Dallas Farmers Market: A Complete Guide

If you find yourself in the greater Dallas area, you must check out the amazing vendors and shops that make up the Dallas Farmers Market. This destination is loaded with shops, food stands, fun events, restaurants, and more. This is one of the most frequented farmer’s markets in the country, and today, we will go in-depth about everything you need to know, including the history, hours of operation, amazing events, and more.

The Many Exciting Pieces of the Dallas Farmers Market

The Dallas Farmers Market is a multi-faceted destination where shoppers and tourists can enjoy many different shops and vendors. Here are the details about the fun things you can do at the market.

The Shed

The main component of the Dallas Farmers Market is what is called the Shed. It’s an open-air pavilion where you can find the local vendors who grow, raise, and produce delicious food that can be purchased for great prices. You will find a great variety of vendors and farmers, and there’s bound to be something that will catch your eye. You’ll see everything from food artisans that make their own bread and seasonal produce that’s only grown in Dallas to ranchers who make their own meats, cheeses, honey, eggs, canned international foods, and more.

The Shed is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. While it is an open-air pavilion, it is very comfortable, even during the humid summer months. Ceiling fans and misters in the pavilion make the temperature 15 degrees lower than it is outside.

Vendors

Many of the vendors that sell food and products at the Dallas Farmers Market will rotate and vary based on the week. However, some of the popular vendors that you can expect include:

• 413 Farm – Free Range Beef, Pork, Chicken
• Braga Farms – Salad Greens Mix, Pesto, Microgreens, Radishes
• Cedar Ridge Eggs – Free-Range Chicken Eggs
• Central Texas Sustainable – Chicken, Beef, and Lamb
• Cooking Borscht – Traditional Ukrainian Soup Kits
• Dragon City Farms – Mushrooms, Microgreens
• Dream Girls Farm – Goat Milk Soap, Goat Milk Caramel, Fresh Fruit Jams + Jellies
• Gabriel Ranch – Free Range Angus Beef
• Juha Ranch – Free Range Beef, Lamb, and Rabbit (Saturdays only)
• Hendrix Family Farm – Free-Range Beef and Jerky
• North Texas Pecans – Pecans (Shelled or In-Shell), Honey & Pecan Pies
• Papa Hences Farm – Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Radishes
• Round Rock Honey – Texas Honey Products
• Skye Farms – Microgreens – Sunflower, Pea, Radish, Broccoli, Arugula, Super Mix, Mix that Kicks, Cilantro + Basil
• State 28 Farm – Salad Greens, Microgreens, Salsas, Pickles, Soaps, 1836 Farms Milk
• Williams Garden – Broccoli, Beets, Collard Greens, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Mint, Onions, Romaine, Salad Mix, Spinach, Yellow Onions

You can see a list and map of the vendors at this link.

Since different food is available during different seasons, you can also expect to see plenty of regional farmers. If you have a favorite food that you like and it only grows part of the year, then consult this seasonal chart so you know when your desired food will be available for purchase. 

Parking, Transportation, and Pets

The market is located at 1010 S. Pearl Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75201.

There are many places to park around the market. It’s wise to park your car and approach the market on foot to avoid frustration. There are parking garages, street parking, paid parking, and lots around the neighborhood. 

Pets are allowed at the market. All pets must be on a leash. If you bring a pet, then you must clean up after them.

The Market

Another facet of the Dallas Farmers Market is the Market. This is a 26,000-square-foot food hall that doubles as an artisanal vendor market. Patrons can see a mix of anchor restaurants, artisanal food vendors, and local specialty foods. There are also dining areas inside and outside where families can sit and eat or drink a cup of coffee.

The Market is open Monday – Sunday from 10 am-7 pm. Keep in mind that restaurants and vendors may open their doors at different times, so their individual hours vary. You can tell who will be there and when by reviewing the map at this link.

Vendors

There are many vendors and shops that patrons can check out every weekend. They include:

• 8 Cloves – A gluten-free menu offers many Indian classics, such as Daal and Choley.

• Abundantly Aromatic – Natural handmade soaps, scents, and fragrances.

• American Butchers – Pick out any fresh steaks, lamb, or pork chops.

• BellaTrino’s Neapolitan Pizzeria at the Market – Best Neapolitan pizzas in the area.

• Beyond the Butcher – Comfort foods, beer, brats, burgers, and more.

• Bullzerk – A large gift store that has all your trinkets and mementos.

• Chelles Macarons – Local bakery specializes in French macarons.

• Cone Creamery – Ice cream sandwiches, cones, Dublin floats, sundaes, and more!  

• Doc Popcorn – Popcorn flavors include Hoppin’ Jalapeño, Caramel Bliss, and beyond.

• El Mero Mero – Tamales, tacos, and more.

• Ginzaro Sushi – Japanese sushi restaurant.

• Juicebabe – Curated selection of juices and a variety of treats.

• K.A. Classics – Tasty classic foods.

• Laili – Specialized turnovers, dumplings, and other dishes.

• Lone Chimney Mercantile – One-of-a-kind photography, furniture, and artwork. 

• Market Provisions – A general store where you can buy coffee, sundries, and everything in between.

• Nammi – Vietnamese Fusion Truck serving up Vietnamese tacos, banh mi, and more.

• Palmieri Cafe – Coffee, baked goods, and breakfast.

• Rex’s Seafood and Market – Freshest high-quality seafood in Dallas.

• San Miguel’s Exporta – Quality-handcrafted products of all types.

• Scardello Artisan Cheese – Local Texas and domestic cheeses.

• Simply Irresistible – Greeting cards, t-shirts, kitchen towels, and more.

• Taqueria La Ventana – Mexican street tacos, elotes, churros, and more.

• Texas Goods Company – Unique accent pieces, accessories, & fun gifts.

• The 2nd Tap – Brewery with tons of great options.

• The Caribbean Cabana – Best Caribbean food.

• The Reserve by Taqueria Taxco – Delicious Mexican foods.

Helpful Tips When Shopping at the Dallas Farmers Market

The employees at the Dallas Farmers Market have put together a nice little list of tips that shoppers can use to get the best use of their time when shopping at the Shed. These tips include the following:

1. They recommend scheduling plenty of time so you can walk around and see the many vendors that call this market home. Also, bring your reusable shopping bags so you can fill them to the top and help the planet at the same time.

2. Try to make it as early as possible to get the best selection of vegetables, fruits, and products. Remember that this market opens at 9 am on Saturdays and 10 am on Sundays, so plan accordingly. You can schedule your day by checking out the website before your visit, so you know where to go.

3. If you’re truly interested in the products at a particular booth, then talk to the vendors. Take the time to get to know them and ask any questions you may have. You can also inquire about preorders, which is important when buying eggs, meats, and artisan products. 

4. In the case that you’re buying perishable items, you may want to bring a cooler so you can keep your produce fresh until you get it home. Double-check your purchases before you leave to ensure that you got everything on your list. 

5. Remember that there are complementary wagons if you need them to transport your purchases or your kids. You can also get a free bumper sticker at the information booth.

6. Use SNAP/EBT benefits – Since the idea is that everyone in Dallas should have access to the same healthy food, the vendors at the Dallas Farmers Market do accept SNAP/EBT cards for purchases. With that said, vendors also accept cash and cards. 

History and Background of the Dallas Farmers Market

The Dallas Farmers Market has been around since 1941 when it was just a small horse-and-wagon wholesale business. Even before that year, the city of Dallas was flourishing as vendors went from place to place in their covered wagons hoping to sell their produce and products. These travelers all landed at what would become the intersection of Cadiz Street and South Pearl Expressway. In 1939, the site for the Dallas Farmers Market was established, and in 1941, it officially became an operating market.

Today, in 2023, the farmers market continues to stand tall as a symbol of the people of Dallas’ continued commitment to health, nutrition, and fun. Currently, the Dallas Farmers Market is home to over 200 small businesses and vendors and supports more than 50 local Texas farmers. 

In addition to providing great produce and service to the citizens of Dallas, the founders of the market also seek to cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle for Texas residents through special events, educational outreach, and more. They look forward to a more sustainable future for the people of Dallas.

Mission

The founders of the Dallas Farmers Market have a very positive mission statement that perfectly sums up their ambitions. It goes as follows:

“Here, in the heart of Downtown, the Dallas Farmers Market exists to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for all of North Texas. Honesty, transparency, and responsibility are the guiding forces behind our organization. We believe in educating our community about how to live in a natural, balanced way.”

In addition, this market has a very strong brand promise. They believe in:

Secure Food Sourcing – Supporting local farmers, creating a secure and regional food system, launching education and farm technologies, and creating sustainable lifestyles.

Community – Giving everyone the chance to eat right with programs like SNAP, re-establishing the connection between food and the community, and enriching urban living in Dallas.

Strong Economics – Encouraging job creation, boosting small business, and revitalizing South Dallas.

You can learn more about the pillars of the Dallas Farmers Market and stay up to date with events and activities by signing up for the newsletter here.

Activities, Programs, and Events

There are many exciting events and programs happening at the Dallas Farmers Market, and Dallas residents can check them out during the year. Here are the details for some activities you can expect.

Dallas Farmers Market Locals Program

While the founders of this market love to host tourists from around the world, they also have a Dallas Farmers Market Locals Program. This is a program where you pay an annual fee, and you get perks throughout the year. By paying for the program, you are supporting local farmers and businesses along with sustainable farming and education. The cost is $65 for a single membership, $125 for a family of four, and $500 for a corporate package.

The perks of this program include:

• Dallas Farmers Market Reusable Limited Edition Bag
• Car Window Sticker
• Quarterly Luncheon
• Monthly Vendor Special
• “First Picks” for incoming produce
• Market Bucks Drawing
• Local Perk on DFM Merch at Bullzerk
• Member Volunteer opportunities 
• Exclusive parking

Dallas Farmers Market Podcasts

If you are planning on visiting Dallas and you really want to be prepared, or you are a local and you want to stay up-to-date on the largest goings on at the market, then you can listen to the exclusive podcast. Each episode is either about a different category of food, from bananas to tomatoes, or it is a conversation or trivia about farmers markets. Check out the podcasts here.

Community Garden

Located directly east of the Shed is a community garden. Opened in 2015, this is a collaboration with the American Heart Association and other Dallas community partners. People of all ages can come to the community garden and take part in specially designed educational programs. Among them is the program that teaches people how to sustainably grow their fruits and vegetables.

As part of the community garden, there is currently a special event where patrons can purchase a waterproof bag that they can use when shopping at the market. It holds 135 pounds, so it is a great accessory at the market. It costs $65, and it funds the teaching garden. The bag is inspired by the famous Mama Ida. 

Ida Papert was a fixture of the Dallas Farmers Market near its inception. She started shopping at the market in 1953 and formed the Dallas Farmers Market Friends group in 1991. She shopped at the market almost every weekend, and she carried her own personalized bag that said  “Ida’s Gotta Have It,” and she would fill it to the brim every weekend.

You can sign up for this bag or the community garden at the information booth (red tent) every weekend.

Farmers Market Field Trips

Students of all ages are encouraged to take a field trip to the Dallas Farmers Market. There is a ton of history to behold and visitors can learn a lot about local farmers, produce, and more. You have the option of taking a self-led tour, or there are instructor-led programs and guided tours. Call ahead of time if you have a large group.

Events Calendar

This is truly a major farmers market with fun events happening all of the time. On just about every day of the week, patrons can enjoy everything from chef demos and beer tastings to little farmers storytime and traditional farmers market fun. You can check out the full and comprehensive calendar of activities on the page here.

Various Info About the Dallas Farmers Market

In addition to all of the topics we have discussed above, there are also other various tidbits that you may want to learn about. Here are some bullet points to consider:

• If you would like to volunteer or become a vendor at the market, you can get more information at this link.

• Bands and musical acts interested in performing at the market can inquire by contacting the market on this page.

• Remember that vendors can differ depending on the day. There’s typically a mix of vendors every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Strollers and wagons are welcome.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a ton to see and do at the Dallas Farmers Market. Whether you or your kids love produce, history, or farming, or you just need something to do on a Saturday or Sunday, this market has you covered. Check out the links we have provided for more information, and enjoy your next visit!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/typhoonski