Come spring, Coastal Virginia is flush with pop-up farmers markets boasting fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted goods. We’ve rounded up markets throughout the region that pair shopping with family fun and special seasonal events.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake Farmers' Market
What: A city market dedicated to promoting local agriculture and community.
When: Open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays, June to November.
Where: 900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake
Offerings: Fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, herbs, eggs, honey, meats
Hampton
Buckroe Beach Farmers Market
What: In addition to its host of locally grown offerings, the Hampton-based marketplace entertains themed markets celebrating everything from fitness to pets.
When: Select Saturdays through Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 100 S. 1st St., Hampton
Offerings: Fresh fruits, vegetables, local goods, art, seafood
Newport News
City Center Farmers' Market
What: A downtown market accompanied by local shopping and delicious eats from Big Daddy’s BBQ.
When: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 16 through Sept. 19
Where: 703 Mariners Row, Newport News
Offerings: Seasonal produce, local fruit, baked goods, poultry, meat and bison products, seafood, cheese, eggs, jams, jellies, spices, flowers, plants, candles, dog treats, soaps, lotions
Dean & Don’s Farm Market
What: The former 1967 roadside stand has since expanded into a full-scale farmers market in Downtown Newport News vending goods from all over the East Coast.
When: Open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., April through October
Where: 12601 Warwick Blvd., Newport News
Offerings: Seasonal produce, local eggs, local honey, North Carolina barbecue, homemade breads, jams, jellies, juices, salad dressings, garden center goods
Game’s Farmers Market
What: Open 364 days a year, this local market-meets-grocery store is flush with high quality goods.
When: Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 503 Harpersville Rd., Newport News
Offerings: Meat, produce, grocery, bulk Amish-style products, nursery items
Norfolk
NFK Farm Market
What: Hosted at the widely celebrated Commune eatery, the NFK Farm Market is now a permanent fixture in the NEON District vending the freshest goods from across the state.
When: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 759 Granby St., Norfolk
Offerings: Produce from New Earth Farm; meats from Cartwright Family Farms, Pungo-Tuck Local Beef Co. and Edwards Virginia Smokehouse; cheese from Mountain View Farm Products; and a handful of pasture-raised eggs, local honey, grains, flour and more from local pastures
Hampton Blvd Farmers Market
What: A seasonal marketplace vending the best crops and from-scratch goods crafted by local vendors.
When: Every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m., April through October
Where: 7400 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk
Offerings: Bread, baked goods, dog treats, sauces, cured meats, herbs, pork, sausage, grass-fed beef, poultry, pasture-raised eggs, wine, popsicles, oysters, produce, honey, dips, kombucha, flowers, house products, coffee
The Markets Fare at East Beach
What: A seasonal marketplace serving the East Beach community and creating business opportunities for farmers, growers and producers throughout Virginia and beyond.
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April through October
Where: 22nd Bay St. and Shore Drive, Norfolk
Food Vendors: Uncle Russ' Dockside Seafood Market, Udder Chaos Farms, Butter Brothers, Flour Child Bakery, Riffle Farms, The Coop, Pennacook Peppers, Soul Stir Teas & Wellness, Vessel Craft Coffee, Gateaux Bakery, Cowboy Syd’s Sauces, Sorva Syrups, Mallowdoo and Eastern Shore Meats.
View additional vendors here.
Westside Produce & Provisions
What: A family-owned market that sources products from local farms and food and beverage producers while maintaining a garden onsite through a partnership with Old Dominion University's Classroom to Table Program to offer herbs and cut flowers.
When: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 5015 Colley Ave., Norfolk
Food Vendors: Cromwell's Produce, Cullipher Farm, Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, Mattawoman Creek Farms, Mount Pleasant Farms, Mountain View Farm, New Earth Farm, Pleasant Pasture Farm, Windhaven Farm
View additional vendors here.
Portsmouth
Olde Towne Portsmouth Farmers Market
What: High Street and Court Street come to life on Saturday mornings for an urban market in historic Portsmouth.
When: Every Saturday through Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: High Street and Court Street junction
Offerings: Potted herbs, seasonal produce, artisan breads, baked foods, savory biscuits, jams and jellies, salsas, sauces, flowers, seafood, heirloom produce, free-range eggs and poultry, heritage pork, grass-fed beef and handcrafted soaps
Smithfield
Smithfield Farmers Market
What: All Smithfield Farmers Market vendors are located within 100 miles of the town ensuring 100 percent local and homegrown goods.
When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, April through December
Where: 115 Main St., Smithfield
Offerings: Seasonal produce, baked goods, eggs, beef, pork, bison, chicken, seafood, barbecue, international cuisine, coffee, honey, herbs, dairy products, home décor, garden décor, apparel, jewelry, crafts, beauty products
Suffolk
Suffolk Farmers' Market
What: A true community experience since 2005, Suffolk Farmers’ Market pairs local fare with family fun including special guests, pop-up petting zoos, book signings, children’s workshops and more.
When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 4 through Nov. 23
Where: 524 North Main St., Suffolk
Offerings: Produce, handmade gifts, baked goods, meat and poultry, concessions, fresh eggs, milk, honey, artisan-crafted goods
Virginia Beach
Old Beach Farmers Market
What: An al fresco marketplace and certified Virginia Green market in the ViBe Creative District.
When: 9 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays through December.
Where: Croc’s 19th Street Bistro parking lot
Offerings: Fruits, vegetables, pork, bison, beef, chicken, turkey, sausage, charcuterie, eggs, seafood, cheeses, biscuits, pies, cakes, brownies, cookies, artisanal breads, locally made pasta, sauces, salsas, salads and tamales, soap and flowers
Shore Drive Farm Market
What: A year-round neighborhood market comprised of local vendors, bakers, farmers, artisans and more.
When: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 2947 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach
Offerings: Fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheeses, crepes, jewelry, dips, spreads, baked goods and rotating chef-made eats
B&L Farm Market
What: Family-owned stand with a handful of produce and flowers grown onsite.
When: Seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 1065 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach
Offerings: Flowers, herbs, plants, seafood, fruits, vegetables, pies
King’s Grant Farmers Market
What: This evening community market is dedicated to promoting a sustainable lifestyle through support of local farmers and craftsmen.
When: Every other Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., May 9 through Sept. 19
Where: 873 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach
Offerings: Produce, kitchen products, food trucks, honey, nut butters, art, dairy, baked goods, flowers, seafood
Virginia Beach Farmers Market
What: Open year-round, Virginia Beach Farmers Market is host to a plethora of regional growers and crafters. Guests are also invited to explore a handful of agriculturally inspired shops onsite.
When: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 3640 Dam Neck Road, Suite 510, Virginia Beach
Offerings: Butcher shop, seafood market, dairy, ice cream, flowers, candy, baked foods, full-menu restaurant, specialty stores, fruits, vegetables
Veg Out Gardens
What: Veg Out Gardens is a certified USDA organic market vending solely Virginia-grown and Virginia-made goods.
When: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach
*Vendors: Dee’s Nuts Peanut Butter, It Started with a Fig Jams, Hudson Henry Granola, Jody’s Popcorn, Snowing in Space, Red Mushrooms Brewing, Butter Brothers, Bodacious Bakehouse, Lolly’s Creamery & Soup Co., Kahiau’s Bakery & Café, Esoteric, Mount Pleasant Farms
*Vendors are subject to change
Williamsburg
Williamsburg Farmers Market
What: A bustling bazaar of makers and purveyors located in Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square.
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, March through December
Where: 402 West Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg
Offerings: Produce, seafood, cut flowers, organic vegetables, herbs, baked goods, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, beauty products, artisan bread, honey, eggs
Yorktown
Yorktown Market Days
What: One of the only farmers markets in Coastal Virginia with a sparkling waterfront view. Enjoy themed market days, food trucks and cooking demonstrations.
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, April through October
Where: 401 Water St., Yorktown
Offerings: Produce, seafood, meats, breads, handcrafted soaps, candies, honey, gourmet dog treats
