National Farmers Market Week: Support Alexandria Market Vendors

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The first week of August marks National Farmers Market Week, and there's no better time to visit the farmers markets in Alexandria and support local producers.

The city's five farmers markets are the Old Town Farmers Market, Del Ray Farmers Market, Old Town North Farmers Market, Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market, and West End Farmers Markets. All of these markets are open year round, except for the West End Farmers Market, which is open through Nov. 15. All market offer composting stations.

This year, National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 1 to 7 celebrates the resiliency of farmers markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid challenges with conventional food supply chains at the start of the pandemic, farmers markets stepped up to meet a growing interest in local foods. Markets adapted to restrictions with social distancing, regulating traffic flow, advance ordering systems and more for the safety of vendors and shoppers.

As of May 28, capacity and distancing restrictions are lifted at the city's farmers markets. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance from others.

The Old Town North Farmers Market is an option for weekday shopping. Held on Thursdays at Montgomery Park, hours change seasonally. Summer hours through Sept. 21 are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shoppers can find produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, coffee and more. Returning vendors this week include Chewish Deli, Shammalis Hummus and Wow Fudge. Free yoga will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5.

The Old Town Farmers Market claims the title of the country's oldest farmers market, dating back over 260 years at Market Square in front of City Hall. Shoppers can visit Saturdays year round from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Products range from produce, meats and dairy products to artisan products, specialty foods, coffee and tea and much more. Parking is free from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays at the Market Square Parking Garage.

Saturday also brings the Del Ray Farmers Market at Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues from 8 a.m. to noon year round. Some vendors change seasonally, but some year-round favorites are Honey Brook Farms, Lost Boy Cider, Baked By Yael, Carl’s Comforts, Cold Country Salmon , Fresh Crunch Pickles and more.

The Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue brings fresh food to people of all income levels on Sundays. Held Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., this market accepts SNAP/EBT. Produce, baked goods, specialty food, dairy products, seafood, coffee, meats and artisan products can be found at the market. Parking is available in adjacent lots.

The West End Farmers Market also happens Sundays at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 15. Expect to find produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, coffee, specialty foods and more.

The annual National Farmers Market Week celebration is coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit providing training, technical assistance and network-building to farmers markets nationwide.