Houston Area Farmers Markets are some of my favorite places in the city. They are filled with folks living their dream and doing what they love; from micro green growers to gluten free bakers, pig farmers to salsa makers. Each Houston area farmers market is its own potpourri of culture, small businesses, local farmers, area importers, chefs, and artisans. Together they carry on a Houston tradition as old as the city itself.
History of Farmers Markets in Houston
When the Allen brothers planned the city of Houston back in 1836 they designated one block in the center of the plans as Congress Square. It was originally intended to house government buildings for the Republic of Texas. When the capitol ended up being built in a different location, Congress Square became the epicenter of market and trade for early Houston. You can still visit this space, known today as Market Square Park.
The market in Congress Square served Houstonians from 1841 to 1929 when the city began to outgrow the market. A new farmers market was built off Preston, near Buffalo Bayou, where the Wortham currently resides. As Houston continued to grow, so did the demand for fresh produce. In 1942 the city partnered with the Farmers’ Market Cooperative Association and opened a second market on Airline Drive. A few years later in 1958 an Italian immigrant family opened Canino’s Produce in the same location, with an outdoor market and additional vendors in the back. In 2019 Mr. Canino sold the land to a developer who re-envisioned the space as what is now The Houston Farmers Market. While the look and hands have changed over the years, The Houston Farmers Market is easily the longest operating farmers market in Houston.
Over the years and as Houston outgrew the 610 loop, Beltway 8 and Highway 99 more farmers markets have popped up across our sprawling city. Vendors of all kinds can be found at markets stretching from Magnolia to the Bay Area. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
A Few Favorite Houston Area Farmers Markets
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Location: 2752 Buffalo Speedway Houston, Texas 77027
Hours: Saturdays, 8am-12pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Urban Harvest started in 2004 with seven vendors and has certainly grown since then, supporting over 100 local vendors today. If you are looking to buy local, this is the market for you. All farmers and producers at Urban Harvest come from within 180 miles of Houston and vendors must be direct producers of their product. In addition vendors who sell ready to eat items myst source at least 51% of their ingredients locally. Some of our favorite local vendors call Urban Harvest home on Saturday including Harrison Hog Farms, Leven Gluten Free Baking Company, and Dumpling Haus among others.
The Houston Farmers Market
Location: 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Hours: Daily, 5:30am-7:30pm, Year Round, Any Weather
As I mentioned above, The Houston Farmers Market is the oldest farmers market in Houston and it is certainly the farmers market of my childhood. I have fond memories of holding one of my parent’s hands, navigating Caninos, heading towards the back open air market and eating the most delicious tacos at the tiny food truck, well before food trucks were a thing. I’m happy to report to fellow native Houstonians that much of the open air market feels the same as it did in the ‘90s. The smells of teas and dried herbs still fill the air. You can still purchase Spanish limes, a box of mangos, and a molcajete. Bonus, it’s open 7 days a week.
In addition to the open air market, an outdoor hangout space called “The Lawn” and new indoor vendor spaces and restaurants have been added. R-C Ranch Butcher Shop sells Wagyu from their Brazoria County ranch, dry aged steaks, house made products and products from other like minded, local producers. Wild Oats and Underbelly Burger are two new restaurants in the spaces. Personally, I’m excited to see what other local merchants come along and to see this historic place continue to grow and evolve with our city.
Tomball Farmers Market
Location: 205 W Main St, Tomball, TX 77375
Hours: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Tomball farmers market was birthed out of the hearts of two mothers, which could not be more on brand for Houston Moms. A dream and a lot of hard work and willing helpers meant the Tomball Farmers Market grew from six vendors in 2008 to around 60 by 2014. All vendors must provide homegrown, homemade or handcrafted items within 150 miles of Tomball. Because of the geographical difference you’ll find a whole other mix of vendors from markets further south. Some of our favorites include Popcorn Handmade Ice Pops, The Pies, and Katerra Exotics.
Atkinson Farms Farmers Market
Location 3217 Spring Cypress Road, Spring TX 77388
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-2pm, March 1-October 31, Indoor Market
If you miss Mike Atkinson of Atkinson Farms on Saturday at the Urban Harvest Market or the Tomball Farmers Market, you can find him and his locally grown produce (and more) right on their farm. In the spring you can pick your own strawberries, however March through October their indoor (read: air conditioned) market carries a variety of homegrown produce and produce brought in from other farms. They also carry local dairy, canned goods, meat and honey. Truly you can’t get more local or fresh than buying produce right from this 4th generation Houston area farm. Their tomatoes, greens and beets are definitely our favorites.
What to Bring to a Farmers Market
Cash: Not all vendors take card, and you’re going to want that pie.- Wagon or Rolling Cart: Carrying a watermelon in your arm around the market is no fun.
- Reusable Shopping Bags: Reduce plastic usage & keep items together.
- Insulated Reusable Shopping Bag: Keep cold items cold while you’re walking the market.
- Cooler and Ice in Your Car: Keep items food safe between markets or on the ride home.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin.
- Water: Hydrate, this is Texas.
- Baby Wipes or Hand Wipes: For cleaning up after market snacks.
- Pets?: Each market is different, but many ask you leave your pets at home because of Health Department rules. Make sure you check their website for details.
Houston Area Markets
Houston is large and it has a list of farmers markets to match. We’ve compiled this list of Houston area farmers markets, broken up by location. Please make sure you check out their website before visiting as locations and hours can change.
Farmers Markets Inside the 610 Loop
The Houston Farmers Market
Location: 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Hours: Daily, 5:30am-7:30pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Freedmen’s Town Farmers Market
Location: 1106 Victor St, Houston, TX 77019
Hours: Saturdays, 10am-2pm
Heights Mercantile Farmers Market
Location: 714 Yale Street, Houston, TX 77007
Hours: Second and Fourth Sunday, Monthly, 9am – 1pm
Eleanora’s Market
Location: 2120 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
Hours: Saturdays, 9am – 1pm
Rice Village Farmers Market
Location: Kelvin Dr. & Amherst St. Houston, TX 77005
Hours: First and Third Sundays, 9am – 1pm
East End Farmers Market
Location: 2600 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
Hours: Sundays, 10am – 2pm
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Location: 2752 Buffalo Speedway Houston, Texas 77027
Hours: Saturdays, 8am-12pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Farmers Markets in the Northeast Corridor
The Groves Marketplace
Location: 11939 Madera Run Pkwy, Humble, TX 77346
Hours: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm
Fall Creek Farmers Market
Location: 7930 Fall Creek Bend, Humble, TX 77396
Hours: Sundays, 9am-1pm
Kingwood Farmers Market
Location: Town Center Park, 8 N Main St, Kingwood, TX 77339
Hours: Thursdays, 3pm – 7pm and One Weekend Per Month (Varies)
Farmers Markets in the Northwest Corridor
Atkinson Farms Farmers Market
Location: 3217 Spring Cypress Road, Spring TX 77388
Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-2pm, March 1-October 31, Any Weather
Tomball Farmers Market
Location: 205 W Main St, Tomball, TX 77375
Hours: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Jersey Village Farmers Market
Location: Jersey Village Civic Center, 16327 Lakeview Dr., Jersey Village, TX 77040
Hours: First and Third Sundays, Monthly, 11am – 2pm
Theiss Farms Market (Two Locations)
Stuebner Location: 17045 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas 77379
Hours: Daily, April-August
Rayford Location: 2008 Rayford Road, Spring, Texas 77386
Hours: Daily, March-October, Opens in December for Christmas Trees
The Woodlands Farmers Market
Location: 7 Switchbud, Pl, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Hours: Saturdays October – June, 9am – 1pm AND Saturdays July- September, 9am – 12pm
Farmers Market on Tamina
Location: 32907 Tamina Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354
Hours: Saturdays, 9am – 1pm, Rain or Shine
Bellville Farmers Market
Location: 8 E Palm St, Bellville, TX 77418
Hours: First Saturday of the Month, February-December, 9am – 12pm
Farmers Markets in the Southeast Corridor
Bay Area Farmers Market
Location: 500 Baybrook Mall Drive, Friendswood, TX
Hours: Sundays, 11am-3pm
Nassau Bay Farmers Market
Location: 2332 East NASA Parkway Nassau Bay, TX 77058
Hours: Saturdays, 10am – 2pm
Market on the Bayou
Location: 1911 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX 77539
Hours: First Saturday of the Month, April – November, 9am-1pm
Farmers Markets in the Southwest Corridor
Memorial Villages Farmers Market
Location: First Congregational Church, 10840 Beinhorn Road, Houston, TX 77024
Hours: Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway
Location: 1225 Grand Parkway (Hwy 99), Katy, TX 77494
Hours: Saturdays, 8am-12pm, Year Round, Any Weather
Your Neighborhood Farmer’s Market
Location: Your Neighborhood Farmer’s Market hosts markets on various days across the city. Check out the link above for the upcoming markets schedule.
Hours: Vary
Westchase District Farmers Market
Location: 10503 Westheimer Road (at Rogerdale Road) Houston, TX 77042
Hours: Thursdays, 3pm
Farmers Market at Imperial
Location: 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land, TX 77498
Hours: Saturdays, 9am – 1pm
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