Check out these farmers markets for eco-friendly summer activities
July 28, 2022
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the July 26, 2022 flip book.
For those looking to make sustainable decisions, take their green thumb for a spin or get outside with loved ones, farmers markets make for a great summertime outing. The Daily Texan compiled a list of local farmers markets for Austinites looking to support small businesses and promote environmentally friendly consumption.
Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market Downtown, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Offering farm goods surrounded by highrises in the heart of downtown Austin at Republic Square, the Sustainable Food Center market encompasses over 75 local vendors, ranging from fresh summer produce to handmade artisan candles. SFC combines the city’s urban atmosphere with surrounding Texas nature, creating a unique and lively market environment. According to its website, SFC promotes sustainable food access, with a vision to “increase the amount of local food consumed by residents in Central Texas.”
According to its website, SFC is active in almost every part of food production — helping farmers and ranchers, creating spaces to help with gardening and cooking, improving access to healthy and fresh food and fighting for just policy surrounding all aspects of the food systems, on a local, statewide and national level.
Downtown Buda Farmers Market, Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Setting up shop approximately 20 minutes south of Austin, the Downtown Buda Farmers Market exudes small-town charm. Having recently expanded from a parking lot on Buda’s historic Main Street, the Buda Farmers Market now sits in Buda City Park — making it perfect for families seeking a Sunday morning outside. The market offers traditional selections of homegrown food and handmade goods with unique highlights of the neighborhood. Catch a taste of local cooking brought from a home kitchen to a market tent, or watch kids dance as a local band performs Irish tunes.
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
According to its website, Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller is organized by F2M Texas, a nonprofit corporation aiming to educate Central Texas producers and consumers to grow a sustainable food system. The market also runs the Agricultural Producer Support Fund, which aims “to support farmers, ranchers and all producer vendors during times of medical, environmental or other crisis,” according to its website.
The market was voted Austin’s favorite farmers market via Austin Chronicle for the past 9 years. While the plethora of fresh produce offered by the 120-plus vendors at Texas Farmers’ Market attracts customers, the bustling environment, which often includes live music, is what really draws shoppers in for a fun morning and afternoon out with loved ones.
Barton Creek Farmers Market, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Born in 1987 in a Whole Foods parking lot, Barton Creek Farmers Market — the oldest farmers market in Austin — remains one of the city’s most beloved weekend activities. The award-winning market, now located in the back of Barton Creek Square Mall, features dozens of local vendors showcasing fresh food and handcrafted gifts. Additionally, Barton Creek Farmers Market provides many resources online for those who want to learn more about where their products come from, which foods are in season and other ways to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
“Our market is like a very special party and is sought out by vendors and shoppers alike,” according to the market’s website. “Rain or shine, we’re always celebrating our weekly, open-air market with fresh foods, live music, kids entertainment … and a great community vibe.”
