In the heart of Downtown Roanoke for over 140 years, our vendors offer locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants, plus fresh meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisan hand-crafted items. Explore the history, produce, and top tips for visiting the Farmer's Market. 

About The Historic City Market 

History of The Historic City Market

The Historic Roanoke City Market is the oldest continuously operating open-air market in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It all began in 1882 when licenses were issued to a small number of "Hucksters" (vendors). 

The first City of Roanoke Charter formally authorized a municipally-owned market in 1884. The original City Market Building was completed in 1886 and formed the core around which the Curb Market and Market Square developed. The original structure was destroyed by fire and was replaced by the current building in 1922.

After serving as an indoor market for many years, the City Market Building was renovated into a food court in the mid 1980s. Local restaurants are now located inside the building.

The Historic City Market is open year-round, seven days a week, closing only on Christmas and New Year's Day. There are 42 permanent tables covered by awnings and additional spaces in Market Square where vendors erect tents to display products.

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What is a USDA Farmer's Market & what does it mean? 

The Historic City Market is a USDA Farmer's Market, which means it has to adhere to specific rules and guidelines. In order to participate in the Market, vendors must be farmers, ranchers, and growers who sell what they grow, raise, and produce on their farms within a 100 mile radius of Roanoke (considered local) or 25 miles (considered homegrown).

Additional agricultural products such as honey, plants, eggs, and milk need to be sourced from a farmer's fields, hives, etc. Per USDA standards, Farmers make up 75% of vendors with Bakers/Food and Arts/Crafts making up the remaining 25%.

Learn more about becoming a vendor by reading our Vendor's Handbook.

What will you find? 

Our vendors offer a large selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and plants. Artisans sell handcrafted items. The market also offers a variety of fresh meats and baked goods.

Produce

Depending on the season, you'll find an abundance of fresh produce. Strawberries debut in late April/early May, blueberries arrive in the peak Summer months, July and August are perfect for peaches, and tomatoes can be found in mid Summer to late Fall. Use the calendar below to see when all your favorite produce is in season. 

Plants

Several of our vendors sell bedding plants, house plants, succulents, herbs, fresh cut flowers, and more! 

Arts & Crafts

Local, handmade crafts are found almost daily on the market. Items include photography, wooden furniture, jewelry and accessories, pottery, soap, and other various works of art. 

Meats and Baked Goods

A farmer's market isn't complete without meats and baked goods. On our market, you can expect pork, beef, chicken, and eggs, as well as honey, jams, cookies, and pies.

EBT/SNAP Match

When you purchase EBT/SNAP tokens, you'll receive a $1 to $1 match, up to $20 per person, once per day. That means for each $1 you purchase, you'll receive an additional $1 EBT/SNAP match to use with our wonderful vendors.*

These tokens are good for food items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, eggs, jams, and honey. Yum! You can even use them to purchase food-producing plants, like tomato plants. 

*EBT/SNAP standard restrictions on purchased items are enforced.

How It Works: 

• When you arrive, find our staff member on the market so that you can purchase tokens.
• You can purchase in any amount, up to $20, and we will match it. Don't worry— you don't to spend them all at once! You can come back to the market any time to use your tokens.
• We'll provide reusable plastic bags so you can carry all of your tokens.
• Finally, shop with all of our wonderful vendors.

Top Tips for Visiting the Market

Plan Your Parking in Advance 

Save yourself the stress and and plan your parking ahead of time. We recommend PARK Roanoke lots and garages. Their rates are lower (or sometimes free) than privately owned lots and garages. Below are our top recommendations.

• Center in the Square parking garage at 11 Campbell Ave SE is right around the corner from the Farmer's Market. Current rates: free for the first 15 minutes, $1 per half-hour, and $8 max per exit per 24hours.
• Market Garage at 25 Church Ave has the same rates.
• Market Lot at 120 Church Ave SE is free on Saturdays before 4pm.
• Elmwood Lot and Elmwood Garage are free all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
• View a full list of parking options here.

Bring a Reusable Bag

Bring a reusable bag or two for your purchases. Free up your hands and be kind to the environment.

Make a Day Out of It

Come and enjoy the Farmer's Market, but make a whole day of coming Downtown! If you aren't finished shopping, we have plenty of retailers who would be happy to see you. Peruse women's clothing, men's wear, outdoor gear, candy and gifts, home decor, and more. 

Downtown Roanoke is also full of food options and there's something for every taste. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options are plentiful. Whether you're looking for casual, fine dining, or something in between, you’ll find every option downtown. Take a look at your choices.

If you're looking for something else to do, you're in luck because downtown is packed attractions like art galleries, museums, and music venues. Plus, there are a lot of events happening. Check out the full event calendar to view your options. 

Follow The Historic City Market on Facebook to stay updated! 

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