The Best Markets in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market

Charlotte’s largest farmers’ market happens year-round Tuesdays through Saturdays from October to April and Tuesdays through Sundays May through September. Five buildings divide the goods into North Carolina products, wines and meats, baked goods, seafood, and regional produce, and gardening supplies share a building with the food court. Together, the structures provide shoppers with over 65,000 square feet of shopping grounds to cover.

Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC, USA, +1 704 357 1269

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The NoDa Farmers Market only operates on Saturdays from April to November, but locals flock here during the warmer months to see the new batch of unique artisan products not found at the other farmers’ markets, such as exclusive flavors from Iva Jean’s Fudge only sold at this location.

Are you looking for a full day of shopping? 7th Street Public Market sits in the Charlotte Center City shopping district and serves as an incubator for gourmet food purveyors as they constantly showcase new vendors. This bustling Uptown hot spot, which is located indoors, deserves a few hours browsing, eating, and drinking, especially on a rainy day.

For market-goers who want to keep things simple, on Saturdays head to Newell Farmers Market, a small outdoor farm stand off the beaten path. Here, the fruit and vegetable bounties from just one farm fill the tables. Yet, the Newton family also works with other local area farmers so that shoppers can also purchase a variety of meats. Pro tip: Some bins empty out by mid-day, so plan to arrive in the morning.

Some days, a quick stop and grab are all you’re looking for from a farmers’ market, while other days call for a leisurely outing that doubles as a day date with your loved one, friends, or family. Cotswold not only has a solid selection of local harvests but also live music and fun events like cooking competitions and demonstrations. It’s only open on Saturdays from May until October.

Considered a “fancy” indoor farmers’ market, large wooden tables, counter service, and cooking classes keep this former mill hopping every Saturday. Artisan bath supplies and many garden needs are also available here.

Those who want to support a growers-only market—a market that only carries items grown within 50 miles (80 kilometers)—should check out Matthews Community Farmers’ Market located 11 miles (18 kilometers) southeast of Charlotte. Sticking to this small radius means that products sell out fast, so aim to arrive when they open at 8 am on Saturdays year-round. Plus, does it get more wholesome than walking through a white picket fence to enter?