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As the days keep getting shorter and the temperatures continue to drop, many of the farmers markets in the Chesapeake region are beginning to close up shop until next spring. The good news for people who want to keep buying from their favorite local producers during the winter months: There are more than a dozen markets in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. that stay open year-round (including some where you can find CAIC alumni with their value-added products), and that have lots to offer. Expect to find seasonal produce like cranberries, fennel, kale, mushrooms, parsnips, and much more, along with holiday delicacies at some of the area’s special Christmas markets.
Farmers and producers who participate in these off-season markets often endure frigid and unpredictable weather conditions, more limited growing options, and reduced foot traffic compared with warmer months—all so that they can bring their products to customers. With that in mind, we encourage you to support your local farmers over the next few months with a market excursion or two. Browse our list of some of the best regional markets below for inspiration, and start planning your visit!
P.S. We’re also looking for vendors and market managers to highlight on our social media accounts, so please send us a message via Instagram or Facebook if you’re interested.
Maryland
Bethesda Central Farm Market (Montgomery County, Capital Region)
Sundays, year-round
7600 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, MD
Located just outside D.C., this year-round market is open rain or shine. With more than 100 vendors, you can find everything from farm-grown produce to artisan food products, along with seafood, craft items, and even pet treats. (They also host a highly competitive annual pie baking contest each November.)
Olney Farmers and Artists Market (Montgomery County, Capital Region)
Sundays, year-round
2801 Olney Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MD
Along with farmers and producers, Olney’s year-round Sunday market hosts a number of local artists and craftsmen, from jewelers to ceramicists. Among the wide variety of vendors is CAIC alum Tobacco Barn Distillery, which produces whiskey and bourbon made from corn grown on their farm in Hollywood, Maryland.
Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market (Anne Arundel County, Central Maryland)
Saturdays through December 30; Sundays year-round
275 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Annapolis, MD
Though its regular-season Wednesday and Saturday markets are on pause for most of the winter, the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market in Annapolis continues to host its Sunday market days all year round. Founded in 1981, the market brings together more than two dozen vendors—including Chestertown-based CAIC alum Oksana’s Produce Farms, which sells a variety of tasty fermented and pickled products.
32nd Street Farmers Market (Baltimore City, Central Maryland)
Saturdays, year-round
400 block of E. 32nd St., Baltimore, MD
This producer-only market, just steps away from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, welcomes more than 60 vendors in its peak season. Along with regular Saturday market days during the winter months, visitors can look forward to special events like November’s Small Business Saturday and December’s holiday popup market.
Camden Avenue Farmers Market (Wicomico County, Eastern Shore)
Tuesdays, year-round
1401 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD
The popular Salisbury-based Camden Avenue Farmers Market, held on Tuesday afternoons, is one of several on the Eastern Shore that’s open throughout the year. Visitors can find a variety of local produce, meats, dairy products, and other offerings from area farmers and producers.
Chestertown Farmers Market (Kent County, Eastern Shore)
Saturdays, year-round
300 & 200 block of High St., Chestertown, MD
There are more than two dozen vendors to choose from at this year-round farmers and artisans market in downtown Chestertown. Among them are two stellar CAIC alumni companies: The Waterman’s Wife, where you can find fresh seafood as well as delicious ready-made dishes; and Oksana’s Produce Farms, which sells a variety of tasty fermented and pickled products.
Easton Farmers Market (Talbot County, Eastern Shore)
Saturdays, year-round (limited basis)
114-126 N. Harrison St., Easton, MD
Our social media director Pam Foulke loves the Easton Market, which recently announced that it would be open on a limited basis—with a reduced number of vendors—this coming winter. They’re even open over Thanksgiving weekend, making it a perfect excursion for anyone who might be a little tired of turkey. Among the regular vendors: our friends at T’s Divine Sweets, who serve up delicious, freshly baked desserts. You can also find organic produce, along with tasty homemade guacamole and pico de gallo, from Quarter Acre Farm (check out our story on tomato gleaning for more on them).
Kent Island Farmers’ Market (Queen Anne’s County, Eastern Shore)
Thursdays, year-round
1169 Shopping Center Rd., Stevensville, MD
With the exception of the week between Christmas and New Year’s, this island market is open every Thursday—even on Thanksgiving, for any last-minute dinner needs. The two dozen vendors include CAIC alum Oksana’s Produce Farms, which sells a variety of tasty fermented and pickled products; and our friends at T’s Divine Sweets, who serve up delicious, freshly baked desserts.
Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Marketplace (Worcester County, Eastern Shore)
Saturdays, year-round
239 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD
Located just south of the Delaware border, the Ocean Pines market is open all winter with slightly shortened hours, with vendors ranging from farmers and producers to food trucks and artisans. The organizers also host a number of special events, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day markets, throughout the year.
Home Grown Farm Market (St. Mary’s County, Southern Maryland)
Wednesdays and Saturdays, year-round
21078 Three Notch Rd., Lexington Park, MD
Southern Maryland’s producer-only Home Grown Farm Market is held each Wednesday and Sunday in a barn, making for a more comfortable visit during the colder months of the year. Visitors can find everything from fresh produce to local meats to honey, all with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture.
Frostburg Winter Market (Allegany County, Western Maryland)
Fridays in November; Saturdays from December through February
14 S. Water St., Frostburg, MD
This popular winter market held in downtown Frostburg is celebrating the addition of a new location with a series of special events, including raffles and a community donation drive. During the 10 scheduled market days, shoppers will be able to browse fresh local products from more than a dozen vendors.
District of Columbia
Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market
Sundays, year-round
20th St. NW between Massachusetts & Connecticut Avenues, Washington, DC
This historic Sunday market (a favorite of CAIC communications manager Lydia Hall) in the heart of northwest D.C. has been year-round since 2003, and is open rain or shine. Among the 50-plus vendors who participate during the winter months is Upper Marlboro, Maryland-based CAIC alum Deep Roots Farm, which offers a variety of tasty organic produce.
Eastern Market D.C.
Saturdays and Sundays, year-round
225 7th St. SE, Washington, DC
The Capitol Hill-based Eastern Market, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, has long been a weekend destination for locals and tourists alike. Its 100-plus vendors—both indoors and outdoors—include local farmers, food and beverage companies, artists and craftsmen, and many more.
Virginia
Falls Church Farmers Market (Falls Church, Virginia)
Saturdays, year-round
300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA
During the winter months, this Saturday market continues to operate, with the hours just slightly reduced. Its 40-plus vendors include an array of local farmers and producers, from cheesemakers to orchards to bakers.
Leesburg Saturday Farmers Market (Loudoun County, Virginia)
Saturdays, year-round
30 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA
You can find everything from yogurt to salsa, and from organic vegetables to coffee, at this producer-only market in Leesburg. The two dozen-plus vendors also include a number of local artisans.
Old Town Farmers’ Market (Alexandria, Virginia)
Saturdays, year-round
301 King St., Alexandria, VA
This market in the heart of Old Town Alexandria is the oldest in the United States that’s still in continuous operation, including during the winter months—rain or shine. Many of the more than 70 area vendors, which include farmers and producers as well as artists, also continue to sell their products year-round.
