The number of farmers markets in Houston has exploded in recent years. Some are small mom-and-pop operations while others are large and festive with live bands, food trucks, and cooking demonstrations. They all sell a wide range of items including freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, grass-fed beef, and emu eggs. As springtime peeks around the corner, here are some of the best farmers markets and the Houston neighborhoods they serve.

Photo courtesy of Urban Harvest Farmers Markets

Urban Harvest Farmers Markets - Greenway Plaza / Downtown

Saturdays and Wednesdays

Residents in this picturesque, urban neighborhood can enjoy this year-round, rain-or-shine farmers market that offers locally grown farm products, vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, plants, and dairy products. A number of family farms and small growers from the area financially benefit from the proceeds of the market. Community gardeners, backyard gardeners, and school groups all get the opportunity to sell their wares.

Rice University Farmers Market - University Place

Tuesdays  

Rice University’s Farmers Market’s main goal is to make locally grown food available to as many people as possible, especially for the students, administrators, and professionals who reside in this quiet, tree-lined university community. The market also provides a vehicle for local farmers and producers to showcase their fresh foods. Almost all of the food at the market has been grown in a sustainable manner, keeping out artificial pesticides and fertilizers.

Photo courtesy of Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores

Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores - Clear Lake

Saturdays

The Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shore’s main focus is to provide their community with fresh produce and local art in addition to serving breakfast and lunch. As the market also serves Clear Lake Shores,  Kemah,  Seabrook, and the surrounding areas, families, houseboat residents, and professionals are able to access locally grown fare.

Central City Co-Op - Downtown Houston

Wednesdays

Central City Co-Op is not only a farmers market, but also a co-op that offers local, sustainable, and organic produce to the Houston community. Central City has an open market featuring farm-fresh produce, local dairy, free-range eggs, plus dry goods. Shares of freshly picked produce can also be pre-ordered for pickup. First-time visitors, professionals, and families who live and bike in the area may shop for free, otherwise, a day pass or membership is needed.

Photo courtesy of Memorial Villages Farmers Market

Memorial Villages Farmers Market - Memorial

Saturdays

Memorial Villages Farmers Market prizes its relationships between farmers, artisans and the entire community. Hosted by First Congregational Church in cooperation with the City of Hunters Creek Village, this suburban area features live music, a pet-friendly environment, a family-friendly atmosphere, food demonstrations, guest lectures, and children’s activities.

Westchase District Farmers Market - Westchase

Thursdays  

A variety of vendors at the Westchase District Farmers Market sell pork, beef, eggs, produce, and cheeses. The market also showcases locally made jams and jellies, honey, specialty soaps, artisan breads, and olive oils. As the Westchase area is a residential and a commercial area, this market appeals to a wide and eclectic audience.

Photo courtesy of Farmers Market at Imperial

Farmers Market at Imperial - Sugar Land 

Saturdays

In its seventh year, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce continues to host their farmers market, which features fresh, seasonal produce from local farmers, grass-fed meats, free-range chickens and eggs, local honey, small batch foods, and bakery items. Local residents who live in this suburban community can also browse the art from local artisans and try ready-to-eat food from booths and popular food trucks while listening to local musicians.