Area farmers markets are a family friendly way to experience the field-to-table connection
One of the best things about summers in the Capital District is the large number of outdoor farmers markets, and late summer brings with it a bounty of fresh produce. Many are also jam-packed with local honeys, artisan breads, cheese, jewelry and a variety of other locally-wrought creations and confections plied by their very creators.
Families can make of day of visiting their local market, with many also offering entertainment and prepared foods. It’s a wonderful lesson in where what we eat comes from.
The list here is just a sampling of the many in the area.
Ballston Spa Farmers Market
Location: Wiswall Park, Front & Low Streets, Ballston Spa.
Hours: Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon
Additional info: Thursday markets are following by free Concerts in the Park until August 30. Live music is featured at Saturday markets, as well as children’s activities at selected markets. Cornell Cooperative Extension master gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions.
Capital District Regional Market
Location: 381 Broadway #1, Menands.
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 5:30 to 8 a.m.
Additional info: Farmers meet on the square to sell to each other and to retailers and restaurants; some do sell to the public as well if you are willing to buy in bulk.
Castleton-on-Hudson Artisan & Farmers Market
Location: Corner of 150 (Scott Ave.) and 9J (Main St.), Castleton-on-Hudson.
Hours: Fridays, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Additional info: Accepted payment is vendor-specific. Pets are welcome.
CDPHP Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Location: 500 Patroon Creek Blvd., west parking lot next to SEFCU
Hours: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Additional info: Variety of vendors featuring a mix of products including produce, plants, prepared foods, and handmade gifts.
Colonie Farmers Market at The Crossings
Location: Crossings Park of Colonie, 580 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville
Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional info: More than 38 vendors selling products, which range from organic produce to craft beers and more. WIC and seniors farmers’ market checks accepted.
Cook Park Farmers Market
Location: Cook Park, Sharon Drive, Village of Colonie.
Hours: Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Additional info: Live music, prepared foods. FMNP checks and WIC accepted.
Delaware Community Farmers Market
Location: Albany Public Library, 331 Delaware Ave., Albany
Hours: Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Additional info: WIC coupons and EBT cards accepted.
Delmar Farmers Market
Location: Bethlehem Central Middle School, 332 Kenwood Ave., Delmar
Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional info: Featuring local, organic and natural farm products, baked goods, seafood, prepared food concessions, and local and fair trade crafts. Most vendors come from within 35 miles of the market. SNAP cards accepted.

Empire State Plaza Farmers Market
Location: Empire State Plaza, Madison Ave. and Eagle St., Albany
Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional info: Food stamps accepted.
Hudson Farmers Market
Location: 6th Street &
Columbia, Hudson
Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m.
Additional info: Live music, community tent. EBT & WIC are accepted at all qualified vendors.
Kinderhook Farmers Market
Location: Kinderhook Village Square, intersection of Route 9 & Hudson Street, Kinderhook
Hours: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Additional info: Live music, family activities. Accepted payment is vendor-specific. Some are cash-only, while others accept credit, Apple Pay, WIC, FMNP and other forms of payment.
Saratoga Farmers’ Market
Location: High Rock Park, High Rock Park Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Hours: Wednesdays, 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional info: Producer-only. EBT accepted. WIC and Senior Farmers Market coupons accepted by most venues. Well-behaved dogs welcome.
Schenectady Greenmarket
Location: Schenectady City Hall, 105 Jay St., Schenectady
Hours: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional info: More than sixty vendors who produce everything they sell. Live music, prepared food and fresh local produce. EBT, credit and debit cards accepted. No pets or smoking.
Spa City Farmers Market
Location: In front of the Lincoln Baths at 65 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Hours: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Additional info: Pets are welcome. Live music. More than 60 vendors from family owned and NYS operated small businesses. Accepted payment is vendor-specific.
Troy Farmers Market
Location: Monument Square, River Street, Troy
Hours: Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional info: Nearly 100 local, producer-only vendors, and a year-round marketplace drawing upwards of 14,000 customers weekly. Products range from organic produce to artisanal soaps and more, all produced within a 100-mile radius of Troy and created by the producers themselves. Live music. Accepting debit, credit and EBT/SNAP cards.
Tuesday Delmar Farmers Market
Location: First United Methodist Church of Delmar, 428 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar.
Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional info: Producer only market. 18 local farmers, vendors and crafters.
Voorheesville Farmers Market
Location: First United
Methodist Church, 68 Maple Ave., Voorheesville
Hours: Wednesdays, 3:30
to 8:30 p.m.
Additional info: Live music, more than 20 local vendors. To celebrate the market’s 10th season, there will be a drawing each week for a $10 coupon that may be used at any vendor.
Waterford Harbor Farmers Market
Location: 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford
Hours: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Additional info: Local food, live music, beautiful view. Accepted payment is vendor-specific; all take cash, some take cards, SNAP, fresh checks.
