Everything you need to know about North Jersey farmers markets
The strawberries are ripe, the asparagus is green, the radishes are ready. It's farmers market season.
For these golden months of summer into fall, we can eschew the florescent-lighted grocery stores and instead shop under the gentle sun, browsing booths filled with locally grown produce. Indeed, many farmers markets have become destinations even if you don't need groceries, with live music, crafts for kids and food trucks ready to serve you lunch.
Looking for a farmers market near you? Here's what you need to know.
Denville
Denville Farmers' Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, hot meals and artisan products. Vendors include Sweet Leaf Farm and Planted Eats.
When: Sundays until Nov. 20
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Bloomfield Avenue parking lot in downtown Denville
More info: denvillefarmersmarket.com
Madison
Weekly live music will keep guests entertained while they shop the rows of fresh produce. Vendors include Alstede Farms, Sugar Lips Donuts and Melick's Town Farm.
When: Thursdays until Nov. 17
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: Central Avenue between Main Street and Cook Avenue, Madison
More info: rosenet.org/380/Madison-Farmers-Market
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Montclair
Head to this market for veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses, honey, flowers, wine and more. Vendors include Jams by Kim, Mezoco tequila and Pickle Licious.
When: Saturdays
Times: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from December to May
Where: 86 Walnut St., Montclair
More info: montclairfarmersmarket.org
Morris Plains
This farmers market celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Along with produce, it regularly hosts local artists and crafters. Vendors include Ort Farms, Hoboken Farms, Pickles, Olives, Etc., Paolo's Kitchen, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Karen's Pies and Quiches and Zabka Polish Deli.
When: Saturdays
Times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Parking lot at 771 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains
More info: morrisplainsboro.org
Hamilton Park
Expect fresh produce, baked goods, frozen and pre-cooked meals. Vendors include Stony Hill Farms, Rabble and Lion Coffee and Vesco Pickles.
When: Wednesdays
Times: 4 to 7 p.m.
Location: 344 Grove St., Jersey City
More info: hpna.wildapricot.org
Historic Downtown (Jersey City)
More than 25 vendors offering sweets, grab-and-go meals, antiques, organic skin-care products and fruits and veggies. Vendors include Hoboken Farms, Bang Cookies and River Valley Community Grains.
When: Mondays and Thursdays until Dec. 20
Times: 4 to 8 p.m.
Location: Grove PATH Plaza, 319 Grove St., Jersey City
More info: facebook.com/downtownjcfarmersmarket
Summit
A good mix of produce, coffee, bakeries, jam-makers, breweries and more. Vendors include Brownie Points Bakery, Bloomont Farm and Bull 'N Bear Brewery.
When: Sundays through December
Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Park & Shop Lot No. 1 corner of DeForest and Woodland Avenues
More info: summitdowntown.org/events/farmers-market
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Paterson
This indoor market is open all year and features more than nine vendors and 10 farms selling fresh produce.
When: 365 days a year
Times: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 449 E. Railway Ave., Paterson
More info: patersonfarmersmarket.com
Newark DD Commons Greens
Expect live music, a farm stand from the Urban Agricultural Cooperative, self-care booths and plenty of gifts and crafts. Vendors include Bread Lock Botanicals, Karima’s Paparazzi Jewelry and Lulu’s Artisanal Lemonade.
When: Thursdays until Oct. 13
Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: PSE&G Plaza, 80 Park Place, Newark
More info: downtownnewark.com/farmersmarket
Ramsey
Offers items from about 50 local farmers and food vendors. Products include homemade pasta, hummus, jams and jellies, fresh fish and dishes from around the world. Vendors include Edgwick Farm, Far and Away Flower Farm, Foraged Feast and Freakin Vegan.
When: Sundays through November
Times: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Main Street Train Station, Ramsey
More info: ramseyfarmersmarket.org
Ridgewood
Homemade mozzarella, honey, pickles, baked goods, produce and more at this market that has been running for 22 years.
When: Sundays through Nov. 20.
Times: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Westside of Ridgewood Train Station
More info: ridgewoodchamber.com.
Riverdale
Riverdale Farmers Market is now in its 14th year.
When: Tuesdays from June to October
Times: 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: The Glenburn property, 211 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale
More info: facebook.com/riverdalefarmersmarket
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Maplewood
Alstede Farm brings its green goods to the Maplewood Farmers Market. Past vendors have included Smokehouse BBQ, Mexi-Boys, Paolo's Kitchen and Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit. The vendor list for 2022 isn't finalized.
When: Mondays through Nov. 21
Times: 2 to 7 p.m.
Location: 1866 Springfield Ave., Maplewood
More info: maplewoodnj.gov/government/public-works/farmers-market
Millburn
Fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
When: Tuesdays through Oct. 18
Times: 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: Municipal Lot No. 1 on Main and Essex Streets, Millburn
More info: twp.millburn.nj.us/648/Millburn-Farmers-Market-2022
Hoboken
Offers pickles, fruits, veggies and fresh herbs, all locally farmed, many organic and GMO-free. Vendors include Circle Brook Organic Farms, Kimchi Culture and Melick's Town Farm.
When: Tuesdays starting June 4
Hours: 2 to 6 p.m.
Location: Between 4th and 5th Streets, Hoboken
More info: hobokenfarmersmarket.com
West Milford
Along with produce, customers can browse vendors offering honey, pickles, soaps, essential oils, dog treats and more. Vendors include Top Of the Mountain Honey Bee Farm, Hope Cress Farms and Empanada Lady.
When: Wednesdays until Oct. 12
Times: 3 to 7 p.m.
Location: Presbyterian Church at 1452 Union Valley Road, West Milford
More info: wmfarmersmarket.org
Teaneck
Teaneck Farmer's Market will have hot meals from food trucks including Anthi’s Greek Food and The Original Empanada Factory, along with crates of fresh fruits and vegetables.
When: Thursdays
Times: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The municipal lot corner of Garrison and Beverly
More info: facebook.com/TeaneckFarmersMarket
Boonton
A market with picnic tables, crafts for kids, live music and lawn games. Vendors include Muckley Eye Spirits, Montclair Brewery and Race Farms.
When: Saturdays through November
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Upper Plane Street Parking Lot, Boonton
More info: boontonmainstreet.org/farmers-market
Wayne
Celebrating its fourth year with a variety of vendors and fresh produce.
When: Saturdays through Oct. 29
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 475 Valley Road, Wayne
More info: facebook.com/WayneYNJFarmersMarket
Little Falls
Market with occasional magic shows and performances. Vendors include Cano Coffee Company, Doughboy On The Rise and Mo & Jay Pastry.
When: Sundays through Oct. 30
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Parking lot at Town Hall, 225 Main St., Little Falls
More info: facebook.com/LittleFallsFarmersMarketNJ
Woodland Park
Fresh local produce and treats, along with kid-friendly entertainment. Vendors include Nonna’s Gluten Free, Antojitos de Mi Tierra and ChicWix.
When: Saturdays through Oct. 22
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Dowling Parkway at the corner of McBride Avenue, Woodland Park
More info: facebook.com/WoodlandParkFarmersMarket
Nutley
Along with vendors offering local food and goods, the Nutley Farmers Market offers a Market Walk & Talk. This 3-mile loop through Nutley's parks begins at 8:30 a.m. and gives walkers the chance to talk to an expert about topics such as health, wellness, government, art and writing. Vendors include: Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit, Grandma Emma's and Hidden Valley Farm.
When: Sundays through Oct. 20
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Municipal Lot 7, 507 Franklin Ave., Nutley. Parking available in Lots 7 and 9 (enter behind Bella Luce).
More info: nutleynj.org/farmersmarket
Bloomfield Community
The Bloomfield Community Farmers Market aims to increase access to local produce for its community members. Vendors include City Green, Cozz Coffee Roasting and LuLu's Artisanal Lemonade.
When: Tuesdays through Oct. 25
Hours: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Bloomfield Public Library Courtyard, 90 Broad St., Bloomfield.
More info: bloomfieldtwpnj.com/1570/Bloomfield-Community-Farmers-Market
Paramus
This year, the Paramus Farmers Market is getting a late start. It will begin in September with vendors offering baked goods, fresh produce, eggs, cheese and more.
When: Saturdays beginning in September
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Midland and Forest Avenues, Memorial School, Paramus
More info: facebook.com/The-Paramus-Farmers-Market-165713057147164
Rebecca King is a food writer for NorthJersey.com. For more on where to dine and drink, please subscribe today and sign up for our North Jersey Eats newsletter.
Email: kingr@northjersey.com
Twitter: @rebeccakingnj
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey farmers markets: Hours, dates and what you need to know