Whether you’re looking for the best cheeses, top-quality meat, or the freshest bread and dairy, this guide will bring you some of the best farmer’s markets in Houston to visit.
Having always been a sucker for a farmer’s market, I found this research to be one of my favorites. I love everything about them, the sights and sounds, and the colors and smells of the fresh vegetables. I could spend all day (and an awful lot of money) at some of these places; there is something so comforting about them.
Best Farmers Markets in Houston – Our Top Picks
While traveling around the best farmer’s markets in Houston, I have discovered precisely what they’re about, what they sell, and where they’re located. I have also been trying to find out which ones stock the freshest products, which are the best value for money, and what makes each one unique and worth a visit.
So let’s not waste time and check my top picks for the best farmer’s markets in Houston, Texas.
1. The Houston Farmers Market
| Location | 2520 Airline Dr. Houston, TX 77009 |
| Website | www.thehoustonfarmersmarket.com |
| Opening Hours | 7 days a week, 5:30 am - 7:30 pm |
I decided to start with this one as I was drawn to the fact that it is, in fact, the oldest farmer’s market in Houston and also the largest. It spreads over a whopping 18 acres from end to end, meaning it’s jam-packed with every form of food and products you can imagine, from locally made cheese to homegrown herbs and some of the most vibrant fruit and veg you have ever seen. It has also recently undergone an impressive renovation.
There is so much diversity and exciting things to do that you can easily lose hours wandering around here, dining in the chef’s corner, shopping for locally grown produce, and hanging out with the locals.
One thing to note is that this market is not pet friendly, so be sure not to take your dogs along.
As expected, the busiest time to go is in the morning, so if you want a quieter experience, be sure to head down in the afternoon, and don’t worry, there is still plenty left to buy at this stage.
Handy tip – a lot of the vendors also accept only cash.
Also Read:- 10 Top Fish and Seafood Markets in Houston
2. Rice University Market
| Address | Rice University,5600 Greenbriar Dr, Houston, TX 77005 |
| Website | www.farmersmarket.rice.edu/ |
| Opening Hours | Tuesdays: 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm |
Despite the name, don’t worry; I am not about to send you to a market full of basmati and jasmine grains. This market is home to some of the freshest farm products in the area. Everything is sourced from local farmers daily.
One thing that stood out to me here is that whereas many markets only accept cash, these guys offer the option to buy tokens before you start shopping. You can then use these tokens to pay the vendors. So if you turn up and realize you’ve forgotten to bring cash. Don’t worry. You can purchase the tokens without money.
There are around 40 vendors selling items such as artisan chocolate, homemade honey, home essentials, fresh bouquets, farmhouse cheeses, and handcrafted gifts.
Also Read:- Top 7 Best Grocery Stores in Houston, TX
3. Sprout Farmers Market
| Address | 11940 Westheimer Road, Houston, 77077 |
| Website | www.sprouts.com |
| Opening Hours | 7 days a week: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm |
The Sprouts Farmers Market is a one-stop agricultural shop. You can literally pick up anything and everything you can think of.
The market is divided into separate departments, making everything accessible. There is a large meat counter, a deli, confectionaries, seafood counter, and pretty much any other kind of grocery you can imagine.
One of the things Sprouts offers that others don’t is their license to buy and sell alcohol, which many farmer’s markets don’t have the ability to do. So, if you like a nice glass of merlot with your cheese board, perhaps this is the market for you.
Another unique service they offer is the option to order your groceries for delivery or collection.
4. Central City Co-Op Farmers Market
| Address | Inside Kindred Church, 2515 Waugh Dr, 2509, Houston, TX 77006 |
| Website | www.centralcityco-op.com |
| Opening Hours | Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm |
Central City Co-Op Farmers Market is the first cooperative organization formed by Houston locals. The market later became one of the most popular spots for anyone in the area.
Unlike other farmer’s markets I have mentioned, this one differs in that it isn’t limited to locally sourced produce; here, vendors outside of the area can sell their wares and local traders. Although it’s nice to get locally sourced produce, I think this makes it slightly more diverse and different from the rest.
Another thing that makes this market different is the ability to order what you want before market day. If you’re not someone who enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy morning market, you can simply order, collect straight from your chosen venue, and make a quick exit. Personally, I prefer getting involved in the scuffle, but each to their own.
Also Read:- 7 Best Places To Have Thai Food in Houston | 2022
5. Farmers Market in Parkway
| Address | 1225 W Grand Pkwy S, Katy TX, 77494 |
| Website | www.farmersmarketongrandparkway.com |
| Opening Hours | Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Before it had the name it has today, Farmer’s Market in Parkway was known as The LaCenterra Farmers Market, which changed location and is now situated in The Church of the Holy Apostles.
The locals absolutely love this place, and it’s pretty clear to see why. The atmosphere here felt great; the vendors were all friendly and jovial, and everyone seemed to be having a lovely time.
This market is relatively small compared to the rest of the ones I’ve mentioned, but I felt that added to its quirkiness. Despite the size, you can still pick up everything you need, such as fresh dairy, handmade crafts and gifts, spicy jams, homemade marmalades, and homegrown herbs.
6. Memorial Villages Farmers Market
| Address | 10840 Beinhorn Road, Houston, TX 77024 |
| Website | www.mvfarmersmarket.org |
| Opening Hours | Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
As soon as I entered this market, I was greeted with a feeling of homely welcome. Straight away, you feel everyone knows each other and works together to create a great shopping and selling experience.
This market, like the one mentioned before, is only open on Saturday mornings, so it can get quite busy.
As well as having all the features of your usual farmer’s market, such as incredibly fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients, an added bonus to this one is that they have live music playing while you shop. It really added to the vibe, and I thought it was a brilliant touch.
They have a children’s playground, and they’re also pet friendly, so whether you’re selling or shopping, it is somewhere to enjoy with the whole family.
Looking for More Family Friendly Destinations in Houston? How About: 7 Best Restaurants For a Delightful Dining Experience in Houston
7. Southwest Farmers Market
| Address | 9801 Bissonnet Street, Houston, 77036 |
| Website | www.southwestfarmersmarket.net |
| Opening Hours | 7 days a week: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm |
This market is famous for being one of America’s largest African grocery stores. They also have four other sites in Arlington, Texas, Garland, and Austin.
As they are an African store, most of the products you’ll find here mainly focus on the African community. Some products you can expect to see include smoked fish, African drinks, cured meats, spices, and prepared foods.
Another bonus with this place is that you can have all your groceries brought to you by Uber, so you don’t even need to leave the house to get your hands on some of the best African products in the area.
You’ll love this place if you’re looking for something different from your traditional American farmers’ market.
8. Urban Harvest Farmers Market at City Hall
| 901 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002 | |
| www.urbanharvest.org/farmersmarket | |
| Wednesdays: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm |
Urban Harvest Farmers Market is, without a doubt, one of the largest in Houston. That large that it actually supplies around 70 smaller markets with produce for them to sell. I believe that it used to operate on Sundays but later changed its opening day to Wednesday to try and keep everyone happy.
As you can imagine, with the size of this place and the fact that it only runs one day a week, people flock there in the 1000s to get their hands on the low-priced produce. So, prepare for a busy morning if you’re heading to this one. It’s worth the scramble, though, and you’re guaranteed to bag yourself some fantastic bargains.
They offer a drive-through system, too, meaning you can order online before you visit, turn up in your car, and collect your order quickly and easily.
Another unique offering they have, is their classes and tutorials, such as over 50 gardening classes and certified courses in agriculture and permaculture.
9. Westchase District Farmers Market
| Address | 10503 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77042 |
| Website | www.westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com |
| Opening Hours | Thursdays: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
This market was first started in 2013 when it received $65,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. Also known as the FMPP). From the start, their mission was always to expand local produce and give farmers a place to sell their wares, and they’re proud to say that they succeeded in doing so.
The quality of everything you can buy here is exceptionally high-quality. The kind of produce you can expect to pick up is things like spices, oils, jars of honey, jams, marmalades, meat, cheese, bread, and handcrafted items such as bath salts and soaps.
The market is one of the smaller ones within this guide. I would say they only have about 20-25 vendors, so great if you’re someone intimidated by the massive markets I’ve discussed previously.
10. East End Farmers Market
| Address | 2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003 |
| Website | www.eastendhouston.com/market |
| Opening Hours | Sundays: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Located on the Navigation Esplanade, this market defines modern markets. Unlike other markets, where sometimes you feel like you’re going to get trampled by eager bargain hunters, here, it is much calmer and classier and offers a much more peaceful way to shop for produce. The atmosphere is excellent, and the background music adds to the vibe.
Regarding the produce, you can expect to find your usual suspects on sale, such as fresh vegetables, fruit, homegrown herbs, dairy products, and crafts.
They’re only open for four hours on a Sunday, but they don’t get as overcrowded as some other markets, and the vibe remains pretty calm.
Another thing they do offer is a late-night market on a Friday evening. This comes around once a month, on the last Friday of every month, and features food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music. It’s a family-friendly event and definitely worth a visit.
To Finish
Overall, as you can see, there is a massive choice regarding farmer’s markets in Houston. Whether you want a quiet shop alone, a morning out with the family, join the bargain hunters in the scrub of the stalls, or even enjoy a Friday night out, there is something for everyone.
If you’ve enjoyed discovering the markets in Houston as much as I have, you might also be interested in 9 Exotic Pet Stores in and around Houston.