It’s farmers market season in Rochester again! Farmers markets are a great way to buy fresh produce from local farmers so you are supporting local businesses and being more eco-friendly by buying locally versus products that need to be transported from hundreds to thousands of miles away.
Rochester has a plethora of farmers markets to choose from, both downtown and in the suburbs. The Democrat and Chronicle put together a list of fifteen farmers markets in the area. While this list is from last year, it does appear to still be accurate for this year (although the exact dates have likely shifted). The article provides links to every market’s online presence where you can find recent updates.
The City of Rochester Public Market is definitely the most prominent one in the area, operating three days a week year round downtown at 280 North Union Street. It’s been open at this site since 1905 and there are over 300 vending stalls. There are also many local businesses in the surrounding buildings. During the warmer months, the Public Market hosts a food truck rodeo on the last Wednesday of every month from April through September from 5-9 p.m. with a wide variety of food trucks and live music. I just went to their May rodeo which was fun as there were an overwhelming amount of food trucks to choose from (I went with some pulled pork sliders from Chef’s Catering) and hung out with some friends at a picnic table listening to live reggae music. I would highly recommend getting there early (before 6:30) because the parking lots were quickly filling up when I arrived at 5:30 and by 7:30 when I left, the entrance line to the rodeo was stretching down the street.
The Brighton Farmers Market is also a popular choice, with their main season running from the end of April through the end of November and a late season with more limited hours from the end of November to mid-December. It’s located in the Brighton High School parking lot and there’s usually food trucks and music, along with fresh produce and other local food-related goods.
The final farmers market I’ve been to in Rochester is the Westside Farmers Market near the University of Rochester, across the river at 831 Genesee Street. This year the market starts on June 7 and runs on every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. until October 11. It’s smaller than the other two markets listed but still provides plenty of fresh seasonal produce along with some hot meals, pastries, and bread.
Take the time this summer to go out and explore the many markets Rochester has to offer! Do you have a favorite market in Rochester? Let us know in the comments.
Written by Sarah Woodams ’24 (T5)