With months-long stretches of mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, Central Texas remains a reliable region for impeccable produce and well-seasoned farms cultivating fresh eggs, grass-fed meats, and any number of expertly-crafted jams, herb blends, and cheeses. Considering the favorable climate and Austin’s well-earned reputation as a culinary hot spot, the presence of multiple destination-worthy farmers markets in the state capital’s metro area comes as no surprise. For the best of the best, head to the beautifully-appointed markets at these four Austin-area towns and cities.

Austin

Courtesy of Texas Farmer's Market at Mueller

As food-savvy Austinites are abundantly aware, there’s no need to venture outside city limits for a farmers market shopping bonanza. Several of Central Texas’ finest markets happen right in Austin proper, like the Barton Creek Farmers Market, a long-running South Austin event open every Saturday throughout the year. This market hosts dozens of local vendors, offering up everything from seasonal veggies to small-batches of honey to free-range beef, pork, and poultry. Barton Creek also features live musical performances and activities for kids, making it a perfect family outing on a sunny Saturday. 

Fans of farm-fresh grocery shopping in North Austin will love the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller, just south of Windsor Park. This lively outdoor marketplace opens on a biweekly basis, every Wednesday and Sunday rain or shine. One of Austin’s largest farmers markets, TFM Mueller includes plenty of local produce options and also showcases intriguing regional vendors like Jake & Blue’s raw dog food, Violet Crown cold-brew coffee, Buddha’s Brew kombucha, and A.K.A. Mixology syrups and mixers.

Those who want to do their farmers market browsing on an actual farm should visit Boggy Creek Farm. This far East Austin staple has the freshest produce because it’s grown only a few yards away from the market stand. Boggy Creek Farm operates its market year-round, offering fruits and veggies, eggs, dairy, and meat from local purveyors, as well as homemade jarred items like fire-roasted tomatoes and jams.

Dripping Springs

Courtesy of Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Just 20 miles southwest of Austin, the serene Hill Country town of Dripping Springs is home to the Dripping Springs Farmers Market, a massively popular year-round shopping event dedicated to the promotion of small family farms. The Dripping Springs Farmers Market happens every Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 290 West and Ranch Road 12, with vendors showcasing seasonal produce, farm eggs, prime cuts of meat, artisanal soaps, flowers and succulents, and much more. The open-air marketplace also has live music and works to cultivate its reputation as a gathering place for residents of the Dripping Springs community. 

San Marcos

Courtesy of San Marcos Farmers Market

San Marcos’ enviable position as the halfway point between Austin and San Antonio makes it a convenient farmers market destination for all Central Texans, and the high quality of the San Marcos Farmers’ Market encourages shoppers to keep coming back. The biweekly market, which is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, proudly offers hyper-local products, with all farms located within the immediate vicinity of San Marcos. The San Marcos Farmers’ Market places a strong emphasis on fruits and vegetables, but visitors can also find fresh baked goods, jams and preserves, and decorative plants. 

New Braunfels

Courtesy of New Braunfels Farmers Market

A foodie haven beloved for barbecue and restaurants reflecting the town’s German heritage, New Braunfels hosts its own eponymous farmers market every Saturday throughout the year. Central Texas farms like Emadi Acres Farm and EIEIO Farm regularly set up shop in New Braunfels with their freshly grown crops. This market also boasts a remarkably strong line-up of prepared foods, such as Rhea’s Ice Cream, Tessa’s Pies, and YAPA Empanadas. The New Braunfels Farmers Market makes a point of collaborating with charitable organizations in Central Texas, allowing groups like New Braunfels Cat Coalition and New Braunfels Performing Arts to discuss their missions and upcoming initiatives with market patrons.