We think most would agree when we say local farmers’ markets are truly the best. Where else can you shop and eat all while supporting your local farmers and makers? Get out, shop local, and enjoy the freshest flavors of the season at any of these Birmingham farmers’ markets. Here’s your guide, arranged by day of the week. Enjoy!
*Hours of operation are subject to change, so be sure to confirm on each market’s website before visiting!
Your Guide to Birmingham Farmers’ Markets
OPEN DAILY
Alabama Farmer’s Market
344 Finley Ave. W., Birmingham, AL 35204 • (205) 251-8737
Hours: Summer, 5 a.m to 8 p.m.; winter, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Open: Year-round
More info: alabamafarmersmarket.org
Since 1921, the Alabama Farmer’s Market has been the mecca for fresh, local produce in Birmingham. Situated on 49 acres of land, the multiple sheds and warehouse spaces allow farmers from all over the state to sell their harvest seven days a week, year-round. Rows of the season’s best produce line the tables situated on Finley Avenue, and the growers are happy to suggest their personal favorites. Most vendors dish out edible products, but if you’re looking for goods of the non-edible variety, there is also an adjoining flea market that’s open daily.
OPEN MONDAYS
Montevallo Farmers’ Market
First Baptist Church, 660 Main St., Montevallo, AL 35115 • (205) 665-1519
Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: June through August
More info: facebook.com
The Montevallo Farmers’ Market is just a stretch away from the university’s campus. Sponsored by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, the market is full of the best finds you hope to catch at a market: food, flowers and homemade goods. This quaint little market does nothing but enhance the sense of community within the proud city of Montevallo. Meandering around to the vendors and enjoying a little bit of Southern hospitality always cures a case of the Monday blues!
OPEN TUESDAYS
West Homewood Farmer’s Market
160 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 • (833) 937-8493
Hours: 5 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open: June through July and the first Tuesday of August
More info: westhomewood.com
A stone’s throw from Patriot Park in the space between Shades Valley Church and the Homewood Diner, a menagerie of arts and crafts, local produce, food trucks and live music is offered at the West Homewood Farmer’s Market. According to Jamie from Todd’s Produce and Gifts, based out of Chilton County, the market has grown from just a few tents to filling up almost all of the space available in only a matter of a few growing seasons. Jamie says, “Watching this thing grow over the last 10 years has been one of my favorite parts about West Homewood and, of course, seeing the familiar faces each week.”
OPEN TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS
Trussville Fresh Farmers Market
Church of the Holy Cross, 90 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173 • (205) 283-4558
Hours: Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
Open: Begins mid-April
More info: facebook.com
There are so many booths at the Trussville Fresh Farmers Market, it’s hard to decide where to shop! Explore local produce, including fruits, vegetables and meats from local Alabama farmers plus soaps, handmade goods, unique pieces, plants and more, all sourced locally.
RELATED: 4 Power Bowl Recipes for a Nutritious, Delicious Meal
OPEN WEDNESDAYS
Vestavia Hills Farmers’ Market
Scout Square, 741 Montgomery Hwy., Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Open: May 12 through August 25
More info: facebook.com
Vestavia Hills Farmers’ Market is hosted by the Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church and is full of seasonal vegetables, fruit, breads, baked goods, cheeses and meats from local farmers and purveyors. This adorable market showcases the best of local vendors and is stationed in the heart of one of Birmingham’s most booming neighborhoods. Stop by the market and explore Vestavia afterward.
OPEN THURSDAYS
Leeds Farmers Market
6th St., Leeds, AL 35094 • (205) 369-0807
Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: May
More info: facebook.com
Head to downtown Leeds on Thursdays for the Leeds Farmers Market! This market features local fruits, vegetables, locally made goods, soaps, home decor pieces, handmade jewelry and more for a fun-filled shopping experience — rain or shine. Catch the market throughout May.
Gardendale Farmers Market
Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main St., Gardendale, AL 35071 • (205) 514-5881
Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Open: May 20 through September 23
More info: facebook.com
Shop locally made honey, jams, jellies, baked goods, Italian meals, fruits, vegetables, soaps, lotions, candles and more at the Gardendale Farmers Market! This market is held in the Gardendale Civic Center’s parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Thursday through September 23. Happy shopping!
Center Point Parkway Market
Civitan Park, 2301 Center Point Pkwy., Center Point, AL 35215
Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Open: June through September
More info: fma.alabama.gov
Peruse the aisles of fresh fruit, veggies, produce, and local arts and crafts each Thursday from July through September. This market is located at Civitan Park and hosted by the Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce. This market encourages locals to enjoy regional produce while supporting Birmingham’s farmers and makers.
OPEN FRIDAYS
Ross Bridge Farmers Market
Ross Bridge Welcome Center, 2101 Grand Ave., Hoover, AL 35226 • (205) 305-9457
Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
When: May through October
More info: facebook.com
The Ross Bridge Farmers Market is perfect for a family-friendly Friday evening! Located in front of the Ross Bridge Welcome Center, the market’s goal is to provide local residents with fresh foods and products from local vendors. Plus, it includes food trucks, live music and kids’ activities. Explore local artisans’ work and (safely) mingle with the local community in a fun and inviting atmosphere for the whole family!
OPEN SATURDAYS
Bessemer Farmers Market
Alex Bradford Park, Corner of 1st Avenue and 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL 35020 • (205) 907-4099
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: April 17 through September
More info: bessemerfarmersmarket.com
A coalition of fresh food advocates worked to create a farmers’ market held every Thursday in downtown Bessemer. The market is located at Alex Bradford Park and is home to a small group of local farmers and their goods. This project took shape after the need arose for more fresh, healthy food options located in the city. The spirit of offering locally grown food to shoppers who appreciate their local farmers is on full display at this market every week.
Birdsong Farmers Market
Automatic Seafood and Oysters, 2824 5th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Summer, 7 a.m. to noon; Winter hours, 8 a.m. to noon
Open: Year-round
More info: aoffa.com
If you’re looking for organic, locally sourced goods, Birdsong Farmers Market should be your first stop on Saturday mornings. This farmers’ market is a farmer-led, grassroots market specializing in local, organic produce. They currently operate each Saturday outside of Automatic Seafood and Oysters and are adhering to CDC guidelines.
The Market at Pepper Place
Pepper Place, 2829 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35233 • (205) 705-6886
Hours: 7 a.m. to noon
Open: April 10 through December 11
More info: pepperplacemarket.com
In one of the fastest-growing areas downtown, The Market at Pepper Place has developed an almost cult-like following among lovers of all things local. This family-friendly and dog-friendly gathering is one of the largest in the city, spanning three different large sections of space, each with its own soundtrack put on by local musicians. From artists to hopeful start-ups to family farms and well-known local business veterans, Pepper Place hardly discriminates against any good that can be sold under a pop-up tent. Make sure to get there early because there is guaranteed to be a crowd.
RELATED: The New Fast-Casual Concept at Pepper Place
East Lake Market
East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 1st Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35206 • (205) 836-3201
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May through October
More info: eastlakemarket.org
The East Lake Market is a project of P.E.E.R. Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to empower the thriving, diverse community in the eastern area of Birmingham through resources for healthy living, learning and working. This market features jams, jellies, relishes, fresh bread made in the East Lake Community Kitchen, fresh produce, local artisan goods and more.
Valleydale Farmers’ Market
4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May through September
More info: facebook.com
At the Valleydale Farmers’ Market, shoppers can find a fantastic selection of growers selling local produce, Alabama honey, eggs, dairy, jams and jellies, homemade goods, baked goods, handmade soaps, handmade art, artisan pasta, woodworks, metalworks, jewelry, children’s clothing and accessories, dog treats and collars, locally roasted coffee and more!
The MarketPlace at Lee Branch
611 Doug Baker Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35242 • (205) 208-9259
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May through September
More Info: themarketplaceatleebranch.com
Shelby County’s latest addition to our city’s impressive list of farmers’ markets, The MarketPlace at Lee Branch is a perfect place to spend family time and make sure a healthy dinner gets on the table. Owners Mike and Renee Betz wanted to bring unity, nutrition and fun to their community in an exciting, local atmosphere. From cake pops to handmade wooden tables to apple jelly, you can find everything you need at this new spot.
Hueytown Farmers Market
2066 High School Road, Hueytown, Alabama 35023 • (205) 228-9220
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: June through August
More info: hueytownharvest.com
Bring the whole family out to this Saturday market! You’ll find Alabama-grown fruits and vegetables, plus local artists, food makers, musicians and a children’s educational tent. This market is meant for staying a while, so bring your lawn chair and furry friend to relax and shop.
Here’s to supporting our local farmers and makers!
**********
For the best “me moment” of the day, subscribe to StyleBlueprint.
