Best Farmers' Markets Near Pittsburgh
Summer has officially arrived when the annual farmers' markets start opening for the season once again. Farmers' markets can be a great way to eat healthy and support local businesses, and the Pittsburgh area has a ton to choose from, with markets in many of the neighborhoods and surrounding towns. Here are five of the best farmers' markets near Pittsburgh.
Market Square
23 Market Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 566-4190
www.downtownpittsburgh.com
Thousands of people visit Market Square's farmers' market in downtown Pittsburgh each week, taking advantage of the produce and other goods from over 30 local vendors. But Market Square offers more than the vendors; market-goers are entertained with free concerts every afternoon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., often featuring local performers, including the likes of the symphony and opera. The market also has holiday celebrations and special events, from Christmas in July to a Hawaiian luau to a year-end Halloween party. The farmers' market started up for its 12th season on May 12, 2016, and it'll run each Thursday through October 27, so you have plenty of time to stop by.
Bloomfield Saturday Market
5050 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 681-8800
bloomfieldnow.org
While Thursdays are a popular choice for hosting farmers' markets, the Bloomfield market occurs on Saturdays, from June through early November, making it great for a weekend shopping trip. The Bloomfield farmers' market was created to bring the community together, and it has done just that, operating as part market and part festival. Its variety of vendors includes everything from the usual selections of produce to vendors selling locally made soaps, shampoos and more, plus entertainment from local musicians and activities like yoga.
Citiparks Farmer's Markets
East Liberty
N. Euclid Ave. & Station St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 422-6523
pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks
The East Liberty farmers' market is one of seven Citiparks markets, and it's also one of the biggest. The market operates on Mondays from 3-7 p.m., in May through mid-November, offering up produce and goods from over 20 local vendors.
Original Farmers Market
151 Park Road
McDonald, PA 15057
www.theoriginalfarmersmarket.net
Venture a little bit outside Pittsburgh, and you'll find the Original Farmers Market in the Bridgeville area, open May through November. In May, the market is only open on Fridays, but for the rest of the season, you can enjoy its wares three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Main Street Farmers Market
139 S. Main St.
Washington, PA 15301
(412) 316-5706
msfm.org
Nearby Washington, PA's weekly farmers' market may be small, but it offers good variety from various local businesses, not just farms in nearby Eighty Four. In addition to the typical selection of locally grown produce, the Main Street Farmers Market also features vendors selling homemade breads, pastas, salsas and even soaps and scrubs. Plus, the addition of an arched roof last year means that market-goers can enjoy the space even in the rain. Check out the market on Thursdays, May through October, from 3-6 p.m.
Janelle Sheetz is a 20-something closed-captioner by day, writer by night, just outside of Pittsburgh. She also regularly contributes to AXS.com and Examiner.com., and her writing has also been featured on The Billfold and Neutrons Protons.
