Alexandria Farmers’ Markets Guide

Looking for the best farmers’ markets in Alexandria? We visited all of them to find the best of the best! Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients, grabbing homemade treats, picking up prepackaged meals, shopping for artisanal goods, or simply grabbing a bite to eat while enjoying the vibe, the perfect market is just around the corner.

Old Town Farmers’ Market, located at 301 King Street, takes place every Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. It’s the largest and most popular market, set against the charming backdrop of Alexandria’s historic streets. You’ll find a vast selection of anything you want or need, from delicious food and fresh flowers to beautiful jewelry and handmade pottery. When I visited, I noticed a long line at the Hog Haven Farm station and was told it’s like that every Saturday, so naturally, I had to find out why.

While I was waiting in line, I enjoyed live classical music and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. I ordered the original Hog Haven breakfast sandwich. It was unbelievably good and well worth the time I spent waiting in line. With the greatest variety of vendors found here, the Old Town Farmers’ Market is highly recommended, and for good reason. In 2023, it was named the best farmers’ market in Virginia by Taste of Home Magazine, and continues to live up to its reputation.

Old Town North Farmers’ Market

Located at 901 North Royal Street, the Old Town North Farmers’ Market is a charming neighborhood market offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It operates seasonally on Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm and year-round on Sundays from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. While smaller than the main Old Town market, it offers a more laid-back shopping experience, with about five vendors on Thursdays and up to twenty on Sundays. Vendors set up in the parking lot near the tennis courts and playground, making it a convenient stop for families and park-goers looking to grab a bite or stock up on local goods after playtime. The market features a selection of fresh fish and produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, fine wines, local honey, potpourri, homemade granola, and artisanal products. You can find a list of Old Town North’s vendors here. The Thursday market is dog-friendly, but is currently on pause due to nearby construction. For updates on its reopening, go to the Visit Alexandria website!

The West End Farmers’ Market

The West End Farmers’ Market is held every Sunday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at 4800 Ben Brenman Park. Vendors set up in the parking lot and offer everything from farm-fresh produce and handmade crafts to baked goods and local services. On occasion, you’ll even find a mobile hair salon and the local library selling used books at discounted prices. You can find a list of West End’s vendors here. During my visit, there was live jazz music from a talented saxophonist, creating a calm and relaxing vibe. The market is dog-friendly and located near a playground, making it a great outing for families and pet owners alike. I sampled the most delicious candied pecans and cannot stop thinking about them! If you’re in the area, the West End Farmers’ Market is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning.

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues. It’s considered the second most popular market in the area. During my visit, a local bluegrass band was performing, which was a lot of fun. I listened to them play while sipping on a refreshing passion fruit lemonade from Uncle Kebba’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. While Del Ray features many of the same types of vendors as other farmers’ markets, it doesn’t have as many artisan shops. They offer breads and pastries, fresh produce, prepared meals, and specialty items like hummus, sorbet, coffee, and wine. You can find a list of Del Rey’s vendors here.

A highlight of the market is the Power of Produce Kids’ Club, a free program offered on the third Saturday of each month. It connects children with local farmers and teaches them about nutrition, food, farming, and the importance of community. If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate market experience, this one is definitely worth a visit!

Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market

Lastly, Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market is held every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue. This dog-friendly market offers live music and a relaxed shopping experience. When I visited, it wasn’t as crowded as some of the other local markets, but I may have missed the peak hours. They feature an array of goods, including baked items, teas and honey, fresh produce and herbs, coffee, and global cuisines. One of Four Mile Run’s primary goals is to make nutritious food accessible to people of all incomes.

Compared to other markets, it has more of a focus on arts and crafts, showcasing more artisan vendors than any other market. Offering crocheted items, jewelry, soaps, pottery, books, body butter, lotions, and more. You can find a list of Four Mile Run’s vendors here. They collaborate with the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Activities to give local artists a platform to sell their products.

Thanks to the support of the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation, all proceeds go towards improving Four Mile Run Park. Not only that, but starting between 9:00 and 10:00 am, there are Morning Stretch yoga sessions. After class, you’re encouraged to sample treats from market vendors. Stop by to enjoy the community vibe, support local businesses, and explore everything this unique market has to offer.

Resource & Recovery Stations

All five farmers’ markets feature a Resource and Recovery Station, designed to reduce waste and promote sustainability by helping visitors dispose of items responsibly. This includes dropping off food scraps, which are processed into nutrient-rich compost. Please note: the Old Town North Resource and Recovery Station is available only on Sundays. To support sustainability and help those in need, leftover food is often donated at the end of each market day.

In addition to waste reduction, three of the markets accept SNAP coins, formerly known as food stamps, helping make food more accessible. Del Ray and West End are the only two markets that do not currently accept SNAP.

What’s your favorite market in Alexandria? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!