Farmers Market Season 2026: When They Open & What to Expect
Farmers market season varies widely by region — some markets run year-round while others open for just a few months. Here's a region-by-region breakdown for 2026, plus everything you need to find local markets, check EBT acceptance, and know what's in season.
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Market season by region — 2026
Northeast
Maine, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and nearby states
- Opens
- May – June
- Peak
- July – September
- Winds down
- October – November
Many large cities (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia) run year-round indoor markets.
Southeast
Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and nearby states
- Opens
- March – April
- Peak
- May – August
- Winds down
- November
Strawberries arrive early; summer brings peaches, tomatoes, and muscadines.
Midwest
Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and nearby states
- Opens
- May – June
- Peak
- July – September
- Winds down
- October
Sweet corn and tomatoes peak in July–August. Many markets run into fall.
South & Texas
Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi
- Opens
- March – April
- Peak
- May – July
- Winds down
- November (many run year-round)
Peaches, watermelons, and chiles are the summer standouts.
Mountain West
Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada
- Opens
- May – June
- Peak
- July – September
- Winds down
- October
Short but intense season — cherries, peaches, and apples are highlights.
Southwest
Arizona, New Mexico
- Opens
- Year-round (with summer slowdown)
- Peak
- April – June, September – November
- Winds down
- Markets slow in July–August heat, then rebound in fall
Hatch chile season (August–September) is the food event of the year.
Pacific Northwest
Washington, Oregon
- Opens
- April – May
- Peak
- June – September
- Winds down
- November (many run year-round)
Cherries, berries, and apples define the season. Pike Place is open daily.
California
California
- Opens
- Year-round
- Peak
- May – October
- Winds down
- Markets run all 12 months
Citrus in winter, strawberries in spring, stone fruit in summer, grapes in fall.
EBT/SNAP at farmers markets in 2026
Over 2,400 farmers markets across the US accept EBT/SNAP benefits in 2026 — all verified by the USDA. You can use your benefits card to buy fresh produce, eggs, meat, and more directly from local growers.
Most EBT-accepting markets have a central token booth where you swipe your card and receive wooden or plastic tokens to spend at any vendor. Many states also offer Double Up Food Bucks — a matching program that doubles your SNAP dollar at participating markets.
What's in season in 2026
The best thing about farmers markets is eating with the seasons — whatever's at the stall was likely picked within 24–48 hours. Use our seasonal produce guide to know exactly what to look for each month in your state.
Common questions about 2026 farmers markets
- When do farmers markets open in 2026?
- It depends on the region. In the Northeast and Midwest, most outdoor markets open in May or June. The South and Southwest often run year-round or start as early as March. Indoor and winter markets operate through the cold months in most states.
- How many farmers markets are there in the US in 2026?
- Where's the Harvest lists over 29,000 farms and markets across all 50 states — including 7,000+ farmers markets, CSA farms, farm stands, food hubs, and agritourism operations, sourced from USDA-verified data.
- Can I use EBT/SNAP at farmers markets in 2026?
- Yes — over 2,400 farmers markets in the US are USDA-authorized SNAP retailers and accept EBT cards. Use the EBT filter on our search page or browse our EBT farmers markets directory to find accepting locations near you.
- What's the best way to find a farmers market near me in 2026?
- Use the search bar on Where's the Harvest — enter your ZIP code or tap 'Near me' to find markets within any distance. You can also filter by type (farmers market, CSA, farm stand) and by EBT/SNAP acceptance.
- Are farmers markets open in winter 2026?
- Many are. Indoor winter markets run in most major cities year-round. States like California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona have outdoor markets open all 12 months. Search by state to find markets with their current season listed.