Lexington Farmers Market Guide

The Lexington Farmers Market is one of the highlights of living in Lexington KY, and it has been running since 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country. Every Saturday morning from April through November, Cheapside Park in downtown Lexington fills up with local farmers, bakers, growers, and artisans. If you have not been, you are missing one of the best things about this city.

The Basics

The main Saturday market runs at Cheapside Park at the corner of Cheapside and Short Street in downtown Lexington. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from early April through late November. There is also a smaller Wednesday market and a Sunday market at different locations throughout the season.

The Saturday market at Cheapside is the main event. That is where the most vendors are, the crowds are biggest, and the energy is best. I would recommend starting there if you have never been.

What to Buy

The selection changes with the seasons, and that is part of what makes it great.

Spring brings asparagus, strawberries, lettuces, radishes, and early herbs. The strawberries from local farms are nothing like what you get at the grocery store. They are smaller, sweeter, and they actually taste like strawberries.

Summer is peak season. Tomatoes, corn, peppers, peaches, blackberries, green beans, squash, and more. This is when the market is at its best and most crowded. The tomatoes alone are worth the trip.

Fall shifts to apples, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, and late-season greens. The apple cider from local orchards is outstanding.

Beyond produce, you will find local honey, baked goods, fresh bread, handmade pasta, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised eggs, goat cheese, fresh flowers, and artisan crafts. Several vendors also sell prepared foods, so you can eat breakfast while you shop.

Vendors to Know

Elmwood Stock Farm is one of the premier organic farms in Central Kentucky and a market regular. Their produce is consistently excellent and they offer a CSA program if you want a weekly box delivered.

Marksbury Farm Market sells some of the best local meat you will find. Pasture-raised, humanely processed, and noticeably better than what you get at the chain grocery stores.

Rolling Oven often parks their wood-fired pizza truck near the market. Freshly made pizza with local ingredients on a Saturday morning is about as good as it gets. Check their schedule because they rotate locations.

Tips for Your Visit

Get there early. By 8:15 AM on a busy summer Saturday the best stuff is already being picked over. The serious shoppers show up right at 8:00. If you want the best heirloom tomatoes or the fresh-baked bread before it sells out, do not sleep in.

Bring cash. Many vendors accept cards now, but some still prefer cash and the lines move faster when you are not waiting for a card reader to connect.

Bring your own bags. Most vendors have bags, but it is easier and more sustainable to bring a reusable tote or two.

Parking is available in the downtown garages. The cheapest option is the Courthouse garage on Short Street. Street parking fills up fast on Saturday mornings so the garage is the safer bet.

Beyond Saturday

The Lexington Farmers Market website has the full schedule including weekday markets and special events. If you cannot make the Saturday market, the Wednesday market at Robert D. Bell Technology Park off Harrodsburg Road is a solid alternative with many of the same vendors.

For more things to do in Lexington on the weekends, check out our events page and our guide to the best things to do in Lexington. The farmers market pairs perfectly with a walk through downtown and brunch at one of the nearby restaurants listed on our restaurant rankings.

Why It Matters

Buying from the farmers market keeps money in the local economy and supports the farms that make Central Kentucky what it is. The food is fresher, it tastes better, and you get to meet the people who grew it. It is one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do on a Saturday morning in Lexington. Set your alarm, grab a coffee, and go.