Perusing local farmers’ markets is one of our favorite things about spring and summer. There is no better way to get outside and meet the people who grow delicious, local produce. Although in-season fruits and vegetables are the main events, Louisville farmers’ markets are so much more. Many of them also offer plants for your garden, local wine, and food from some of the best restaurants and food trucks in town. The Bardstown Road Farmers’ Market, with local farmer and restaurant owner Ivor Chodkowski selling vegetables from Field Day Family Farm and serving up omelets in an adjoining booth, is a perfect example. And both the St. Matthews Farmers Market, celebrating its 15th anniversary this season, and the Douglass Loop Farmers Market, held in the grassy, tree-filled space in front of Douglass Boulevard Christian Church, are famous for their Saturday morning family-festival feel. One of the newer farmers’ markets, East End Farmer’s Market, joined the scene in 2019, and this season looks even more promising. Still, there are so many more markets to explore. Here is your comprehensive guide to Louisville farmers’ markets!
What’s a visit to the Bardstown Road Farmers’ Market without grabbing some fresh-picked strawberries? Image: Facebook
A few SB tips to make your farmers’ market outing a success:
- Bring your own bags. Many vendors have plastic bags, but a reusable bag is not only more sustainable, it’s far more manageable than a tangle of plastic hanging from your wrist.
- Bring both cash and debit/credit cards. While cash is traditionally preferable, many markets now ask customers to also bring debit and credit cards due to COVID-19.
- Check to see if pets are allowed. We all love our dogs, but some markets don’t allow them. Check websites and social media first before bringing your pup along.
- Check the weather. Many farmers’ markets go on rain or shine, but some smaller markets close based on the weather. Check websites and social media for weather updates.
- Mask up. Due to COVID-19, many markets require face coverings. Check websites and social media to see what health and safety protocols are in place.
We look forward to supporting local farmers and enjoying the freshest flavors of the season!
Meet a local farmer at one of Louisville’s fantastic farmers’ markets, like the St. Matthews Farmers Market. Image: Facebook
SB NOTE: PLEASE CHECK HOURS AND DATES ON EACH FARMERS’ MARKET WEBSITE DUE TO POTENTIAL COVID-19 CHANGES.
Your 2021 Guide to Louisville Farmers’ Markets
OPEN TUESDAYS
Phoenix Hill NuLu Farmer’s Market
1007 East Jefferson St., Louisville, KY 40204 • (502) 262-7194
Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: May through October
More info: facebook.com
In the heart of Louisville’s Phoenix Hill neighborhood at Fresh Start Growers’ Supply, the Phoenix Hill NuLu Farmer’s Market offers fruits, vegetables, baked goods and meats. The market also features live music and local fare from a selection of food trucks.
OPEN TUESDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Bardstown Farmers Market
200 East Flaget, Bardstown, KY 40004 • (502) 348-9204
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to noon
Open: May through October 31
More info: nelson.ca.uky.edu
The Bardstown Farmers Market offers homegrown and handmade goods from local Kentucky farmers. The market is hosted by the University of Kentucky’s College of Food, Agriculture and Environment and offers fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, herbs, jellies and plants.
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OPEN TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS
East End Farmer’s Market
13060 Factory Lane, Louisville, KY 40245 • (502) 498-0344
Summer market hours: Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Winter market hours: Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Open: Year-round
More info: eastendfm.com
The East End Farmer’s Market is held at Grace Evangelical Free Church and offers more than just produce. Stand-out vendors include KSL Soaps, LM Sugarbush and Rosewood Cottage Bakery. Plus, during the winter, the market offers delivery and pre-order options so you can keep warm.
Jeffersonville Farmers Market
Faith Lutheran Church, 2014 Allison Ln., Jeffersonville, IN 47130; Big Four Station, 301 Mulberry St.
Jeffersonville, IN 47130; First Presbyterian Church, 222 Walnut St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130 • (812) 288-7246
Summer hours: Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Winter hours: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Open: Year-round
More info: jeffmainstreet.org
With multiple market locations year-round, the Jeffersonville Farmers Market is one of the best in the game. Offering sweets, produce and even wine, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your tastebuds. From mid-May through October, visit both Big Four Station and Faith Lutheran Church for the summer markets, and from November through May, visit the gym at First Presbyterian Church for the winter farmers’ market.
In addition to fresh produce and flowers, you can also pick up a bottle of wine from Hunter’s Ridge Winery at the Jeffersonville Farmers Market. Image: Facebook
OPEN WEDNESDAYS
Middletown Farmers’ Market
11711 Main Street, Middletown, KY 40243 • (502) 245-7889
Hours: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Open: May through October
More info: facebook.com
The Middletown Farmers’ Market is not your average farmers’ market, offering everything from baked goods to beef, pork, dried fruit, bourbon candy, and even Derby hats. Featured vendors include Field 51 Produce, Spade and Table Farm, and Country Rock Sorghum and Bluegrass Maple Syrup. The market is held in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Middletown.
OPEN WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS
Mt. Washington Farmer’s Market
320 North Bardstown Road, Mt. Washington, KY 40047 • (502) 744-8100
Hours: Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
Open: June through September
More info: facebook.com
In the parking lot next to First Baptist Church, you can find the Mt. Washington Farmer’s Market. The market was created by Family & Consumer Science Extension Agent Ruth Chowning and the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service to provide locally grown produce and Kentucky-made products.
New Albany Farmer’s Market
202 E. Market St., New Albany, IN 47150 • (502) 509-3640
Hours: Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
Open: Wednesday market, July through September; Saturday market, May through October
More info: developnewalbany.org
With vendors like Hensley Homegrown, Soul Sisters Bake Shop, Clayworth Art and Whisman’s Backyard Honey, the New Albany Farmer’s Market never disappoints. Plus, if you can’t make the Wednesday market, you can also visit farmers on Saturday. Note that there is currently only one market entrance at Market Street (beside Monroe Shine) as well as one exit at Market Street and Bank Street.
OPEN SATURDAYS
Bardstown Road Farmers’ Market
1722 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205
Hours: December through March, 10 a.m. to noon; April through November, 9 a.m. to noon
Open: Year-round
More info: bardstownroadfarmersmarket.com
Different from the Bardstown Farmers Market, the Bardstown Road Farmers’ Market has been providing Louisville with locally grown, high-quality produce for nearly 30 years. In addition to supporting local farmers, the market also creates a fun and diverse place to shop. Plus, it has expanded and now takes up two parking lots!
Beechmont Open Air Market
Corner of Southern Parkway and Wellington Avenue, Louisville, KY 40214
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May through September
More info: beechmont.org
At the corner of Southern Parkway and Wellington Avenue, you can find the Beechmont Open Air Market. The market offers seasonal produce, goods from local artisans, and even yoga classes. Patrons can enter the market from the North-East corner of the parking lot (near traffic cones and yellow signs) and are asked to follow the flow arrows.
Douglass Loop Farmers Market
2005 Douglass Blvd., Louisville, KY 40205 • (502) 794-8237
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Open: 2021 season begins April 3
More info: douglassloopfarmersmarket.org
The Douglass Loop Farmers Market is a nonprofit outreach mission of Douglass Boulevard Christian Church that supports local farmers practicing sustainable agriculture and providing organic products. Dogs are also welcome at this market.
The Douglass Loop Farmers Market has a family-friendly, festival atmosphere and some of Louisville’s best vendors. Image: Facebook
Eastwood Village Council Farmers’ Market
1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY 40245
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May through September
More info: facebook.com
Held at Beckley Creek Park at the Parklands of Floyd Fork, the Eastwood Village Council Farmers’ Market offers popcorn, baked goods and flowers in addition to produce. Due to COVID-19, the market encourages patrons to wear face coverings, pay with debit or credit cards, and practice social distancing.
RELATED: The Secret to Making Your Produce Last
Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market
10434 Watterson Trail, Jeffersontown, KY 40299 • (502) 267-8333
Hours: 9 a.m. to noon
Open: Year-round
More info: facebook.com
In the heart of Jeffersontown, you can find the Jeffersontown Farmers’ Market. Local vendors offer fruit and vegetables, plants, cheese, eggs, canned goods, desserts and coffee. All of the market’s goods are locally grown and a part of the Kentucky Proud agricultural program.
La Grange Farmers’ Market
100 W. Main St., La Grange, KY 40031 • (502) 243-3721
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Open: May 8 through October 30
More info: lagrangefarmersmarket.com
Located at the Oldham County Courthouse, the La Grange Farmers’ Market offers some of the state’s freshest produce. Vendors include Faul Family Riverside Farm, Trish’s Kitchen and Crust Organic Bake Shop.
Shelby County Farmers’ Market
1513 Midland Trail, Shelbyville, KY 40065 • (502) 487-1275
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: April through October
More info: shelbycokyfarmersmarket.com
Since 2001, the Shelby County Farmers’ Market has provided Kentucky with fresh produce and handmade goods. Today, the market offers goods from more than 20 local farmers and artisans. The market is located in the Coots Barn within the Shelby County Fairgrounds.
For 10 years, the Shelby County Farmers’ Market has provided Kentucky with farm-fresh produce. Image: Facebook
St. Matthews Farmers Market
4100 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207 • (502) 896-1161
Hours: 8 a.m. to noon
Open: May 8 through September 25
More info: smfarmersmarket.com
The 2021 season for the St. Matthews Farmers Market begins Saturday, May 8. The market is entering its 15th season, and stand-out vendors include Coulter’s Good Earth Farm, Me Salsa, Rain & Shine and Lazy Dog Honey. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, not all vendors are on-site. You can shop all farmers’ market vendors online.
Westport Road Baptist Church Farmers Market
9705 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40241 • (502) 376-3888
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Open: April 24 through October 30
More info: facebook.com
You can find local Kentucky farmers selling produce, fruits, baked goods, plants and eggs at the Westport Road Baptist Church Farmers Market. The market’s current layout is spaced out to offer room for social distancing. The market is also dog-friendly.
OPEN SUNDAYS
Norton Commons Farmers Market
6301 Moonseed Street, Prospect, KY 40059 • (502) 412-5086
Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open: April 25 through November 7
More info: facebook.com
The Norton Commons Farmers Market is described as “more of a festival than a market,” offering local produce, baked goods, handmade goods and even food trucks. Vendors include Sunny Acres Farm, Dipper’s Delight and Sweet Layers Bakery.
Rainbow Blossom Farmers Market – St. Matthews
3738 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40207 • (502) 896-0189
Hours: noon to 4 p.m.
Open: May through November
More info: rainbowblossom.com
Held in Rainbow Blossom’s parking lot, this farmers’ market is relatively small, but it’s still mighty. Vendors offer everything from pastured meats to preserves and handcrafted goods.
Don’t let its size fool you, the Rainbow Blossom Farmers Market still offers some of the best produce and handmade goods. Image: Facebook
Here’s to supporting our local farmers!
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