
11 Outdoor Vermont Farmers Markets to Visit in 2023 (updated)
May 16, 2019
Outdoor Vermont farmers markets are a tradition every spring, summer, and fall. From Burlington and Brattleboro to Craftsbury and Dorset, you will find town greens, local parks, and parking lots transformed into pop-up marketplaces offering locally grown produce, handmade jewelry, craft beer, grass-fed beef, and more.
When outdoor Vermont farmers markets first started in the 1970s, there were a handful of offerings in towns like Montpelier, Brattleboro, and Norwich. Today, there are about 70 farmers markets across the state, selling everything from vegan sauces and Thai food to pasture-raised poultry and butcher block cutting boards.
Here are 11 outdoor Vermont farmers markets to visit between May and October in 2023.
Norwich
The Norwich Farmers Market features more than 50 vendors from four neighboring counties in Vermont and New Hampshire. The market, which started in 1977, keeps a consistent ratio of agricultural products, prepared foods, and handmade crafts and features weekly live music. The outdoor market kicks off on May 6, 2023 and is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 281 Route 5 South (1.5 miles South of Exit 13 off I-91). Visit www.norwichfarmersmarket.org.
Craftsbury
The Craftsbury Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 20 on the scenic Craftsbury Common in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Craftsbury’s 2023 season features a diversity of products ranging from breads, eggs, cheese and maple syrup to beef, kombucha and baked goods. Free family-friendly entertainment every Saturday and special events throughout the season will set the stage for a fun experience for all. The market is held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.craftsburyfarmersmarket.com.
Londonderry
The West River Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 27 for the 2023 season. A favorite among locals in southern Vermont since 1994, the market features a variety of produce, meat, cheeses, crafts, jewelry, honey, and more. Shop from more than 40 vendors on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is located next to the junction of Routes 11 and 100 in Londonderry. Visit www.westriverfarmersmarket.com.
Waitsfield
Every Saturday, the Mad River Green is filled with 60 vendors for the Waitsfield Farmers Market. Visitors can pick up produce, plants, meats, and cheese, and more. The 2023 market starts Saturday, May 13 and is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the green, located off Route 100. Visit www.waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com.
Ludlow
The Ludlow Farmers Market kicks off Friday, May 26 with everything from wood-fired pizza and fresh bread to local produce and handmade soap. The market is held every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the Okemo Mountain School, located at 53 Main Street in Ludlow. Visit www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org.
Brattleboro
The Brattleboro Area Farmers Market features plenty of Vermont flavor with fresh veggies, meat, eggs, baked goods, plants, herbs, jewelry, crafts, woodworking and more. Brattleboro’s market is also a zero-waste market, which means that all vendors serve their food in compostable packaging. The market opens for the 2023 season on May 6, and runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 570 Western Ave. Visit www.brattleboroareafarmersmarket.com.
Montpelier
The Capital City Farmers Market in Montpelier has been bringing local producers and customers together since 1977. A variety of vendors sell local meat, vegetables, jewelry, flowers, and more. The market is open every Saturday, starting Saturday, May 6, at 133 State Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit capitalcityfarmersmarket.com.
Dorset
The Dorset Farmers Market opens its outdoor farmers market Sunday, May 14, 2023. Customers can find everything from baked goods and organic vegetables from local producers. The market sells produce, meats, cheeses, hemp, bread, dog treats, specialty food items, and more. Stop by Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is located next to H.N. Williams Store on Route 30. Visit www.dorsetfarmersmarket.com.
Rutland
The Rutland Downtown Farmers Market includes meat, maple syrup, flowers, cheese, baked goods, handmade soaps, and more. The market opens for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 13, and runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Depot Park (the Wal-Mart parking lot) in Rutland. Visit vtfarmersmarket.org/markets/summer.
Stowe
The Stowe Farmers Market starts its 2023 season on Sunday, May 14. The market features local fresh vegetables, baked goods, flowers, pottery, herbal products, jewelry, spirits, and more. Stop by between 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the green at 2043 Mountain Road. Visit www.stowefarmersmarket.com.
Burlington
The Burlington Farmers Market started in 1980 and has been a fixture ever since. The Burlington Farmers Market is where you will find seasonal produce, pottery, paintings, prepared foods, flowers, and more every Saturday between May and October. Starting May 13, stop by between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 345 Pine Street. Visit www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.
What’s your favorite outdoor Vermont farmers market?
**This post has been updated for 2023. The original story was posted in 2019.
Lotty Roozekrans
Posted at 10:26h, 17 MayThank you for the nice write-up on the Waitsfield Farmers Market! – Lotty, WFM Market Manager
Erica
Posted at 11:33h, 17 MayThanks, Lotty! Have a great season! -Erica
Amanda
Posted at 11:52h, 17 MayYeah! Love the Waitsfield market, it’s like a festival every weekend.
Erica
Posted at 08:18h, 19 MayHi Amanda — Waitsfield is so great! Yes, it definitely feels like a festival. -Erica
Diana jordan
Posted at 18:49h, 20 MaySt Johnsbury! Every Saturday in the summer. Lots of vendors, live music, great produce and handmade goods!
Erica
Posted at 13:18h, 21 MayHi Diana — Great to hear! I will have to check out the St. J market over the summer. Thanks! -Erica
Sherry Toplyn
Posted at 10:02h, 21 MayYou left out my favorite, the Manchester Farmers Market in Manchester Center. It’s open every Thursday (rain or shine) from May 23 to October 3, 3-6 p.m. in Adams Park, 5101 Main Street (7A). Every time I visit, it feels like the essence of Vermont … friendly, unique producer-only vendors, great live music, terrific kids’ programs starting in June and tons of free samples.
Erica
Posted at 13:17h, 21 MayHi Sherry — Manchester does have a nice market! I included Dorset in this piece and didn’t want to list farmers’ markets in towns right next to each other. Great suggestion, though. Thank you! -Erica
Bethany M. Dunbar
Posted at 07:37h, 26 MayCome see us this summer at the Hardwick Farmers Market on Granite Street – the historic site of the Woodbury Granite Company. We’re building a pavilion. 🙂 Every Friday afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.
Erica
Posted at 09:29h, 27 MayThank you, Bethany! The pavilion will be perfect for the market. Thanks for letting me know. -Erica