Some of the region's best farmers markets are right in our backyard, and their impact reaches far beyond it. A pioneering "double dollar" food-access program developed at Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma/Langley Crossroads became a model for hundreds of similar programs nationwide and helped inspire a federal SNAP incentive program funded through the U.S. Farm Bill. Meanwhile, markets in downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park have spent decades connecting local farmers, small businesses and families with fresh, locally produced food
And summer is the perfect time to experience them.
Start in downtown Silver Spring, where FRESHFARM fills Veterans Plaza every Saturday with seasonal favorites from farmers and producers across the region. Or visit Koiner Farm, where families can experience a working urban farm and shop for produce grown right in downtown Silver Spring.
Then head south to Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma/Langley Crossroads, now celebrating its 20th season, or make the Takoma Park Farmers Market part of a Sunday spent exploring the neighborhood.
Here's where to find fresh food, local flavors and some pretty incredible farmers market history, all right here!
Start Saturday in downtown Silver Spring
The FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Market has been a Saturday tradition since 2005 and is now the second-largest producer-only market in the FRESHFARM network.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., more than 45 farmers and producers from across the Mid-Atlantic bring seasonal fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, meats, cheeses, eggs, flowers, prepared foods and locally made specialties to Veterans Plaza.
FRESHFARM also helps make fresh food more accessible through Fresh Match, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match on eligible federal nutrition benefits spent at the market.
Grab your market bag and make a morning of it, with downtown Silver Spring's restaurants, shops, public art and entertainment just steps away.
Fresh from the Farm at Koiner Farm
For an especially local experience, head to Koiner Farm, a working urban farm at 737 Easley Street in downtown Silver Spring. On the third Thursday of each month from 5–7 p.m., the farm hosts a special market night featuring hyper-local produce, live music, local artists, food businesses and more.
Explore More Markets Across the Silver Spring Region
Crossroads Farmers Market: A Takoma/Langley Crossroads Tradition with National Impact
Every Wednesday, Crossroads Farmers Market brings farmers, food producers and shoppers together at Anne Street and University Boulevard East in Takoma/Langley Crossroads.
Celebrating its 20th season, Crossroads pioneered Fresh Checks, recognized as the nation's first "double dollar" farmers market incentive program. The program helps shoppers using federal nutrition benefits stretch their dollars while supporting local farmers and food producers. The model helped inspire similar nutrition incentive programs across the country.
Today, Fresh Checks provides more than $150,000 annually in fresh-food incentives to approximately 2,200 households.
The market also reflects the diversity of Takoma/Langley Crossroads. According to Crossroads Community Food Network, 68% of its vendors are BIPOC, 64% are women and half are immigrant-owned businesses.
Crossroads will celebrate its 20th season on Wednesday, September 9.
A Sunday Tradition in Takoma Park
The Takoma Park Farmers Market has been bringing farmers and shoppers together since 1983.
Held Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Laurel Avenue, the year-round producer-only market features approximately 25 vendors offering seasonal produce, breads and baked goods, cheeses, meats, eggs, prepared foods and more. Everything sold at the market must be produced within 125 miles of Takoma Park.
After more than four decades, the market remains a favorite Sunday tradition and a great starting point for exploring Takoma Park's independent shops and restaurants.
Explore All of Your Farmers Market
Whether you're looking for tomatoes and peaches picked at their summer peak, locally made foods or a chance to meet the people who grow and produce what you eat, there's a market to explore throughout the week across the region.
Wednesday: Crossroads Farmers Market, Takoma/Langley Crossroads
Third Thursdays: Koiner Farm, downtown Silver Spring
Saturday: FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Market, Veterans Plaza
Sunday: Takoma Park Farmers Market, Laurel Avenue