, preserved goods, and indoor vendors like bakers and cheesemakers.

Supporting year-round markets ensures farmers have consistent income during colder months and helps maintain the local food infrastructure.

Be Mindful of Pricing and Value

Farmers market prices may be higher than supermarkets, but they reflect the true cost of sustainable, small-scale production. Consider the value: no middlemen, no long-distance shipping, no chemical preservatives. You’re paying for quality, freshness, and ethical practices.

Compare prices across markets. Sometimes, a slightly higher price at one vendor is offset by better flavor, ripeness, or size. Taste before you buy if possible—many vendors offer samples.

Participate in Community Programs

Many Virginia markets accept SNAP/EBT and offer matching programs like “Double Up Food Bucks,” which doubles the value of your benefits when used for fruits and vegetables. Ask about these programs—they’re designed to make fresh food accessible to all residents.

Some markets also host “adopt-a-farmer” programs, where community members sponsor a small farm to help them cover startup costs. These initiatives strengthen the local food system and offer donors a direct connection to the land.

Tools and Resources

Official State Resources

• Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Farmers Market Directory – vdacs.virginia.gov/farmers-markets
• Virginia Cooperative Extension – ext.vt.edu – County-by-county agricultural contacts
• Virginia Farm Bureau Federation – vfbf.org – Advocacy and market listings

Third-Party Platforms

• LocalHarvest – localharvest.org – Comprehensive directory with user reviews
• USDA Farmers Market Directory – ams.usda.gov/direct-markets – National database with Virginia filters
• Google Maps – Search “farmers market near me” and filter by ratings and recent reviews
• Eventbrite – Search for “farmers market Virginia” to find special events and pop-ups

Mobile Applications

• LocalHarvest App – iOS and Android
• USDA Farmers Market Finder – iOS and Android
• Market Finder by Whole Foods – iOS and Android (includes Virginia locations)

Print and Community Resources

• Local newspapers like The Daily Progress (Charlottesville), Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Roanoke Times often publish weekly market guides.
• Public libraries frequently have bulletin boards with flyers for local markets and farm events.
• Community centers and places of worship sometimes host market information sheets.

Subscription Newsletters

Sign up for newsletters from major market organizers:

• Charlottesville City Market – charlottesvillecitymarket.org
• Richmond Farmers Market – richmondfarmersmarket.org
• Virginia Tech Farmers Market – vt.edu/farmersmarket

These newsletters often include seasonal highlights, vendor spotlights, and weather-related closures.

Real Examples

Example 1: Charlottesville City Market

Established in 1973, the Charlottesville City Market is one of Virginia’s oldest and most vibrant farmers markets. Held every Saturday year-round, it features over 60 vendors offering everything from grass-fed beef to handmade soaps.

What makes it stand out:

• It’s the only market in Virginia with a dedicated “Food Access” program that doubles SNAP benefits for fruits and vegetables
• Local musicians perform weekly, creating a festive atmosphere
• Workshops on canning, composting, and seed saving are offered monthly

Visitors report that the peach vendor, who grows heirloom varieties on a small farm in Nelson County, sells out within an hour on peak days. Many return weekly just for his peaches.

Example 2: Harrisonburg Downtown Farmers Market

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this market operates every Thursday and Saturday from April through December. It’s known for its strong representation of Amish and Mennonite farmers who sell fresh dairy, baked goods, and hand-sewn quilts.

Unique features:

• Over 40% of vendors are certified organic by the USDA
• A “Kids’ Corner” with face painting and seed planting activities
• Live demonstrations of cheese-making and bread-baking

One regular shopper shared that she discovered her favorite sourdough starter from a vendor who taught her how to maintain it. Now, she bakes weekly and hosts “starter swap” events with other market-goers.

Example 3: Virginia Beach Farmers Market

Open year-round on Sundays, this market is unique for its coastal location and focus on seafood. Vendors sell locally caught oysters, blue crabs, and shrimp—rare finds at most inland markets.

Key highlights:

• Direct sales from watermen who harvest their own seafood
• Coastal gardening workshops on salt-tolerant plants
• Free cooking demos featuring Chesapeake Bay recipes

Visitors often combine their market visit with a walk along the boardwalk. The market has become a weekend tradition for families, with children learning about marine ecosystems from the fishermen.

Example 4: Blacksburg Farmers Market

Operated by Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, this market supports student-run farms and local producers in Montgomery County.

Notable aspects:

• Over 25% of vendors are current or former students
• “Market Match” program offers $5 in free produce for every $5 spent with SNAP
• Weekly “Taste of Virginia” sampling stations

A student who started selling honey from her family’s hives in Floyd County now runs a full-time apiary business thanks to the exposure she gained here.

FAQs

How do I know if a farmers market is legitimate in Virginia?

A legitimate farmers market in Virginia requires vendors to grow, raise, or produce at least 50% of what they sell. Check the VDACS directory for official listings. Avoid markets where most vendors sell imported goods, pre-packaged items, or resold products.

Are farmers markets open year-round in Virginia?

Most operate seasonally from April to October, but urban markets in cities like Richmond, Alexandria, and Roanoke offer year-round shopping. Always verify the schedule on the market’s official website or social media.

Can I use SNAP/EBT at farmers markets in Virginia?

Yes. Nearly all certified farmers markets in Virginia accept SNAP/EBT. Many also offer matching programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which doubles your benefits for fruits and vegetables.

What’s the best time to visit a farmers market in Virginia?

Arrive within the first hour of opening—typically 7–9 a.m.—for the widest selection. Vendors restock midday, but popular items like eggs, cheese, and ripe produce sell out quickly.

Do farmers markets in Virginia sell organic products?

Many do, but not all vendors are USDA-certified organic. Ask about their growing practices. Some use organic methods without certification due to cost or scale. Look for vendors who are transparent about their processes.

Can I find meat, eggs, and dairy at Virginia farmers markets?

Yes. Many markets feature vendors who raise pasture-raised chickens, grass-fed beef, and dairy goats. Look for signs indicating “pasture-raised,” “raw milk (if legal),” or “no antibiotics.”

How can I support farmers markets if I can’t attend regularly?

Consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, where you pay upfront for a weekly box of produce from a local farm. Many market vendors also offer online ordering or delivery. You can also share market information with neighbors or volunteer at events.

Are pets allowed at Virginia farmers markets?

Policies vary. Many markets allow leashed dogs, especially in open-air settings. However, some restrict pets due to health codes, especially in covered or indoor markets. Check the market’s rules before bringing your pet.

What should I do if a vendor doesn’t have the product I’m looking for?

Ask if they know another vendor who sells it, or if they can special-order for next week. Farmers often communicate with each other and may be able to connect you with someone who has what you need.

How can I start my own farmers market in Virginia?

Contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for guidelines. You’ll need to secure a location, recruit vendors, obtain permits, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Local extension offices can provide mentorship and resources.

Conclusion

Finding farmers markets in Virginia is more than a logistical task—it’s a gateway to a deeper relationship with your food, your community, and the land. By using official resources like the VDACS directory, engaging with local extension offices, leveraging apps and social media, and visiting markets with intention, you unlock a world of fresh, seasonal, and ethically produced goods.

The benefits extend far beyond your kitchen table. Every purchase supports small-scale farmers who steward the soil, preserve heirloom varieties, and sustain rural livelihoods. It reduces reliance on industrial agriculture and fosters resilience in our food system.

As you explore Virginia’s markets—from the mountain towns of the west to the coastal communities of the east—you’ll discover not just food, but stories. Stories of generations of farming families, of innovative young growers, of neighbors coming together to nourish one another.

Make it a habit. Visit one market a week. Talk to a vendor. Try something new. Share what you learn. In doing so, you become part of a movement that values quality over convenience, connection over commerce, and community over convenience.

Virginia’s farmers markets are more than places to shop. They are living, breathing expressions of the state’s agricultural soul. Find them. Support them. And let them feed not just your body, but your spirit.