A Guide to Farmer's Markets in Charlotte
Find local farmers, growers, bakers and makers all in one place at these year-round and seasonal markets in the Charlotte area.
by Schuyler Pringle Mar 28, 2023
One of the best ways to experience a city is through its local food scene, and nowhere is that on display more prevalently than at a farmers market. While the Charlotte area has more than 30 farmers markets, these purveyors supply much more than produce. Shoppers can find fresh bread, cheese, plants, housewares and more. No matter what day of the week or time of year, there’s a market to explore.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Airport
Market Season: Year-round
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market is one of four farmers markets owned by the state of North Carolina and operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Encompassing five buildings, you’ll find anything and everything to satisfy not only your tummy, such as fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meat, seafood and dairy products, but also your retail needs, including handmade crafts.
Cotswold Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Cotswold
Market Season: May-October
Located in the central part of Cotswold, enjoy a welcoming atmosphere of live music and upbeat company. This producers-only farmers market features fresh, local staples like fruits and veggies, as well as breads, meats and soaps. The Rotary Club of Charlotte Providence sponsors the Cotswold Farmers Market and shares the goal of healthy eating.
Davidson Farmers Market
Area: Davidson
Market Season: Year-round
The Davidson Farmers Market is changing the way farmers markets impact the community, one blueberry at a time. This market emphasizes the economic benefits of shopping locally, as well as imparting the nutritional advantages of all its products. Check out fan favorites like fresh produce, eggs and honey, and then attend one of the special events while listening to live music.
Kings Drive Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Midtown
Market Season: April-December
Since 1941, the Simpson family has owned and operated Kings Drive Farmers Market. Whether you are looking for juicy, ripe blackberries, fresh-cut local flowers or even exotic produce like mangoes and avocados, the Kings Drive Farmers Market has it all. During the holiday seasons, be sure to stop by to snag some pumpkins or a Christmas tree.
Matthews Community Farmers' Market
Area: Matthews
Market Season: Year-round
Located in downtown Matthews, this is one of the largest, most diverse producers-only farmers markets in the greater Charlotte area. Enjoy local live music while shopping around for delicacies like artisan jams, gourmet coffee and even duck eggs. After shopping, swing by to watch or participate in a cooking demonstration by a skilled local chef.
Mecklenburg County Market
Neighborhood: Midtown
Market Season: Year-round
Mecklenburg County Market has provided organic food options to Charlotte residents for more than 80 years. Conveniently located between Midtown and Dilworth, this market offers fresh produce, along with local preserves, to improve any diet and lifestyle. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh baked cookies, fruit pies and more, made from local ingredients.
Mint Hill Farmers Market
Area: Mint Hill
Market Season: May-October
Mint Hill Farmers Market is unique in that it’s also a historic site. Located in the Carl J. McEwen Historical Village, shop locally grown food items, as well as handmade home furnishings, delicious baked goods and native plants, to satisfy your hunger cravings and your décor needs.
Mount Holly Farmers Market
Area: Northwest Charlotte
Market Season: April-October
The Mount Holly Farmers Market features goods from farms within 75 miles of the market. Out-of-season produce is not allowed at this market, which guarantees the freshest ingredients for sale. Along with local farms and artisans on display, the Mount Holly Farmers Market also has food trucks on site, live music and chef demonstrations.
North End Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Market Season: April-October
Unlike most traditional farmers markets with Saturday hours, North End Farmers Market at Camp North End is a mid-week market on Thursdays evenings from 4-8 p.m. Even though it’s one of the newest farmers markets to the scene, it’s gained a loyal following of customers that stop by to discover local farmers, ranchers, food artisans, crafters and more each week. Make a stop at the North End Farmers Market part of your weekly food shopping routine and make plans to explore the 76-acre campus before or after, too.
South End Market
Neighborhood: South End
Market Season: Year-round
Located at Atherton Mill just off the Rail Trail (just two blocks from the East/West LYNX light rail station), South End Market has been serving the community since 2010 with a focus on local, sustainable, responsibly-raised products that spotlight local farmers, ranchers, artisans and makers.
Union Market
Area: Waxhaw
Market Season: March-October
Since 2002, David White has worked in the fresh market industry, running farmers markets and produce stands in the region. Today, he is focused on featuring the freshest seasonal produce as well as meats, milk, cheese, bread, prepared foods, plants and more at Union Market in Waxhaw. Peruse the colorful, fresh display of produce and products from local purveyors, farmers and artisans.
Old Town Farmers Market
Area: Rock Hill, SC
Market Season: May-December
This farmers market pop-up at Legal Remedy Brewing Co. celebrates local farmers and artisans by featuring fresh produce, meats, crafts and more. Swing by on Saturday and then enjoy a pint at Legal Remedy (who also features local products on their menu).
University City Farmers Market
Neighborhood: University City
Market Season: April-October
Located along the lake at The Shoppes at University Place, and easily accessible from the JW Clay Boulevard/UNCC LYNX Blue Line light rail station, the University City Farmers Market serves up farmers market favorites, along with health and wellness products and other local goods. Stop by with your family to shop, enjoy live music and then rent a paddleboat from Dave's Paddle Boats to round out your Saturday morning adventure.
Uptown Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Uptown
Market Season: April-December
With the tagline “Our Community Table,” the nonprofit Uptown Farmers Market’s mission is to provide neighbors with locally grown, fresh food, educate people on healthy eating, support local farmers and makers, and address food insecurity in the community. And it does just that with dozens of local vendors set up each week in the 4.5-acre front parking lot of First Baptist Church in Uptown.
Waxhaw Farmers Market
Area: Waxhaw
Market Season: Year-round
Since 2001, Waxhaw Farmers Market has allowed local producers and crafters to sell directly to consumers while also serving as a beloved community gathering space. As a producers-only market, Waxhaw Farmers Market is committed to educating the local community on the benefits of quality, fresh, locally grown food and healthy eating.
This article was originally written by Schulyer Pringle. Updates and additions by Kristen Moore.
