There’s something about a Vermont farmers’ market that makes me want to clear my Saturday morning schedule, grab a reusable tote and see what I come home with. Maybe it’s the smell of freshly baked bread, overflowing baskets of seasonal produce, fresh-cut flowers or conversations with the people who actually grow and make the products we’re buying. More often than not, I arrive with a short shopping list and leave with considerably more than I intended.
Vermont has an impressive agricultural community, with a high concentration of organic farms, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs and farmers’ markets relative to its population. But our farmers’ markets are so much more than places to buy groceries. They’re gathering spaces featuring live music, prepared foods, handcrafted goods and some of the best people-watching around.
The devastating flooding in 2023, along with subsequent extreme weather events, reminded us just how vulnerable Vermont’s agricultural communities can be. Farmers lost crops, fields were submerged and many faced significant financial challenges. Supporting our local farmers isn’t just about buying better food. It’s about investing in the people and working landscapes that make Vermont what it is.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend tradition or a visitor hoping to experience another side of Vermont, here are eight of my favorite farmers’ markets worth exploring.
8 Vermont Farmers’ Markets Worth Visiting
1. Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market | Brattleboro, Vermont
The Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market is one of Southern Vermont’s most diverse markets, featuring everything from gourmet mushrooms and freshly baked pies to seasonal produce, handcrafted goods and international prepared foods. Come hungry, plan to have lunch and leave plenty of time to browse.
When: Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM, May through October
Where: 570 Western Avenue, Brattleboro
2. Dorset Farmers’ Market | Dorset, Vermont
The Dorset Farmers’ Market is a year-round, producers-only market where you’ll find locally raised meats, fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, breads, pastries and handmade goods. It’s a great stop when spending a weekend in Manchester or exploring Southern Vermont.
When: Sundays, 10 AM–2 PM, year-round
Where: H.N. Williams Store (summer) and JK Adams (winter), Dorset
3. Waitsfield Farmers’ Market | Waitsfield, Vermont
The Waitsfield Farmers’ Market is easily one of my personal favorites. There’s such a great energy here, with live music, wonderful vendors and a community atmosphere that makes you want to stay all morning. From pasture-raised meats and fresh produce to botanicals, pickles, baked goods and prepared foods, there’s plenty to enjoy on-site or bring home. And the people-watching, including all the dogs, is some of the best!
When: Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, mid-May through mid-October
Where: Mad River Green, Waitsfield
4. Burlington Farmers’ Market | Burlington, Vermont
One of Vermont’s largest markets, the Burlington Farmers’ Market brings together an impressive collection of farmers, food producers and artisans. I particularly love the international prepared food vendors, which make it easy to turn a morning of shopping into breakfast or lunch. Stock up on produce, flowers, cheeses and baked goods while browsing handcrafted gifts from Vermont makers.
When: Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM, May through October
Where: 345 Pine Street, Burlington
5. Winooski Farmers’ Market | Winooski, Vermont
The Winooski Farmers’ Market is a wonderful example of a market bringing a community together. Located near the Champlain Mill, this Sunday market features local farmers, bakers, makers and live music. It’s smaller than Burlington’s market, but that’s part of its charm. Afterward, spend some time exploring Winooski’s restaurants and shops.
When: Sundays, 10 AM–2 PM, May through October
Where: 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski
6. Stowe Farmers’ Market | Stowe, Vermont
The Stowe Farmers’ Market is another great reason to visit Stowe during the warmer months. Alongside fresh produce and local food products, you’ll find pottery, jewelry, artwork and other Vermont-made gifts. Prepared food vendors have offered everything from barbecue and crêpes to samosas and pizza, making this an easy lunch destination before exploring town.
When: Sundays, generally 10 AM–2 PM, May through October
Where: 2043 Mountain Road, Stowe
7. Norwich Farmers’ Market | Norwich, Vermont
A community tradition since 1977, the Norwich Farmers’ Market is one of Vermont’s longest-running markets. You’ll find beautiful seasonal produce, artisan breads, preserves, honey, beeswax candles, pottery and other locally made goods. It’s a particularly good market for discovering products from Upper Valley farmers and makers.
When: Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, May through October; select winter Saturdays
Where: Route 5 South (summer) and Tracy Hall (winter), Norwich
8. Vermont Farmers Market | Rutland, Vermont
The Vermont Farmers Market in Rutland is one of the state’s largest, bringing together a diverse selection of farmers, food producers and artisans. I love its philosophy: if you don’t grow it, cook it or make it, don’t bring it. Between the fresh produce, baked goods, locally raised meats and handcrafted products, you could easily spend an entire morning browsing.
When: Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM (summer); 10 AM–2 PM (winter)
Where: Depot Park (summer) and Vermont Farmers Food Center (winter), Rutland
Tips for Visiting Vermont Farmers‘ Markets
I always recommend bringing a reusable tote, some cash and an appetite. Arrive early for the best selection of produce, flowers and baked goods, or plan your visit around lunchtime to enjoy prepared foods and live music.
And don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with the vendors! Ask how something is grown, what ingredients are used or how they recommend preparing an unfamiliar vegetable. Those conversations are part of what makes shopping at a farmers’ market so different from a trip to the grocery store.
Several Vermont communities also offer winter farmers’ markets, making it possible to support local producers long after the traditional growing season ends. Check individual market websites for seasonal schedules and locations.
Supporting Vermont Farmers, One Market at a Time
One of the things I appreciate most about living in Vermont is our connection to the people who produce our food. We drive past the fields they cultivate, see their farm stands along our backroads and recognize their products on restaurant menus throughout the state.
But keeping Vermont’s working farms viable isn’t easy. From extreme weather and flooding to rising costs and development pressures, our agricultural community faces real challenges. Every purchase at a farmers’ market is an opportunity to support a local business, strengthen our food system and help preserve the landscapes that make Vermont such a special place to call home.
And there’s something pretty wonderful about spending a Saturday morning surrounded by people who are passionate about what they grow, raise, bake and create.
So grab your reusable tote, bring a friend and make a farmers’ market part of your next Vermont adventure. Pick up something you’ve never tried, have a conversation with a farmer and stay for the live music.
What’s your go-to farmers’ market in Vermont? I’d love to hear which markets you think deserve a spot on this list.
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