It may be 85 degrees today but the chill of fall crept in last week. We rummaged through our drawers for sweaters and our eyes lit up at the return of pumpkin spice lattes. September in New England is beautiful, especially the late summer and early fall produce that it provides us. If you haven’t had a chance to visit farmers markets as much as you would have liked this summer it’s definitely not too late. Boston has tons of outdoor markets all through the week selling produce and products from local farms and vendors. These markets vary in size and are scattered all over the city so take an afternoon and head over to one, just be prepared to leave with arms that are loaded with bags, it’s inevitable.

SoWa Open Market

Photo Credit: SoWa

SoWa stands for “South of Washington,” in reference to its location in the South End, south of Washington Street. This market is not messing around, they’ve been operating for 14 years and are one of the biggest open markets that Boston has to offer. You could easily spend an entire day moving from tent to tent, eating and shopping your way through. They thrive off of local food and talent, showcasing artists, farmers, chefs, brewers, and musicians. There are also always an abundance of food trucks parked at the market so that you can refuel. There is a vibrant energy about SoWa and it’s someplace you should definitely visit.

Location: 460 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm, April 29-October 29.

Copley Square Farmers Market

Photo Credit: Copley Square Farmers Market

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Copley Square it’s a nice reprieve to see the white-topped tents full of colorful fruits and vegetables and other goodies. This market features a wide variety of local farmers who come each week with the season’s bounty. They bring the farm to the heart of the city so that use urban-folk can relish in the season’s gems. The Copley Farmers Market is also home to vendors selling baked goods, honey, meat, seafood, pasta, and more. Don’t have a plan for dinner? You will by the time you walk through this market.

Location: Copley Square, along 139 St James Ave, Dartmouth St & Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays, 11am-6pm, May 12-November 21

Boston Public Market at Dewey Square

Photo Credit: Boston Public Market

This is the perfect stop if you find yourself commuting from South Station as it is located right outside. If you need an after work snack or one more ingredient to spruce up tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s lunch you’ll definitely have an abundance of choices here. This outdoor market is an extension of the year round indoor Boston Public Market, focusing on local vendors selling all the usual farmers market fare at the peak of freshness.

Location: Dewey Square Plaza on the Rose Kennedy Greenway (across from South Station)
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am-6:30pm, May 16-November 21

The vendors change from Tuesday to Thursday, below is a list of who to expect on each day.

Tuesday Vendors:

Foxboro Cheese: Cheese

Freitas Farm: Fruits, vegetables, herbs

Kimball Fruit Farm: Fruits, tomatoes, vegetables, herbs

Kiss Flower Farm: Jams, jellies, herbs, fruit butters, herbal sea salt, granola

Pain D’avignon: Bread, bagels, pastries, crackers

Pourman’s Coffee: Coffee, sweet breads, cookies, muffins

Q’s Nuts: Nuts, granola, nut butters

Red’s Best: Fish, lobster, clams, seafood, knives

Stillman Quality Meats: Beef, lamb, pork, poultry, sausage/grinds

Swissbakers: Bread, croissants, quiches, pretzels, cookies, cakes

Top Shelf Cookies: Artisan cookies

Valicenti Pasta: Sauces, ravioli, fresh pasta

When Pigs Fly: Breads, cookies, cake

Thursday Vendors:

Abbott’s Custard: Ice Cream, milkshakes, cakes, pies

Baking With Joy: Breads and cakes

Boston Smoked Fish: Pate and smoked fish

Freitas Farm: Fruits, vegetables, herbs

Kimball Fruit Farm: Fruits, tomatoes, vegetables, herbs

Lilac Hedge Farm: Beef, lamb, pork, poultry

Narragansett Creamery: Cheese

Pain D’avignon: Bread, bagels, pastries, crackers

Q’s Nuts: Nuts, granola, nut butters

Red’s Best: Fish, lobster, clams, seafood, knives

Stow Greenhouses: Flowers

Swissbakers: Bread, croissants, quiches, pretzels, cookies, cakes

The Nitro Cart: Nitro cold brew coffee

Yellow Deli: Sandwiches, soups, chili, desserts, juices, hot drinks

When Pigs Fly: Breads, cookies, cake

Brookline Farmers Market

Photo Credit: Brookline Farmers Market

Brookline itself already has a lovely community feel and the Brookline Farmers Market only accentuates that. This neighborhood favorite has been running there for over 30 years. If you find yourself in Coolidge Corner on a Thursday be sure to wander through the market to check out what the local vendors are offering up. Even if you are not planning on being in the area put it on your to-do list!

Location: Centre Street West Parking Lot in Coolidge Corner.
Hours: Thursdays, 1:30pm–6:30pm, June 1–November 16, rain or shine.

Charlestown Farmers Market

Photo Credit: Charlestown Farmers Market

This farmers market is put on by the Kennedy Center and is a real gathering of the community in this neighborhood that has been gaining speed lately. Charlestown is located at the edge of the city but absolutely worth a visit, especially to check out the market.

Location: On Main Street next to the Hubway Bike stand.
Hours: Wednesdays, 2pm-7pm, June-October

Jamaica Plain Farmers Market

Photo Credit: @Ianarowe via Instagram

This small neighborhood market was started in 1984 by members of the JP community has been going strong since. As they are a small market they only offer food items, no arts and crafts, so come with food on the brain. We never have anything else on our minds so this market is perfect for us—only food, no other distractions!

Location: Bank of America parking lot, 677 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Hours: Tuesdays 12pm-5pm, June 20-October 31. Saturdays, 12pm-3pm, May 6 through Thanksgiving & other select days.

Photo Credit: New England Open Markets

The Greenway Open Market is located right by Boston’s Waterfront and is the ideal place to spend a weekend day. It’s in its seventh season featuring talented artists, crafters, and independent designers from the area. There are food trucks to satiate your hunger as you spend the afternoon strolling and shopping.

Location: Wharf District Parks of the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Hours: Saturdays and every first and third Sunday, May-October

For even more farmers markets around town click here.

Looking for a great gift? Give a gift of food and fun!