Houston is famous as the world capital of many things – space exploration, the international energy industry, petroleum exploration, and air conditioning. As if that were not enough, it also holds the title of the world capital of capital punishment.
So, it would be surprising to know that this urban jungle also has quite a few farmers markets – a far cry from the days when the city had to depend on California and Mexico for its produce (both in and out of season).
There is a growing market today for local, organic foods produced by small farmers. And the “shop local, eat local moment” is only growing stronger by the day, necessitating the need for more farmers markets.
So, the next time you want to stock up your refrigerator, skip the supermarket. Instead, head out to any of the best farmers markets in Houston for farm-fresh produce, eggs, cheese, and so much more.
The Houston Farmer’s Market
The only farmers market to be open all day, The Houston Farmers Market is one of the city’s oldest and largest farmers markets. Situated on a sprawling 18-acres on Airline Drive, this farmers market offers the choicest range of produce, herbs, spices, meats, and baked goodies. If you are not in the mood to cook, there are options to grab a meal or even a cup of coffee.
The market is your one-stop shop for locally-grown produce and products in Houston, Texas. Whether you like experimenting with your food or sticking to your traditional roots, this is your haven for a wide variety of flavors and foods. The best part is that the market is open daily apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- Website: https://thehoustonfarmersmarket.com/
- Address: 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
- Timing: 5.30 am – 6 pm daily
- Phone: +1 713-862-8866
Memorial Villages Farmers Market
Sometimes the best way you can de-stress is by taking a walk in an open-air market as you unwind and enjoy the live music while filling your shopping bag with fresh produce. Memorial Villages Farmers Market offers just that! Plus, it’s also pet-friendly.
The universal term farmers market would not do justice to what is considered one of Houston’s premier farmers markets. The Memorial Villages Farmers Market is more than just your traditional market. From vendors selling high-quality products to a playground and plenty of children’s activities, live music, guest lectures, and food demonstrations, this market hosted by the First Congregational Church offers something for the entire family.
- Website: http://www.mvfarmersmarket.org/
- Address: Hunters Creek Village, 10840 Beinhorn Rd, Houston, TX 77024
- Timing: 9 am – 1 pm every Saturday
- Phone: +1 832-659-7070
Westchase District Farmers Market
If you are looking for high-quality, locally grown, fresh seasonal produce, then head to the Westchase District Farmers Market. While it may not be the largest farmers market in the city, it definitely offers a wide variety of products sold by over two dozen vendors.
From fresh fruits and vegetables and eggs, cheese, pork, and beef to jams, jellies, honey, artisan bread, olive oils, nuts, sauces, condiments, popcorn, and handmade soaps, this midweek market has it all. A vibrant gathering place for members of the Westchase community, the weekend arrives early at the Westchase District Farmers Market.
- Website: https://westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com/
- Address: 10503 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042
- Timing: 3 pm- 7 pm every Thursday
- Phone: +1 713-780-9434
The Woodlands Farmers Market
Established in 2008, the Woodlands Farmers Market is a small eclectic market that offers local produce and items made by local artisans. This weekly community market happens every Saturday and ensures it brings the best farm-to-table produce you need.
This pet-friendly market usually has live music and offers local produce, prepared food, and artisan goods. The best part about the market is that all profits from the market are returned to the community through the philanthropic programs of the Grogan’s Mill Village Association.
- Website: https://www.grogansmill.org/fmabout
- Address: 7 Switchbud Pl, The Woodlands, TX 77380
- Timing: 9 am -1 pm every Saturday (Closed on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
- Phone: +1 713-419-3388
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Starting with just 7 vendors, Urban Harvest Farmers Market provided a space where community and backyard gardeners could see fresh produce harvested by them.
Today, with over 100 vendors, it is one of the largest farmers markets in Texas. The goal of the market when it began was to support fresh, real food – and those who grow and raise it. The Urban Harvest Farmers Market continues to champion that vision more than 15 years after it first opened its doors. It has succeeded in bringing together farmers, vendors, and Houstonians to celebrate good food.
Most vendors in the market come from within 180 miles of Houston, and customers can look forward to the freshest local produce and meat. The market also has vendors selling prepared and hot foods who also source many of their ingredients from the local farms. This gives a boost to the farming community and leads to an interconnected local food system.
- Website: https://www.urbanharvest.org/urban-harvest-farmers-market/
- Address: 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77027
- Timing: 8 am -12 pm every Saturday
- Phone: +1 713-880-5540
Rice Village Farmers Market
From fresh and sustainably sourced produce to craft coffee, bespoke margaritas, chef-made delicacies, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, and fresh flowers, the Rice Village Farmers Market has it all. This bi-monthly open-air market hosts more than 40 vendors who are hand-picked to ensure that the market offers diverse, organic, and locally grown or owned products.
A new entrant to the farmers market community in Houston, the Rice Village Farmers Market made its debut on December 06, 2020. The goal was to support small Houston businesses and encourage the community to shop local. The market also has an outdoor dining area and a food truck for those looking to grab a bite. There’s also live music for entertainment while you shop. It is also pet-friendly.
- Website: https://rice-village.com/event/farmers-market/
- Address: University Place, Houston, TX 77005
- Timing: 10 am – 2 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
- Phone: +1 713-369-5228
Fulshear Farmers Market
Having started with 12 vendors way back in August of 2014, Fulshear Farmers Market has come a long way and is now a much looked forward to destination for many on a Saturday morning. It is a laid-back market with a decidedly upbeat atmosphere. You can find everything from bread, eggs, meat, and fresh produce to cut flowers, juices, handmade soaps, and food hampers that make great gifts.
The USP of the market is that it accepts only vendors who grow or produce goods within a 200-mile radius of Fulshear. This keeps the products fresh and local, the carbon footprint down, and contributes to the local economy and the environment.
- Website: https://fulshearfarmersmarket.com/
- Address: 9035 Bois D’Arc Ln, Fulshear, TX 77441
- Timing: 9 am – 1 pm every Saturday
- Phone: +1 713-703-4129
Explore the best of Houston’s farmer’s markets to stock up on your daily essentials and do your bit for your local community even as you support small businesses. In the words of Bryant Terry – “What makes the farmers market such a special place is that you’re actually creating community around food.”
So, explore some of the best farmers markets in Houston on this list and let us know your experience.
