Best Farmers Markets In Austin
No matter where you live in Austin, there’s probably a farmers market nearby that you can hit up on the weekend, as I discovered on my quest to get to know more of our fair city’s offerings. At any of these markets you’ll find fresh, seasonal food and unique goods from some of the area’s finest vendors. Visiting a market is also a lovely way to spend a weekend morning outside with your kiddos.
So go local and get to shopping at Austin’s best farmers markets.
Barton Creek Farmers Market
2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy (South)
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Held in the parking lot of the Barton Creek Square Mall, great view of the Austin downtown skyline, with a great selection of fresh produce and grass-fed meats, as well as prepared foods and gifts like jewelry, funky birdhouses, and lavender bath products. There’s also live music and a Tiny Tails petting zoo, making it a fun outing for kids. Afterwards you can cool off in the mall and let the kids run around the new Disney Jr. Playzone (located in front of JCPenney Court 2 near Brighton).
Texas Farmers Market
4209 Airport Blvd. (Mueller)
Hours: Wednesdays 5-8 p.m. & Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
11200 Lakeline Mall Dr. (Cedar Park)
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Texas Farmers Market at Mueller is one of my favorites, with its shady lakeside location and plethora of eclectic vendors. Some highlights are the decadent cookies from Teddy V. Patisserie, ginger beer from SoCo Ginger Beer, and delicious barbecue from Mum Foods. With the Mueller Lake Park and the Thinkery right around the corner, you can make a whole morning (or day!) out of visiting the market.
Sustainable Food Center (SFC) Farmers’ Market
Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St. (Downtown)
Toney Burger Center, 3200 Jones Rd. (Sunset Valley)
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Founded in 1993, the SFC is committed to creating a community where everyone has access to nutritious, local food. In addition to fruit and veggies and local cheeses, meats, and eggs, there are other unique vendors like Feel Butter Baby Gourmet Buns, Stones Throw jewelry studio, and Mom & Pops popsicles. Both locations have live music and the Sunset Valley market has a cool foam play area for kids.
Boggy Creek Farm Stand
3414 Lyons Rd. (East)
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (in August, stand is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
This 5-acre urban farm, founded in 1992, is a gem nestled in an eastside neighborhood. Go early to get the best selection of produce—I was there around 11 a.m. and it was fairly picked over. They also sell goods from other local farmers. Though the farm stand is on the small side, kids will also enjoy checking out the big chicken coop and walking around the fields and crops.
Green Gate Farms
8310 Canoga Ave. (East)
Hours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Another urban farm on the east side, this farm stand is open September through July and and offers organic vegetables, flowers, honey, meats, and eggs. After shopping, you can take a farm tour for $10 to see the historic barn, fields, gardens, and visit the Children’s Garden that features a sandbox, tasting garden, and Magic Treehouse.
Lone Star Farmers Market
12700 Hill Country Blvd. (Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave)
Hours: Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This location is another favorite of mine, mainly because of the splash pad right in the middle of it where kids can cool off and run around in between shopping. There’s also a shaded patio with tables where a band plays, and Garbos food truck with lobster rolls at the edge of the market. In addition to the usual vendors, some highlights are the free wine tasting from Blessed Bee Winery, handmade popsicles from Poptopia, and divine French pastries from Julie Myrtille bakery.
HOPE Farmers Market
412 Comal St. (East)
Hours: Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
This market has a great community feel and a charming, unique location in Plaza Saltillo. It’s on the small side, but has a variety of vendors including juices from Cold Cane Press, traditional Mexican candies from Sweet Tsopelik, and vibrant, bohemian pillows and wall hangings from Dolce’s Delights. There is live music, corn hole, a play area, a “Cool Down Zone” with fans and a baby pool, and free yoga. Even if it’s not in your neighborhood, it’s worth a visit.