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The Best Farmers Markets in New York City

Shop for fresh regional produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods directly from local purveyors at our favorite greenmarkets across the five boroughs, from Union Square to Grand Army Plaza.

By Shout NY Editors12 min readUnion SquarePark SlopeFort Greene
Union Square Greenmarket, New York City (4026982945)
Photo: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 (license)

New York City runs on a strict calendar, and the farmers markets are our truest clocks. You know it is deep summer when the lines for stone fruit stretch down the block, and you know winter has actually arrived when the only things left on the folding tables are root vegetables and cold-storage apples. Buying your food directly from the people who grow it is one of the best ways to spend a morning in this city. You get better ingredients, you talk to the person who pulled your carrots out of the dirt in the Hudson Valley, and you stop relying exclusively on the supermarket chains.

The greenmarket system here is massive, but not all of them operate on the same scale or with the same consistency. We rounded up the ones that matter right now in 2026. Go on a weekend morning when the chefs are out, bring cash, and buy something you have never cooked before.

Union Square Greenmarket

Union Square · E. 17th St. and Union Square W. · $$ to $$$ Map

It is the market the rest of the city measures itself against, operating four days a week with up to 140 regional vendors during peak season. You will see line cooks hauling away flats of organic mushrooms and families dragging wagons full of heirloom tomatoes across the plaza. The scale means you can do a full week of grocery shopping here without ever setting foot in a traditional store, picking up heritage pork, raw milk cheeses, and local wine alongside your produce. The sheer volume of foot traffic brings a specific energy to the space, especially on Saturdays when the weather is clear. It is loud, crowded, and completely essential to the way Manhattan eats. Make a stop here before grabbing a cheap lunch using our /best-cheap-eats-nyc guide.

Go for: The sheer volume of options, from Finger Lakes grapes to freshly baked bread. Know before you go: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday all year, but Saturday is the busiest and best day to visit.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Park Slope · Prospect Park W. and Flatbush Ave. · $$

This is the Brooklyn equivalent of Union Square, anchoring the northwest corner of Prospect Park every Saturday since 1989. It is heavily trafficked by the neighborhood locals making their weekend rounds, pulling canvas bags past the dairy coolers and fresh cut flower stands. The vendor list is deep enough that you can easily find specialty items like grass-fed beef, small-batch sauces, and raw cow milk cheeses without crossing the river into Manhattan. The plaza provides plenty of space, meaning you rarely have to throw elbows to get your hands on a good head of cabbage. Check our /park-slope-guide for a spot to get coffee before you start navigating the morning rush.

Go for: High quality grass-fed meats and a serious selection of artisanal cheeses. Know before you go: The market runs year-round on Saturdays, with textile recycling and compost drop-off available.

Fort Greene Park Greenmarket

Fort Greene · Washington Park between DeKalb and Myrtle Aves. · $$

Set along the edge of the park on Washington Park, this Saturday market feels more like a weekly neighborhood block party than a standard grocery run. You will find a tight but excellent rotation of upstate farms selling seasonal greens, orchard fruit, and fresh seafood. The market stretches out under the trees, creating a very relaxed environment for picking through the weekly harvest. It is smaller than Grand Army Plaza but far easier to navigate, making it a reliable stop for anyone living nearby who just wants to buy good food without fighting a massive crowd. Check our /fort-greene-guide for the best places to grab a pastry before reading on the grass.

Go for: Excellent seasonal fruit and a very good selection of local honey. Know before you go: It runs every Saturday year-round, closing up by the mid-afternoon.

Jackson Heights Greenmarket

Jackson Heights · 34th Ave. and 79th St. · $ to $$ WebsiteMap

Queens has a handful of great markets, but this Sunday operation on 34th Avenue is the flagship. Operating year-round, it draws a massive crowd looking for Mexican specialty produce, local honey, and free-range poultry. The energy is highly localized, with long-time residents and young families crowding the tables for fresh tortillas and upstate apples. It forms a core part of any weekend routine in our /jackson-heights-guide, offering a consistent supply of regional ingredients in a neighborhood that takes its food incredibly seriously. You will regularly find lines for the pasture-raised eggs and fresh turkey products.

Go for: Hard to find specialty herbs and pasture-raised eggs. Know before you go: It is a Sunday market, open rain or shine, and it accepts SNAP benefits with a Health Bucks bonus program.

Inwood Greenmarket

Inwood · Isham St. between Seaman Ave. and Cooper St. · $$

Located at the very top of Manhattan right near the entrance to Inwood Hill Park, this Saturday market has a fiercely loyal local following. Operating year-round since 2004, you can pick up fresh duck, turkey, artisanal cheeses, and fresh fish caught off the coast of Long Island. It is a fantastic excuse to take the train uptown on a weekend morning, buy some high-quality provisions, and walk straight into the park for the afternoon. It feels slightly separated from the rest of the city, functioning almost entirely for the people who live in the immediate blocks. Go early, as the best cuts of meat and fish tend to sell out before noon.

Go for: Freshly caught seafood and high-quality local poultry. Know before you go: Open every Saturday, rain or shine, and runs right through the winter.

Tucker Square Greenmarket

Upper West Side · W. 66th St. and Columbus Ave. · $$ Map

Just across the street from Lincoln Center, this market operates on Thursdays and Saturdays and caters heavily to the local Upper West Side crowd. It is compact but packs in serious quality, from organic mushrooms and fresh cut flowers to sweet treats and baked goods. The Thursday hours make it a perfect mid-week stop to restock your kitchen with fresh vegetables and farmstead cheese without having to sacrifice a weekend morning. It is a staple tip in our /upper-west-side-guide for a highly efficient grocery run before the weekend.

Go for: Farmstead cheeses and fresh sourdough loaves. Know before you go: Thursday is the insider day to shop if you want to avoid the heavier weekend foot traffic.

Abingdon Square Greenmarket

West Village · Hudson St. and W. 12th St. · $$ to $$$ WebsiteMap

A long-running fixture since 1994, this Saturday market brings rural agriculture directly into one of the most expensive zip codes in the city. Expect to find beautiful organic vegetables, freshly pressed cider, and premium baked goods lined up along the square in the West Village. It is not the largest market in Manhattan, but the curation is tight and the quality of the raw ingredients is exceptional. It makes an ideal starting point for a weekend walk using our /west-village-guide.

Go for: Premium organic produce and excellent small-batch baked goods. Know before you go: Open Saturdays year-round, serving the neighborhood from 8 a.m. to mid-afternoon.

Tompkins Square Greenmarket

East Village · Avenue A and E. 7th St. · $$ Map

This Sunday market runs along the edge of Tompkins Square Park and provides a necessary reset for the neighborhood after a heavy weekend. Founded in 1997, it offers excellent orchard fruit, farmstead cheese, and a reliable selection of root vegetables right on Avenue A. It is the kind of place where you can grab a cold bottle of local milk and a cider donut to ease your Sunday hangover. Open every single week, it is an easy addition to your /east-village-guide recovery routine before the work week begins.

Go for: Grass-fed dairy, fresh milk, and seasonal berries. Know before you go: It runs year-round every Sunday and rarely feels overly crowded.

Tribeca Greenmarket

Tribeca · Greenwich St. between Chambers and Duane Sts. · $$$ Website

Operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays, this market has served the neighborhood since 1981, holding its ground as the area changed entirely around it. It leans heavily into high-end ingredients, offering specialty mushrooms, grass-fed meats, and beautiful cut flowers directly on Greenwich Street. The Wednesday hours are a massive draw for locals who want mid-week access to farm fresh produce without dealing with the weekend crowds. The entire operation shuts down early in the afternoon, meaning you need to get your shopping done before 2 p.m. to get the best selection.

Go for: Specialty organic mushrooms and sustainably raised meat. Know before you go: It runs twice a week, but Wednesday is the best day to secure hard to find produce before the weekend shoppers arrive.

St. George Greenmarket

Staten Island · Hyatt St. and St. Marks Place · $$

Set on a hill near the ferry terminal, this Saturday market is a crucial resource for fresh food on Staten Island. Operating since 1994, the vendors bring in wild-caught fish, goat cheese, and grass-fed beef alongside seasonal vegetables. It is a completely unpretentious, community-driven operation that proves you do not need to cross a bridge to get great farm products. Check out our /st-george-staten-island-guide to make a full day out of your trip to the borough.

Go for: Wild-caught seafood and farm-fresh goat cheese. Know before you go: Open every Saturday, year-round, just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry.

McCarren Park Greenmarket

Williamsburg · Union Ave. between Driggs and N. 12th St. · $$ to $$$ WebsiteMap

Set right next to the track and the dog run, this Saturday market is perpetually busy year-round. People line up deep for fresh milk and yogurt, while others pick through the organic vegetables and fresh herbs on Union Avenue. It is an essential part of weekend life here, providing a necessary alternative to the crowded local grocery stores. Lines for the most popular farm vendors form quickly on Saturday mornings, so factor that into your /williamsburg-guide plans.

Go for: Excellent grass-fed beef and fresh local dairy. Know before you go: Showing up past noon usually means missing out on the best items, as the crowd here clears out the premium goods fast.

Cortelyou Greenmarket

Ditmas Park · Cortelyou Rd. between Argyle and Rugby Rds. · $$

Operating on Sundays since 2003, this market sits right on the main commercial strip of Ditmas Park. It brings in Mexican specialty produce, local mushrooms, and fresh poultry for a neighborhood that takes its food very seriously. The atmosphere is decidedly relaxed, with neighbors catching up over bags of apples and winter squash while checking off their grocery lists. It is a highly reliable operation that accepts SNAP and Health Bucks every weekend.

Go for: Hard to find Mexican specialty produce and fresh mushrooms. Know before you go: It runs every Sunday, creating a reliable anchor for weekend errands in the neighborhood.

Forest Hills Greenmarket

Forest Hills · Queens Blvd. at 70th Ave. · $$ Map

This Sunday market operates right by the post office and is a major weekly event for the neighborhood. After residents successfully petitioned to keep it open through the winter, it now runs year-round, offering fresh fish, baked goods, and organic vegetables regardless of the temperature. It proves exactly how much the neighborhood values good food, with farmers trekking in to supply the community every single week. The community support here is very real, keeping the stands busy even in January.

Go for: Cultivated mushrooms and fresh turkey products. Know before you go: Open every Sunday, even in the dead of winter, providing a consistent supply of regional food.

Sunnyside Greenmarket

Sunnyside · Skillman Ave. between 42nd and 43rd Sts. · $$ WebsiteMap

Set along a tree-lined stretch near Lou Lodati Park, this Saturday market has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood since 2007. Vendors offer everything from fresh-caught fish to artisanal breads, local honey, and upstate cider. It is highly local, easy to navigate, and features regular cooking demonstrations that make it feel like a genuine community event. Bring your kitchen scraps, as they run a very active compost drop-off program here to keep the neighborhood green.

Go for: Great local fish and excellent upstate cider. Know before you go: Saturday mornings are the best time to visit, allowing you to get your grocery shopping out of the way before the afternoon.

Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket

Downtown Brooklyn · Court St. and Montague St. · $$

Running on Tuesdays and Saturdays since 1983, this market serves the lunch crowds and local residents alike. The Tuesday market is perfect for picking up an apple or a pastry between meetings, while Saturdays are dedicated to serious grocery hauling. You will find grass-fed meat, Long Island fish, and a massive selection of seasonal vegetables directly on the plaza. Tuesday is the best day to go if you want a quiet, highly efficient shopping experience away from the weekend rush.

Go for: The reliable selection of seasonal fruit and root vegetables. Know before you go: The dual-day schedule makes it incredibly convenient if you missed your usual weekend market window.

The Shout NY take

The best way to use this list is to completely abandon your grocery list. Show up to the farmers market nearest to you with cash, a heavy canvas bag, and an open mind. If the stone fruit looks incredible, buy it and figure out what to do with it later. Talk to the vendors, ask them how they cook the obscure root vegetables sitting on their table, and start buying your food from the people who actually grew it.

Shop the story.

  • 01

    Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag

    Keep your artisanal cheeses, fresh meats, and other perishables cold on the way back from the market.

    Amazon ↗
  • 02

    Reusable Produce Bags

    Reduce plastic waste by using these lightweight, washable bags for individual fruits and vegetables.

    Amazon ↗
  • 03

    Seasonal Farm-to-Table Cookbook

    Get inspired to cook delicious meals with the fresh, seasonal ingredients you discover at the greenmarket.

    Amazon ↗
  • 04

    Farmers Market Trolley Cart

    Perfect for larger grocery runs, this cart makes transporting heavy produce and goods much easier.

    Amazon ↗

Shout NY may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Book the experience.

The bookable version of this guide, with times and prices on Expedia.

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Questions, answered.

Are farmers markets in NYC open year-round?
Many of the city's largest greenmarkets, including Union Square, Grand Army Plaza, and Jackson Heights, operate year-round. While the selection shifts heavily to root vegetables, apples, and greenhouse greens during the winter, you can still find fresh meats, dairy, and baked goods every week.
Do NYC farmers markets accept credit cards or SNAP?
Most individual vendors at GrowNYC greenmarkets accept credit and debit cards. You can also visit the market information tent to exchange SNAP and EBT benefits for wooden tokens to spend at the stalls, and often receive bonus Health Bucks for fresh produce.
What time should I get to the farmers market for the best selection?
If you want the best cuts of meat, fresh fish, or highly seasonal items like ramps or berries, you should arrive within the first two hours of the market opening. Chefs and early risers usually clear out the premium goods by 10 a.m.
Can I drop off compost at NYC farmers markets?
Yes, many of the city's greenmarkets host food scrap drop-off locations. Check the specific market's hours, as the compost collection often closes an hour or two before the market officially shuts down for the day.

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Sources and further reading

  1. grownyc.org
  2. nomadotravel.app
  3. nyctourism.com
  4. grownyc.org
  5. facebook.com
  6. myrtleavenue.org
  7. secretnyc.co
  8. patch.com
  9. grownyc.org
  10. facebook.com
  11. grownyc.org
  12. grownyc.org
  13. farmersmarkets.io
  14. grownyc.org
  15. grownyc.org

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