It’s farmer’s market season! Markets all throughout the city and the ‘burbs are coming back to life with tons good stuff, and we can’t wait to get out there and take it all in. Pennsylvania has an abundance of great produce to offer in the Spring - from sugar snap peas and zucchini to spring onions to lettuces galore. It gets even better as we roll into summer with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, berries, melon and so much more! But beyond all of the produce, we’re super lucky to have so many awesome local vendors slinging everything from pickles, sauces and baked goods to fresh juices and microbrews. When it comes to good food, Philly’s truly got it all. So in the refreshing spirit of spring, here’s a roundup of the best local markets so you can get a taste of the season.
Headhouse
First and possibly our favorite, the Headhouse farmer’s market began in 2007, but Philadelphians have been shopping at Headhouse Square since colonial days. The open-air brick structure provides the perfect setup for vendors and shoppers, providing shade on hot days and shelter from rain or snow. This market is large (about 40 vendors each week) but never feels too overwhelming. You’ll find produce along with artisanal goods like bread, soup, coffee, beer, cider and wine.
Rittenhouse
This picturesque market bordering Rittenhouse Square is run by Farm to City. It runs year-round along Walnut Street on the north side of the Square for two blocks. During the summer, it continues down the east and west sides of the park too. This one has it all - think produce, fresh meats, local jerky, artisanal sauces and spreads of all kinds, baked goods, wine, flowers and more. Plus, there’s often some type of live music at the park when the weather’s nice.
Fitler Square
Another reason to love Fitler Square! Stop by Rival Bros for a coffee on your way to the market for a perfect Saturday morning. Run by the Food Trust, this year-round market in the tranquil Fitler Square Park offers fruits & veggies, herbs, dairy, meats & other locally-sourced goods. It’s a smaller market, but it consistently brings top-quality produce to this charming neighborhood.
Dickinson Square
This Pennsport market operated by Farm to City is as local as it gets, offering many items that can’t be found in stores. The market is “producers only” - meaning that farmers sell only what they produce, and the food artisans selling prepared foods must source their ingredients from nearby farms.
Clark Park
Also run by the Food Trust, this is one of the largest markets and a true neighborhood staple. Food trucks stop by too, and people like to stick around and enjoy their goodies at the park on a nice day. This one operates year-round, thanks to support from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Friends of Clark Park and the University of the Sciences.
East Falls
This year-round, weekly market beneath the twin bridges in East Falls is a real community hub that has been run entirely by volunteers since it began in 2017! On a typical weekend you’ll find neighbors socializing and shopping amongst about 20 vendors offering a variety of produce, homemade food items, crafts and gifts.
Fairmount
The Fairmount market runs year-round across 22nd Street from Eastern State Penitentiary. The Food Trust hosts this lively market, bringing in about a dozen vendors each week. Check out Ursa Bakery, a small local bakery who makes sourdough and yeast breads using all freshly milled Pennsylvania-grown grains.
Germantown
Head to historic Germantown to shop at a market that’s doing some awesome things for the community. The Food Trust opened this market in 2018 in collaboration with Germantown United CDC and Weavers Way Co-op, but it’s now solely operated by a small farm/social enterprise in Northwest Philadelphia called Philly Forests. Philly Forests is committed to diversifying the local food system and promoting environmental justice to Philadelphia residents in low canopy zip codes. They use sustainable and regenerative growing practices to align with nature's way of producing food. They also buy trees, shrubs and perennial plants and distribute them for free in neighborhoods with the lowest amount of trees. About 22 vendors are expected at the market this year. Beyond your produce staples, grab some jam from Fifth of Farm Creation or a cold-pressed juice from Juice Jawn!
Pretzel Park
We couldn’t leave Manayunk out. The Pretzel Park Farmers Market has been running for over 10 seasons now. This is a small but approachable market with friendly vendors and affordable produce. There’s often live music at the park during the summer, and kids can enjoy the playground while you’re there.
Ardmore
This year-round indoor market in Suburban Square runs every day! It’s right next to Trader Joe’s too, so you can supplement your market goods with any other groceries you may need in one easy trip. Along with produce, you’ll find a selection of DiBruno Bros’ gourmet cheeses, baked goods from Ultimate Bake Shoppe, fresh pastas and more.
Booths Corner
This diverse market has a huge variety of Amish vendors and other local merchants selling everything from fresh produce and prepared foods to things like jewelry, comic books, flags, and crafts items. This one truly has it all and has been running or more than 50 years!
Bryn Mawr
Every Saturday rain or shine, you can come out and shop among many Main Line favorite vendors like Birchrun Hills Farm, Deer Creek Malthouse, Philly Fair Trade Roaster, Pleasant Corner Produce, Wild Flour Bakery, Local 130 Seafood, and more.
UMFM
The Upper Merion Farmers Market has been a community staple for over 20 years. This friendly market offers farm-fresh goods along with unique sauces and pastries.
Berwyn
New market alert! Kicking off this Spring, hosted by Culinary Harvest, the Berwyn market aims to enhance the farm-to-table connection and educate Main Line residents about the benefits of locally-grown food. Come out and shop amongst local producers and artists offering high-quality products. Here you’ll find everything from organic produce and local Wagyu beef to handcrafted pottery and jewelry, textiles and botanical perfumes.