From downtown tailgates to small-town gatherings and one of the largest farmers' markets in the Southeast, Asheville makes it easy to shop local year-round. Whether you’re looking for just-picked produce, Appalachian-grown meats and cheeses, fresh flowers, or a Saturday-morning ritual with coffee in hand, these farmers' markets showcase the people and flavors that define the region.
This guide has been refreshed for 2026, with updated locations, seasonal schedules, and practical tips. Because hours and seasons can shift with weather and harvest cycles, it’s always smart to double-check before you go.
Check back soon: We’ll continue updating this page as 2026 market schedules are finalized.
Where can I find Farmer's Markets in Asheville?
What Is the Best Year-Round Farmers Market Near Asheville?
There are markets that are open year-round. The largest being the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, open seven days a week. There are also indoor markets and special holiday markets that are open seasonally.
Farmers' markets operate year-round, but late spring through early fall offers the widest selection of fruits and vegetables. Winter markets tend to feature storage crops, meats, baked goods, and preserved foods—still rewarding, just different.
Where Can You Find Downtown and Neighborhood Farmers' Markets?
Asheville City Market (Downtown Asheville)
One of the city’s most beloved markets, Asheville City Market brings local farmers and food makers together in the heart of downtown. The market operates seasonally, with spring through fall hours typically in the morning and winter hours shifting later in the day.
Because winter schedules and holiday closures vary, check the market’s current listing before visiting.
North Asheville Tailgate Market (North Asheville)
The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a community favorite known for its friendly vibe and strong local following. It runs year-round, with earlier morning hours in the warmer months and later hours during winter.
Seasonal adjustments are common, so confirm current hours ahead of time.
West Asheville Tailgate Market (West Asheville)
Serving the West Asheville community, this tailgate market operates seasonally and features local produce, baked goods, and value-added foods. Hours can vary slightly year to year, and even between official listings, so it’s best to verify the most current schedule before heading out.
East Asheville Tailgate Market (East Asheville)
The East Asheville Tailgate Market typically runs seasonally on Fridays, offering a relaxed way to shop local heading into the weekend. Vendors focus on produce, pantry items, and prepared foods from Appalachian Grown producers.
Enka–Candler Tailgate Market
Located west of Asheville, the Enka–Candler Tailgate Market operates seasonally and serves as a convenient neighborhood market for surrounding communities. Expect fresh produce, local meats, and baked goods, with hours that may shift slightly at the beginning and end of the season.
Which Farmers' Markets Are Worth the Drive Outside Asheville?
Weaverville Tailgate Market
Just north of Asheville, the Weaverville Tailgate Market offers a classic small-town farmers market experience. Typically held midweek during the growing season, it’s a great stop for fresh produce and locally made goods in a walkable downtown setting.
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
The Black Mountain Tailgate Market operates with seasonal schedules, including a spring market and a longer main-season market. Located near downtown Black Mountain, it pairs easily with a day of shopping, dining, or exploring nearby trails.
Leicester Farmers Market
Held seasonally in the Leicester area, this market highlights produce and products from farms west of Asheville. Hours can vary during shoulder months at the beginning and end of the season, so checking current listings is recommended.
Are There Specialty or Community-Focused Markets Near Asheville?
River Arts District Farmers Market
The River Arts District Farmers Market is currently held at New Belgium Brewing, offering a mix of fresh food and local goods in one of Asheville’s most creative districts. Seasonal hours apply, and schedules may shift between peak and shoulder seasons.
Southside Community Farmers Market
Focused on supporting BIPOC farmers and food producers, the Southside Community Farmers Market operates on a seasonal schedule that can change year to year. Dates, locations, and times vary, so it’s best to consult the most current listings before planning your visit.
More Info: Visit the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's (ASAP) website to find tailgate markets, farm stands and holiday markets. For a list of local tailgate markets, and the days and times they are open, click HERE.
Buncombe County Farmers Markets: Weekly Schedule
Every Day
- Western North Carolina Farmers Market - 570 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesdays
- West Asheville Tailgate Market – 718 Haywood Rd, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays
- River Arts District Farmers Market – 24 Fernihurst Dr (AB Tech), 3- 6 p.m.
- Weaverville Tailgate Market – 60 Lakeshore Dr, 3–6 p.m.
- Leicester Farmers Market – 2979 New Leicester Hwy, 3–6 p.m. (Seasonal, begins in May)
Thursdays
- Enka-Candler Farmers Market – A-B Tech Enka Campus, Sand Hill Rd, 3:30–6:30 p.m. (Seasonal, starts in late April)
- Biltmore Park Farmers Market – Biltmore Park Town Square, 3–6 p.m. (Runs May–October)
Fridays
- East Asheville Tailgate Market – 954 Tunnel Rd, 3–6 p.m.
Saturdays
- Asheville City Market – Downtown Asheville, 9 a.m.– 12 p.m.
- North Asheville Tailgate Market – UNC Asheville Lot P34, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Black Mountain Tailgate Market – Montreat Rd, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
PRO TIP: Hours and lineups may evolve—check each market’s listing or ASAP’s Local Food Guide before visiting for the most up-to-date details
Tour Asheville's Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Asheville is known as the Paris of the South for its galleries, cafes and world-class food scene. Get an insider's view of the city's many farm-to-table restaurants through some of the local walking tours. There's Eating Asheville , offering walking food tours from basic to posh. Asheville Food Tours visits six or seven handpicked restaurants and food shops.
Asheville Honey in Bee City USA
Asheville is also Bee City USA. The area loves its pollinators, which make possible up to one third of what we eat.
Asheville Bee Charmer in downtown Asheville offers a wide selection of raw and pure honey from North Carolina and around the world.
For a different honey experience, visit the WNC Farmers Market, which is brimming with honey and other locally made products.
Find Fresh Food
Each year, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) publishes its Local Food Guide, a free publication to help you find local food and farms. This resource lists "Appalachian Grown" certified farms, farmers tailgate markets, and restaurants throughout the area. Look for the publication at the Asheville Visitor Center or view a digital version on the ASAP website.
