Peak growing season is upon us, which means farmers’ markets are opening up across the city and the greater Nashville area! As stay-at-home measures begin to lift, local markets are ready and eager to share their best produce, wares, and tasty treats.
If you are new to Nashville or unfamiliar with the farmers’ market scene, you’re in for a fun surprise. Music City is chock full of incredible, local vendors and neighborhood-specific markets. Whether you live in Nashville or the surrounding suburbs, you are guaranteed to enjoy one of these great farmers’ markets near you.
Nashville Farmers’ Market
Located right in the heart of downtown Nashville, this year-round market is by far the largest farmers’ market in the area. Nashville Farmers’ Market consists of three main areas: the Farm Sheds, Gardens of Babylon, and the Market House.
Due to COVID-19, the Market House—a typically year-round space housing restaurants and shops—is now open on a limited basis to the public. Many of the businesses in the Market House, however, are offering curbside pickup when you order food or gifts online.
The two outdoor areas of the market, the Farm Sheds and the Gardens of Babylon, an 18,000 square-foot plant nursery, are now open for in-person shopping. Social distancing measures are in place, so be sure to review their policies before venturing downtown.
The Farm Sheds house the many local farmers, ranchers, food artisans, bakers, and crafters that come regularly to sell their products. Vendors change daily, and individual vendor hours may vary, but the farmers’ market will now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37208
East Nashville Farmers’ Market
The East Nashville Farmers’ Market is a seasonal staple in the artsy East Nashville neighborhood. This family-friendly market meets weekly during the prime growing season, May through October. Vendors gather on the corner of 5th and Woodland Street every Tuesday evening, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing a great place to shop for your favorite produce, grab a bite to eat, and listen to some live music with the family.
The market reopened on May 12 with some safety guidelines in place for vendors and shoppers. They ask that everyone wear masks, practice social distancing, limit touching items (vendors will gladly help you bag your produce!), and food trucks are offering take-away orders until further notice.
Location: 511 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
12 South Farmers’ Market
Named one of Nashville’s top farmers’ markets for the past five years, 12 South Farmers’ Market is definitely worth a visit! This weekly market also takes place seasonally, joining the 12 South neighborhood every May through October (with the occasional holiday pop-up or event).
The market meets in Sevier Park every Tuesday afternoon from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Much like in East Nashville, shoppers can enjoy a wide array of fresh produce, locally sourced meat and dairy, crafts, and great local eats. There is even the occasional visit from Parnassus on Wheels, the mobile version of everyone’s favorite local bookstore.
Location: 3000 Granny White Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
Nolensville Farmers’ Market
Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday morning? When you feel like venturing a little farther afield, we highly recommend heading down to Nolensville Farmers’ Market.
This fun, neighborhood market boasts a completely unique selection of produce, meat (rabbit, anyone?), dairy, sweets/baked goods, and skincare products from across the region. Like the other markets in the area, vendors and shoppers are asked to follow safe social distancing guidelines.
If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house, grab a coffee, and enjoy some tasty baked goods, then head out to Nolensville on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. (late April through November).
Location: 7248 Nolensville Rd.
Nolensville, TN 37135
Hip Donelson Farmers’ Market
While the Hip Donelson Farmers’ Market has delayed its opening due to COVID-19, this community-focused neighborhood market is using its website to direct shoppers to their favorite vendors online. You certainly don’t have to forgo your favorite jellies or cheeses while you wait for the market to re-open.
Donelson is one of Nashville’s hippest neighborhoods (hence the name) and the farmers’ market provides a great place to spend an evening enjoying food, live music, and some of Nashville’s favorite artisans and crafters. Not to mention the great selection of local produce, dairy, and baked goods.
When Hip Donelson Farmer’s Market does rejoin its other neighborhood markets, it will be open on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. through October.
Location: 3130 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN, 37214
Richland Park Farmers’ Market
For our neighbors on the west side of the city, Richland Park Farmers’ Market should be on your list of Saturday to-dos. This neighborhood market is committed to only selling items that are grown or produced within 150 miles of Nashville, and many of the vendors come from even nearer.
Shoppers can enjoy a great selection of fresh produce, juice, pastries, meat, dairy products, and more every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In order to help keep shoppers and vendors safe at this time, the market is even offering pre-ordering through their website. Simply find your favorite vendors, order, and pick-up on Saturdays during market hours.
Location: 4701 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Franklin Farmers’ Market
No list of Nashville farmers’ markets would be complete without the Franklin Farmers’ Market. This local favorite was named one of the top three area farmers’ markets in 2019, and for very good reason. The year-round market gathers all local Tennessee vendors to share their bountiful produce, quality baked goods, hand-made skincare and home products, and so much more.
Located at the Factory at Franklin, this community market is a great place to get a bite to eat, grab some fresh produce, and—once restrictions are lifted—enjoy some great local music.
In the meantime, Franklin’s market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and asks that shoppers follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks, and take your market purchases to go and enjoy at home.
Location: 230 Franklin Rd
Franklin, Tennessee 37064
Support Your Local Farmers’ Market
While the farmers’ market experience may look a little different at the moment, it is still a great way to get outside, enjoy some great food, and support your local farmers, bakers, and artisans! What is your favorite Nashville farmers’ market?