Shop Locally at These 5 Farmers Markets in Austin
Selecting what you need from an app might be easy, but it doesn’t do much for your local economy. Purchasing from chain businesses can also harm the planet. Take control over your health, wallet and environmental footprint by shopping locally at farmers markets in Austin this summer. These are the best you’ll find before autumn winds blow through town again.
Why Is Shopping Locally Important?
Buying something from a small business in your town injects your money into the local economy. The region will benefit from the tax deducted from your purchase and create new jobs to meet higher local demand.
You can also find things at farmers markets that don’t use plastic packaging. You’ll avoid adding to the 400 million tons of plastic waste produced worldwide annually by not shipping products to your home. You’ll also save money without paying for shipping and extra packaging.
Best Farmers Markets in Austin
These are the best farmers markets you’ll find in the Austin area. See which small businesses and fresh produce you can discover in each location — you might even leave with deeper roots in your community.
SFC Farmers Market at Sunset Valley
Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (map)
Austin residents often visit the farmers market at Sunset Valley because the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) is one of the most prominent providers of farmers markets. You’ll find hundreds of people gathered to sell goods and buy products like ceramics, home goods, paintings, food and more.
While you’re there, strike up some small talk with participating business owners. Forming relationships with fellow residents creates more buyer-seller trust than purchasing from a faceless brand. You’ll know you’re getting a good product because your friends wouldn’t let you down.
Barton Creek Farmers Market
Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (map)
People near South Austin and Bee Cave can easily reach the Barton Creek farmers market on Saturday mornings. Nearby farmers bring their freshest veggies and meats so you can get the best groceries possible. You might even find a few free samples of vegan pastries to curb your hunger while you shop.
See if you can find fresh eggs from a local farm while the market’s open since they’ll cost less than those in your grocery store. Eggs provide vitamin B12 to improve your memory, boost your energy, and strengthen your heart.
Soco Makers Market
Open: Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m. (map)
The Makers Market on South Congress Avenue is for shoppers looking to connect with local artists. You’ll find holistic beauty products, art, handcrafted jewelry and more along the closed-off street. If you need a beverage or snack, the nearby coffee shops and restaurants are only a few steps away.
Texas Farmers Market at Mueller
Open: Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (map)
You know what you’ll find at the grocery store every week, but the Muller farmers market products will always surprise you. See if you can find the renowned honey wine and Indian cuisine people rush to purchase. You can even use SNAP to buy the food that catches your eye since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved it for over 2.2 million farmers market purchases in 2021.
SFC Farmers Market Downtown
Open: Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (map)
Live music floats through the air when the SFC hosts its weekend farmers market in downtown Austin. Sustainable food products and handmade goods are available when you arrive, along with community yoga classes and live cooking courses.
Start Shopping Locally
Farmers markets in Austin are great opportunities to begin shopping locally. You’ll find various goods at each location, adding more fun to your weekly shopping experience. Check your calendar to find one that fits your summer schedule.
