There are many reasons why supporting your local New Mexico farmers’ market is a good idea. First, the food you purchase is at its peak – tasty, fresh, and highly nutritious. It’s also seasonal, so you can enjoy a connection with nature in the most sensory way. Supporting local family farmers feels good, and you can get to know the people who actually grow your food. It’s also good for the environment – did you know that food in the U.S. travels an average of 1500 miles to get to your plate? In addition, it is a fun way to get to know your neighbors and experience your community. Let’s take a look at a number of the local farmers’ markets around New Mexico.
Albuquerque Downtown Growers Market
Located at 8th and Central at Robinson Park, this Saturday morning market (8 a.m. to noon) runs from mid-April through Nov. 4 and offers food, music, entertainment, and a wide variety of vendors. Now in its 23rd year, the market has grown from around 13 vendors to nearly 200. This decidedly green market uses solar power for a weekly band and espresso machine has compost and recycling on site, and launched an Eco Campaign! whereby vendors commit to use compostable packaging. In addition to a weekly live band, there is yoga at 9 a.m., a bike valet service, and tons of community spirit. Market accepts EBT/SNAP, WIC, and senior checks. Also, you can use your debit card to get market tokens. And there is tons of free parking within two blocks of the market.
Albuquerque Uptown Growers’ Market
Located in the northeast parking lot at Albuquerque Uptown shopping center, one block north of Trader Joe’s on Uptown Loop, this market takes place on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon from June 4 through Oct. 29. It’s got plenty of parking in a convenient location. Accepts WIC, senior checks, EBT and debit cards. Live music, too. (Note: not 100% sure this market is still running. The website was down and Facebook page out of date. If you know, please let us know!)
Belen Farmers’ Market
Every Friday afternoon (4:30 to 7 p.m.) find many of Valencia County’s small farms producers, locally baked goods, and handcrafted wares at the Anna Becker Park—runs from June 9 to Oct. 27.
Corrales Growers’ Market
The Corrales market is one of the busiest in the Albuquerque area, with many special events such as Annual Tractor Day at the market! Market hours are Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon (mid-May through early Nov.) and Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. (mid-July through mid-Oct.) This market accepts WIC.
Dixon Farmer’s Market
The Dixon Farmer’s Market, 275 Hwy 75, has been running every summer since 2003, and proceeds benefit the Embudo Valley Library. Held June 20 through Oct. 17, Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Accepts EBT dollars, up to $20 can be exchanged for market bucks (to be used only on fruit or veggies).
Eldorado Farmer’s Market
A market with a mission! Just a short way up the highway from Santa Fe, you will find a Friday afternoon farmers’ market outside the La Tienda shopping area from 3:30-6:30 p.m. (late May through Oct. 11). This market is operated by Bienvenidos Outreach and a donation of stall fees and other contributions directly assist the non-profit’s mission. And contributions of food from the vendors allow the non-profit to provide fresh, healthy food to its clients.
Española Farmer’s Market, Española
From June to October, this market is located at 1005 Railroad Avenue in Española. It has been in operation for more than 20 years, and it also publishes a market blog. Market runs June 11-Oct. 29 on Mondays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Los Lunas Farmers’ Market
Head to Heritage Park in Los Lunas, 3447 Lambros Circle, on Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. (July through October) for fresh healthy veggies and fruits, honey, eggs, meat, and more.
Los Ranchos Growers Market, ABQ
The Los Ranchos market and arts and crafts market (Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon) is one of the largest in the city, located at 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW in the tennis court parking lot. (In inclement weather, it moves into the nearby community barn). This long-running and popular market often sells out of local eggs and specialty items before 10 a.m., so get out early for the best in seasonal produce. Much of the produce is grown right in Los Ranchos and the North Valley.
Nob Hill Growers’ Market
From mid-May through October, a Thursday market from 3-6:30 p.m. is held at Morningside Park, three block ease of Carlisle and 2 blocks south of Central. It has a small core of growers in a pleasant park setting. WIC, EBT, debit, and senior checks are accepted.
Rail Yards Market, ABQ
A relative newcomer (now in its 6th year), this seasonal weekend market offers produce, crafts, and more in the historic space in the Rail Yards. On Sundays from May through October (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) find fine food, artisan goods, healing vendors, live music, and more—including an education/demo area for kids and adults. EBT, WIC, senior checks and DUFB (double SNAP) welcome.
Santa Fe Farmers’ Market
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market located at the Santa Fe Railyard has been voted one of the “Top Ten Farmers Markets” by Sunset magazine. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful markets in the country. Saturday mornings are an experience with an abundance of delicious fresh food that delves deep into farming and ranching fare. Plus it is always entertaining with buskers and fiddlers and the energy of the Railyard as its backdrop. Saturday is the mother lode, with an onslaught of vendors and consumers, from 8 a.m. to 1 pm, year round.
It also has a Tuesday market at the Railyard, May through November 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a less crowded experience. A new addition to the roster is a Wednesday eve market (July through Sept.) 3-6 p.m., which is a great way to grab some stuff for a picnic and dine al fresco at an area park. The Tuesday Del Sur Market serves the south side of Santa Fe, where fresh fare is in short supply—Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. from July 3 through Sept. 25 at the lower level parking lot of Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center on Beckner Rd. The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market serves more than 150 farmers/producers in 15 northern NM counties. And its influence goes far beyond the market—it also promotes education and sustainable agriculture in northern New Mexico.
South Valley Growers’ Market, ABQ
This fun market features delicious produce from the South Valley growers, along with a summer of musical entertainment. It is held on Saturdays, June 8 through late October, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Cristo Del Valle Presbyterian Church, 3907 Isleta SW. The market accepts WIC, SNAP, and senior checks.
Tri-County Farmers’ Market, Las Vegas
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, (8 a.m.-noon), this Las Vegas farmers’ market (6th and University) strives to provide an opportunity for farmers in San Miguel, Mora, and Guadalupe counties to offer locally produced, nutritional food and agricultural crafts and products. Runs early May through October.
Tierra Encantada Farmers’ Market, Las Vegas
A newcomer since 2017, this market is temporarily being held on Mills Ave. next to NAPA Auto Parts (not far from the previous Hot Springs site). Find fresh produce, eggs, bakery good, start up plants, jams, crafts, grass-fed beef and more on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. until sold out. Follow their Facebook page for updated information.
There are so many more local markets in New Mexico—from Abiquiu and Mora to Cedar Crest and Socorro. A great first step to learning more about these markets is the New Mexico Farmers’ Markets website, brought to you by the New Mexico Farmer’s Marketing Association. You can look up markets by region or town and also find great information on local farmers, a blog about anything from traditional farming methods to updates on GMOs in the food supply, information about food assistance programs, recipes, and more. Be sure to check out the recipes by seasons guide—it’s terrific!