Two Farmers Markets Kick Off Season This Week

At least two Arlington farmers markets — in Crystal City and Ballston — are kicking off for the season this week.

In Crystal City, the farmers market at 1900 Crystal Drive will kick off tomorrow (April 3). The market, open from 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday, will have over 20 regional farmers, producers, and vendors.

Mexican street food vendor Manos de Maiz and the grass-fed beef hot dog and hamburger food truck Swizzler will be among this year’s new offerings.

Shoppers can also pick up “conventional and certified organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats and pastured poultry and eggs, sweet and savory baked goods, handmade pastas, honey, jams, and jellies, hot sauces and pickles, and delicious prepared foods,” according to FRESHFARM, the nonprofit market organizer behind both Crystal City and Ballston markets.

The farmers market at Ballston’s Welburn Square is set to open on Thursday (April 5). Among other goods, shoppers can find “ice cream, sweet and savory baked goods, Virginia-made wines, cold-pressed juices, handmade soaps and lotions, wood-fired pizza, [and] hot pressed sandwiches” between 3-7 p.m. every Thursday.

New Ballston vendors this year include strudel stand Little Austria, and Number 1 Sons with their fermented pickles, krauts, and kimchis.

On the first Thursday of each month, the Ballston market will host a beer and wine garden, music, and giveaways.

Both the Crystal City and Ballston farmers markets accept SNAP and WIC program benefits and offer matching dollars for what is spent through those programs.

The farmers market outside Clarendon’s Metro station is opening April 11, with listed hours of 3-7 p.m., according to Clarendon Alliance director Matt Hussman.

Other farmers markets in the county, with listed hours, include:

• Fairlington Farmers Market (Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., starting May 6)
• Marymount University’s farmers market (Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., starting May 26)
• Westover Farmers Market (Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in winter, 8 a.m.-noon from May to November)
• Community Foodworks farmers market in Courthouse (Saturdays year-round, current hours: 8 a.m.-noon)
• Columbia Pike farmers market (Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
• Arlington Mill farmers market (Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., starting May 5)

In addition, a new farmers market has been proposed for Barrett Elementary School.

Photos via Arlington County