Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are an integral part of Pittsburgh culture. There are so many markets in Pittsburgh that the city has been ranked first in the nation in farmers markets and community gardens per capita in a survey by SustainLane.com, an online resource for urban sustainability. As a result, Sierra Club named Pittsburgh the country's "most unlikely food haven" (July/August 2006 issue).

Pittsburgh and its surrounding countryside have many farmers markets and farm stands. You can find one happening just about every day of the week in different neighborhoods. Whether it's a church parking lot, a sidewalk stand, or a tent off the side of the road, these markets hold a myriad of culinary treasures, from different jams and pastries to freshly picked produce with that rich homegrown taste.

Few areas have what southwestern Pennsylvania has to offer, from city culture and world-class attractions to the gentle rolling hills and picturesque surroundings of the countryside. With such a combination, it’s no wonder that farmers markets have such a rich heritage in the Pittsburgh region. Here are just a few of the many farmers markets you can enjoy this summer and fall – for a complete list and an interactive map, visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette site.

• Beaver Farmers Market, courthouse lot, 4th and Market St.

  May 2-Dec. 19; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Cranberry Farmers Market

  June 5-Oct. 17
  Fridays, 3:30 to 6 p.m., behind municipal building on Rochester Road.
  Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., fire station on Mashuda Dr.

• Downtown Pittsburgh: County Building Farmers Market

  May 12-Nov. 25; Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Downtown Pittsburgh: Market Square Farmers Market, Forbes Ave. and Market Pl.

  April 30 through late December; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Hampton: Pediatric Fund stand at St. Ursula Church ballfield, Duncan Ave. at Kirk Ave.

  June 5 through mid-October
  Fridays, Noon to 6 p.m.
  Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Ligonier Country Market, Springer Road and W. Main St.

  May 23-Oct. 3l; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to Noon

• Mt. Lebanon Partnership Farmers Market, 600-750 Washington Road

  May 16-Oct. 3; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to Noon

• North Side Farmers Market; Fresh Fridays, East Commons Park along Cedar Avenue

  July 10-Sept. 4; Friday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Oakland: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens lawn on Schenley Dr.

  June 3 through October
  Wednesdays, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  Certified organic and naturally grown produce.

• Sewickley: St. James Farmers Market, St. James Parish lot, 200 Walnut St.

  April 4 through November; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• South Side Farmers Market, 18th and Carson St.

  May 12-Nov 25; Tuesdays, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

• Washington: Washington Crown Center Farmers Market, 1500 W. Chestnut St.

  June through October; Noon to sellout

For a complete list and an interactive map, visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette site.