Spending a Day at the Dallas Farmers Market

The Dallas Farmers Market is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. There is so much to see, and most importantly, so much to eat! It’s kid friendly, dog friendly, and admission is free. Here are a few of my go-to food stalls, local shops, and special events at the market.

Outdoor Market

The Dallas Farmers Market is located at the corner of Pearl Expressway and South Harwood Street, right in the heart of downtown Dallas. Local farmers have been bringing in fresh produce since 1941, but in recent years the market has expanded to include much more than fresh fruits and veggies.

Countless food vendors line up their stalls to sell all sorts of creative cuisine. I’ve seen cocktails inside of shelled out fruit, build-your-own customized macaroni bowl stations, and creative vegan and vegetarian offerings. The produce and vendors are all hosted underneath a covered pavilion, where local bands play live music on a stage at the far end while you shop.

Occasionally the food vendors share outdoor space with the Boho Market, where artisans bring handmade products for visitors to browse. In addition to adding some variety to the shopping, the Boho Market also offers lots of cute photo-ops stationed all over the pavilion. Posh velvet couches and walls covered in fresh flowers often invite you to snap an insta-worthy picture.

 

Seasonal Produce

The best part about the Dallas Farmers Market is that it looks a little bit different every time you visit. In the late spring you can typically find someone selling bouquets of wildflowers, whereas in the fall the entire outdoor shed is dedicated to pumpkins in every shape, size, and color. At the height of summer the market celebrates a Watermelon Festival, and at Christmas you can take home fresh evergreen trees.

 

Local Shops

In addition to the fresh food you can browse outside, the Dallas Farmers Market has several brand new indoor spaces with permanent restaurants and shops. There is an enormous open floor food hall, and unique stores lining streets beside the market. Here are a few of my favorites.

Ruibal’s Plants

Located just across the street from the main market area, Rubial’s Plants has hundreds of beautiful blooms for sale. Read all about the local history behind this family business and see photos of the gorgeous greenhouses here.

The Lone Chimney Mercantile

If you’re visiting from out of town, The Lone Chimney Mercantile is the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir. They have Dallas-themed prints, funky socks, enamel pins, clever greeting cards, beautiful woodcut artwork, and more.

Folklore & Tradition

This shop highlights Mexican textiles, fashion, and culture with beautiful products. Shop here for embroidered dresses, leather satchels, and colorful paper flower crowns.

Whiski Designs

Texas native India Hearne prints her hand drawn southern-inspired designs on cards, posters, t-shirts, buttons, and more. This shop also supplies products from the popular White Rock Soap Gallery, including candles that smell like different places in Dallas and even a candle that smells exactly like our native Texas bluebonnets!

Chelles Macarons

It’s hard not to stop for a treat at Chelles Macarons every time I visit the market! There are plenty of treats for sale, but these are by far the cream of the crop.

TaQueria La Ventana

This lively Mexican restaurant had killer tacos and $2 margaritas. What more could you ask for?

 

Family Fun at the Dallas Farmers Market

The Dallas Farmers Market is constantly hosting a plethora of events with special vendors or activities. On Friday nights, they usually host “Movies at the Market” and show a family-friendly movie on a projector outdoors. Other monthly events include food festivals, art festivals, Plant & Sip nights, and “Happy Goat Yoga” (which is exactly what is sounds like—yoga with goats!).

If you are planning on making trip to visit the Dallas Farmers Market, check out their website to see when their next big event is happening so you can add some bonus fun to your outing.

For more fun things to do in Dallas, check out these local recommendations.