With springtime in the air in Arlington, many local farmers markets are coming back to life.
Vendors selling seasonal fruits and veggies and other local goods will return to several neighborhoods in the coming weeks following a yearly winter hiatus.
This season, the county will be home to nine official farmers markets — one more than this time last year because of the arrival of Met Park Market near Amazon HQ2 last June.
Four markets have recently reopened or are coming back this month.
- Met Park on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Ballston on Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. starting April 4
- Cherrydale on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon, starting April 20
- Lubber Run on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon, starting April 20
Two markets are also opening next month.
- Rosslyn on Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m., starting May 1
- Fairlington on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., starting May 7
Another three markets are open year round and expanding offerings during the warmer weather months.
- Arlington (in Courthouse) on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon, which is expanding with the start of its main season on April 6
- Columbia Pike (in Douglas Park) on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Westover, currently open on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., will shift to an 8 a.m.-noon. schedule starting in May
As of this week, D.C.-area farmers markets are abundant in spring produce such as spinach, bok choy, cabbage and broccoli. Vegetables including asparagus, green garlic and ramps are currently on their way in.
The Ballston market, meanwhile, is expanding with new vendors this year and starting its monthly “Mega Markets” — with live music and a beer and wine garden — starting in May.
More, below, from a press release.
The Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) is expanding its weekday Farmers Market this season, adding new vendors and releasing a line-up of local musicians slated to perform at monthly Mega Markets. The ultra-popular Farmers Market, presented by FRESHFARM and in partnership with Piedmont Office Realty Trust, takes place each Thursday from April through November from 3-7 p.m. in shady, tree-filled Welburn Square near the Ballston Metro.
“We are absolutely elated to kick off our 12th season of offering the Ballston community locally grown, sustainable goods right here in Ballston,” stated Tina Leone, CEO, Ballston BID. “Our Farmers Market is one of our most successful programs and is unique in its timing and location. Weekday markets in a metro-accessible park from 3-7pm allows both office workers and residents to shop with and support local farmers. We are excited to welcome back some of our most popular vendors while adding even more to the mix for market-goers to enjoy.”
Beginning May 2, Mega Markets, sponsored by VIDA Fitness will be held on the first Thursday of each month. Mega Markets feature the same great produce and vendors with the addition of live music from local musicians and a Beer & Wine Garden. Drink tickets for the Beer & Wine Garden are distributed by vendors to market-goers meeting a minimum $10 spend, and are also available for purchase in the Garden. For the first time ever, the final market of this season on November 21 will also be a Mega Market. This year’s live music line-up includes:
- May 2: Josh Sowder Duo
- June 6: Rook Richards
- July 11: Joe Downer
- Aug 1: Bruno Sound
- Sept 5: Jerry Irwin
- Oct 3: Knox Engler
- Nov 7: Nick Tierra
- Nov 21: Matt Davis
Welburn Square is located across the street from the Ballston Metro stop and is easily accessible by foot, car and public transportation. This market is a natural gathering place for the workers and residents of Ballston, as well as visitors and commuters. Farmers Market offerings include conventional and certified organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats and pasture-raised eggs, organic milk, yogurt, ice cream, sweet and savory baked goods, Virginia-made wines, cold-pressed juices, handmade soaps and lotions, wood-fired pizza, hot-pressed sandwiches and more.