Dallas Farmers Market

Dallas Farmers Market, originally opened in 1941 has since grown with the city and expanded into a hub for farm fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy, and so much more. The market brings farmers, artisans, and the Dallas community together all in one place. It is located in the heart of the city’s downtown and is open all year round. It features both indoor and outdoor market areas—with the indoor area more modernized and the outdoor area has many stalls set up by local vendors. 

 

 

What to Know

Started as a humble horse-and-wagon business, where farmers used to sell fresh produce in their wagons. With time, the market has grown and become the famous place we know of. In 1939, the foundation for this farmer’s market was laid by building a Shed. In 1941, the Shed was officially owned by the municipality and became a market. Now, it is home to over 200 small businesses and supports over 50 farmers and ranchers all year long. Every weekend, this market is filled with people from all around the world. 

 

Over the years, the market has become a great community with locals and farmers working together. In 1954, Ida Papert, also known as Mama, started attending the market every week and became an important figure. Since then, she has supported the local produce and the businesses around here. She also started a non-profit advocacy group. With that, she started cooking classes at the market every week in collaboration with the American Institution of Wine & Food.

 

With a gorgeous view of Dallas Skyline, this farmers market has everything. Be it shopping, events, or enjoying different eateries, this market doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy a full meal here at different restaurants or just a quick snack. You will find spicy, sweet, and salty snacks of all kinds. You can also find locally grown specialty foods including fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, naturally grown meats, baked goods, hot sauces, honey, jams, pickles, and so much more. If you want some refreshing drink, the market has plenty of options for that. For desserts, you can find French cookies, ice cream sandwiches, macarons, etc. 

 

For shopping, you’ll find lots of retail stores and boutiques here. If you love handmade soaps, scrubs, and bath bombs, then visit Abundantly Aromatic. If you want to buy tote bags or something fun, then Bullzerk will be perfect for you. There are many shops for home decor where you can find bedding and tableware etc. You can find lots of antiques and vintage pieces here that are one of a kind. In addition to that, there are many shops if you’re looking to buy clothes. From office wear to casual wear, everything is here.

 

Now, let’s talk about the shed—an open-air pavilion where you’ll find many regional vendors, who grow, make, and produce food. With that, you’ll find naturally raised meats, eggs, honey, cheese, freshly baked bread, canned goods, and so much more. And there are some arts and crafts vendors throughout the year. If you’re visiting during summer, then there are plenty of misters and fans to keep you cool, so you don’t have to worry about the heat.

 

It’s a place catered to all—if you love cooking or learning to cook, this market has everything you need. When you’re walking around the market, different kinds of fresh produce will urge you to try something new and bring out your creative side. Or just simple eggs, sourdough bread, and butter will make a delicious breakfast sandwich. You don’t really need to be a professional to make that. The market is also perfect if you plan to cook for your family or loved ones. 

 

So what else is here? You can find tons of different restaurants here to satisfy your hunger. Visit The Market, a 26,000-square-foot food hall and artisanal vendor market. Grab something to eat or enjoy a delicious cup of coffee here while enjoying the skyline. It’s open 7 days a week. 

 

If you’re in the mood for pizza, go for Bellatrino’s Neapolitan Pizzeria. They will take you to Italy with their authentic pizzas, prepared in a wood-burning oven. Definitely try their Inferno Pizza bursting with flavors, has spicy sausages, fresh mozzarella, and marzano tomato sauce. For something refreshing, try Revive Bowl with its delicious tropical bowls. The berries, mangoes, coconut, kiwis, everything is delicious in these bowls. All the ingredients are fresh and carefully selected for the bowls to make them extra nutritious and delicious.

 

If you love Mexican street food, try El Mero Mero for their signature dish, Tamales. It’s a family-owned restaurant and sources fresh ingredients from the farmers market. The beans, meats, cheese, everything in their dishes is fresh. If you are someone like me who constantly craves some meaty burgers, then go for Beyond The Butcher. The burgers there are juicy, fresh, and perfectly delicious. Their signature build-your-own burger has tons of toppings for you to choose from. So, you can’t really go wrong with this place. 

 

There are also tons of options for someone who loves seafood and sushi. From tuna nachos to carefully crafted sushi, you’ll find everything here. There are also restaurants for Vietnamese and Thai food lovers. Try Nammi for their scrumptious Banh Mi sandwich with French Baguette bread and layers of delicious meat, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and various sauces. This French-Vietnamese fusion is definitely to go for!

 

Ka Tip Thai Street Food will take you to Thailand with their Pad Thai Goong Sod. It has so many flavors with hints of sweet, savory, and sour. Lastly, if you want to take some Instagram-worthy pictures, visit Palmieri Cafe. They are famous for their stunning presentation and are an authentic Italian coffee shop and bakery. The pastries are baked fresh each morning and are warm, flaky, and delicious. 

 

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday with lots of vendors. For a truly farm-to-table meal, this is your place. If you don’t want to cook, then enjoy many freshly baked goods, macarons, loaded fries, artisanal cheeses, and so much more. Every year, Dallas Farmers Market also hosts family-friendly events. You can enjoy live music, talk with artisanal vendors, and even learn chef demonstrations. 

 

Also, on the first Friday of every month, Downtown hosts First Friday MADE (Makers, Artisans, Designers, and Eats). During the Spring, there is “Get Eggcited for Easter” with Easter goodie bags and photo ops. From September to October, you will find 25-Texas grown pumpkin varieties. You can either make pumpkin pies or really get into the Halloween decor. In December, you can shop for various cute gifts at the market with the perfect holiday spirit. 

 

How to Get There

You can get there by walking for almost 25 minutes from Dallas. Or you can travel via line 249 bus, which is operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. It moves every other 30 minutes and will take you there in 7 minutes. It departs from Commerce at Field - E- Fs station. It’s also the cheapest option, which costs you $3. Or you can take a cab that will take you there in 2 minutes, and it’s the fastest way. It'll charge you around $7-9.

 

Best Time to Visit 

For the best seasonal produce, anytime around Spring, Summer, and Fall is a great time. You’ll find a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are freshest around this time of the year. Spring, especially, brings vibrant crops like strawberries, greens, citrus, and so much more. The strawberries are delicious and so sweet in spring. The Fall brings the best pumpkins, squash, and many other root vegetables. Summer brings the best melons, berries, tomatoes, and peppers. But summer is very hot in Texas, so arrive early or when it’s getting a little dark. 

 

The market is busiest on Saturdays and Sundays and is in full swing with lots of vendors and farmers selling fresh produce. And you can find many food trucks here also. With that, live music, food tastings, and family-friendly events are all you can find on weekends. Summer Solstice Festival is held in June and Harvest Festival in October—these events are great and offer unique cultural experiences. Around Christmas and Thanksgiving, the market hosts specials like holiday markets and artisan fairs with a festive atmosphere. Overall, it depends on what you’re looking for and then visit the market accordingly. 

 

Features and Highlights 

 

- Opened in 1941, the market served as a crucial connection between the farmers of the surrounding areas and the growing population of Dallas.

- Features an Outdoor Market Area known as The Shed, where local vendors, farmers, and producers set up stalls to sell fresh produce. 

- Features an Indoor Market Area known as The Pavilion, it’s a more modern and climate-controlled space.

- Features the Plaza, where many events are hosted including live music, art shows, and others.

- Features the Market Shops where you can find locally made goods, home products, and lots of unique gifts.

- Includes spaces for sustainability and education, where classes and workshops are hosted.

- Features food trucks and pop-up vendors from time to time.

- The market offers a fresh variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs sourced from local farms across Texas.

- You will find many other varieties of food including honey, fresh meats, cheeses, freshly baked breads, and so much more.

- Many artisan goods, such as handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, and home decor, are available.

- You will find many farm-to-table meals here including fresh sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, smoothie bowls, and more. All the ingredients will be fresh and sourced from the market itself. 

- Visit Beyond the Burgers for their deliciously tasty burgers.

- For the best pastries and authentic coffee, visit Palmieri Cafe. The cafe is also famous for its presentation, making it perfect for Instagram photos. 

- The market promotes sustainability with many food vendors focusing on organic and environmentally friendly practices.

- The market is open all year around, even in colder months, and is pet-friendly.