Montgomery County Farmers Markets

The oldest of the Montgomery County Farmers Markets clearly is the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative which dates back to 1932. At the onset of the Great Depression, farmers’ wives looked for a new way to sell farm goods to support their families. Montgomery County farms were already struggling from a drop in farm prices and a drought. Local women in home demonstration clubs, organizations of female farmers who received government-sponsored training in home economics, gained the support of the University of Maryland Extension Service and the Club Council to form a market. The women worked with agriculturists and nutritionists to select the products they wanted to sell and standardize their production. The experts graded products the women proposed for sale, ensuring high quality from the outset. Advertisements for canned fruits, jellies, jams, pies, cakes and cookies spread throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

By late 1932, the cooperative had generated enough money to move into a permanent building at its current location, which owner Leon Arnold had constructed especially for the market. In 1935, the co-op decided to purchase the building before it went to sale, so Market President Julian Waters approached a Baltimore bank for a $50,000 loan. Although her request was initially dismissed, the bank president visited the Market several weeks later and found it so successful, he immediately offered the money.  After 92 years, one can say that his decision was a good one.  The Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market is still an important part of Bethesda.

• Location: 7155 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
• Schedule: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Year-round)
• Highlights: This indoor market has been operating since 1932 and offers a variety of fresh produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, and specialty foods. It’s a great place to support local farmers and artisans.

This market is one of the largest of Montgomery County Farmers Markets.  It features a wide variety of more than100 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and more. Live music and chef demonstrations add to the festive ambiance. For more information click here.

• Location: Bethesda Elementary School (7600 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, MD)
• Schedule: Sundays, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Year-round)

This lively market boasts diverse offerings from 45 vendors from DC, MD, VA, PA and WVA. You can find fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, honey, prepared foods, and handmade crafts at this market which dates back to 2005. It’s conveniently located near the Silver Spring Metro station and near the library.

• Location: 1 Veteran’s Place in Downtown Silver Spring
• Schedule: Saturdays 9:00 AM- 1 PM (Summer Hours) 10:00 AM – 1 PM (Winter Hours)

If you can’t find what you want at the farmers market at Pike and Rose, then you should come here to another of the Montgomery County farmers markets.  This Rockville market features local farmers, bakers, and artisans selling fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and more. It’s a popular destination in downtown Rockville – and like so many other well located markets, there is lots to do around the market.   For more information click here.

• Location: Rockville Town Center (Corner of Route 28 and Monroe St, Rockville, MD)
• Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (May – November)

This farm market hosts over 30 vendors. The market features table seating, music, local Maryland wines and farm brewery tastings, kids club activities, chef demos, a special Tuesday Thanksgiving market and more.  There is so much going on at Pike and Rose between the restaurants, movie theater, bowling alley, beach and play areas! Be sure to check out this newest of the Montgomery County Farmers Markets when you are there.

• Location: Pike and Rose parking lot near Bark Social
• Schedule: Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM (late April- late December)

The Olney Farmers and Artists Market adds artwork to the produce offered each week, giving you another reason to hit the farmers markets around you!   Known for its friendly atmosphere and high-quality products, this market offers farm-fresh produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, crafts, and live music

• Location: Olney Theatre Center (2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD)
• Schedule: Sundays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (May – November)

This long-standing market features a diverse array of vendors selling organic produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and international cuisine. It’s located in the heart of Takoma Park’s historic district. You’ll find the freshest local, seasonal produce, breads, pasture raised meats, artisan cheese, eggs, baked goods and more from farms located within 125 miles of Takoma Park, MD. You can  see the seasonal produce list here.

• Location: Laurel Avenue & Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD
• Schedule: Sundays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Year-round)

The Montgomery County Farmers Markets play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting local economies, fostering community connections, and providing consumers with access to fresh, healthy, and diverse food options that come from nearby rather than thousands of miles away. Their positive impact extends beyond individual purchases to contribute to broader social and environmental goals.

The fruits, vegetables, and other products available at farmers markets are typically harvested at peak ripeness and brought directly to market. This means consumers get access to fresh, high-quality, and seasonal produce with optimal flavor and nutritional value.Farmers markets provide opportunities for consumers to learn about where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and the people who produce it. Farmers often share insights about farming practices, seasonal eating, and food preparation.