Best DC Farmers Markets

Best DC Farmers Markets for “Making a Day of It”

Locavores and socialites unite.  The DC area is decorated with farmers markets boasting fresh, local produce, artisanal foods, flowers, crafts and more. While these markets provide excellent access to local, organic food—the healthiest option for you and your family, the environment and the local economy—many also present an excellent way to pass the morning, afternoon, or even the whole day in combination with nearby attractions.  Check out these DC area farmers markets that offer that something extra.  Then, pack your picnic blanket, bring an empty market basket to fill and make a day of it!

Eastern Market Fresh Tuesdays Outdoor Farmers Market

225 7th St SE Washington, DC 20003

Weekends, Tuesdays 3pm-7pm

Year round

An easy walk from the Eastern Market Metro station, Eastern Market boasts fresh food, special events and artisan crafts 6 days a week (closed Mondays).  All day on weekends and Tuesday afternoons from 3pm-7pm, the farmers market hosts local farmers, artisan food and handmade craft producers offering a variety of fresh produce, flowers and fine, value-added goods.  Come stock up on farm-direct produce from the DC area, then spend the afternoon grazing on the prepared food offerings along the outdoor Farmers’ Line or the indoor South Hall Market.  Amazing vendors at the Eastern Market include Peachy Curds and Sausages, The Fresh Mobile and Mockingbird Hill Farms.  When you’ve eaten your fill, peruse the arts and crafts tables while you chat with the artisans themselves.  Check their website for special events happening regularly. Eastern Market offers something for everyone in a vibrant, community setting alive with local offerings.  

Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market

1500 20th St NW Washington, DC 20036

Sundays

10 am-1pm, January-March

8:30 am-1:30pm, April-December

Year round

DC’s largest and most bustling farmers market offers local food galore in the heart of Dupont Circle.  In addition to mountains of local, organic produce, the market hosts a multitude of creative vendors selling locally made just about anything you can imagine.  Indulge in Baklava Couture, charcuterie and salami from Three Little Pigs, baked goods from Bonaparte Breads and so much more.  After you’ve eaten your way through the market, enjoy some of the city’s best people watching or stroll the streets of the Dupont Circle neighborhood, decorated with cafes, bars and shops.  The Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market is the perfect way to pass a sleepy Sunday morning nibbling local goodies and stocking up on fresh food for the week to come.  

Glover Park & Burlieth Farmers Market

Hardy Middle School parking lot

1819 35th St NW Washington, DC 20007

Saturdays 9am-1pm

May-November

The Glover Park & Burlieth Farmers Market promises fun for the whole family.  Kids and dogs are welcome at the market and family friendly activities include face painting, live music and food truck offerings.  Amazing vendors include Spring Valley Farm & Orchard, Spriggs Delight Goat Milk Cheeses, Café Los Sueños and many more.  Held in the parking lot of Hardy Middle School, the market is just blocks away from DC’s Dumbarton Oaks Park and Gardens. Enjoy the fun and fill your basket with goodies at the market, then hit the park for a picnic and afternoon of outdoor fun with the family.  

White House FRESHFARM Market

810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20420

Thursdays 11am-2pm

April-November

Steps away from the White House, hit the White House market to stock up on artisan foods, local dairy, organic produce, grass-fed meats, baked goods and more.  When your market bags can hold no more, take a short stroll to enjoy the quintessential DC picnic along the nearby National Mall on a historic patch of grass or at the foot of one of DC’s legendary monuments.  If you’re lucky, complete your classic Capital City afternoon with a sighting of First Lady, Michelle Obama, who has been known to frequent the White House FRESHFARM Market. 

Palisades Farmers Market

48th Pl NW & MacArthur Blvd, Washington, DC 20016

Sundays 9 am-1pm

Year round
Located a hop, skip and a jump from the Potomac waterfront, the Palisades Farmers Market offers fresh food, family fun and more.  The market is operated by the Palisades Citizens’ Association and aims to enhance quality of life for DC residents by supporting community gathering, activities and interaction.  Browse local vendors including favorites Salsa Las Gloria, Bread House and Gonzales Produce.  When you’ve sampled and shopped to your heart’s content, stick around for live music or enjoy a paddle on the Potomac complete with market goodies for munching. 

Check out the DC area Local Harvest farmers markets page for a list of markets in the area, searchable by map and complete with market details and reviews.  This awesome  2014 Washington Post article provides an extensive list of DC area farmers’ markets and an interactive map to help you find the market nearest to home.