In 2013, the City of Dallas transferred management of its historic Farmers Market to a public/private partnership. This decision has been a boon to the Market and the local businesses that sell fresh-from-the-fields produce, meat, dairy, small-batch goods (such as pastries and preserves) and boutique crafts within its various indoor and outdoor spaces.
In fact, the recently re-launched Market building at the Dallas Farmers Market is now 100 percent local, making it the ideal place to savor the flavors of Texas. Vendors change on a daily basis, and, with more than 107 booths to explore 362 days a year, opportunities for discovery abound. Both visitors to and residents of Downtown Dallas are taking notice.
Edibles aside, the Farmers Market is also the site of a number of activities and events, and fall is shaping up to be an exhilarating season.
At the start of the new month, the Farmers Market celebrates with First Fridays. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., visit to take advantage of event-exclusive specials and promotions. Come for the locally sourced food and craft brews, stay for the live music and the stellar ambiance of the Market after dark.
Meanwhile, on the last Friday of the month, the Dallas Critical Mass Ride meets at the Farmers Market at 7:30 p.m. Many local food trucks swing by to offer social cyclists pre-ride provisions; then everyone rolls out at 8 p.m.
Every Tuesday at 6 a.m. (sharp), early risers can join in on a free trainer-led group workout courtesy of Dallas Iron Fitness. Get your sweat on, get to know other fitness-minded locals and then get a hot cup of coffee as you prepare to take on the rest of your day.
If you like a little animal husbandry with your core-strength exercises, check out Rescue Goat Yoga, Friday, Nov. 17. Relax, breathe easy and stretch for an hour with your new four-legged friends, starting at 6:30 p.m. Afterward, you’ll have an opportunity to refuel and further extend yourself over dinner (provided by Rex’s Seafood) and some low-impact socializing. (Please note: reservations are required.)
Green and not-so-green thumbs can take advantage of Farmer Kim’s botanical expertise at the monthly Mama Ida Garden class. This fall’s workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 21. The master gardener will provide the answers to your questions before and after the session.
The Dallas Film Society will present a free screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20. Arrive early to grab a bite to eat from any of the participating sponsors — Nammi, Rex’s Seafood, BellaTrino’s Neapolitan Pizzeria, Scardello Artisan Cheese, Doc Popcorn, Lone Chimney Mercantile, Caribbean Cabana and Taqueria La Ventana — and take in the pre-game show with the FC Dallas Girls, drumline and mascot.
For a Halloween that’s decidedly more treat than trick, the Farmers Market will host a family-friendly festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 28. Take in story hour featuring Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven,” show some TLC to the farm animals at the petting zoo, pick out a decorative gourd from the pumpkin patch and (of course) get in a little early-bird trick-or-treating. Earthy as the Farmer’s Market may be, don’t forget to dress up for this event. That’s because there’ll be a costume parade for kids and pets starting at 1:30 p.m.
The Boho Market pops up again on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Get in some early holiday shopping by browsing the one-of-a-kind artisanal products temporarily available in and around the Market’s Shed. Any purchases you make will extend the generosity of your gift, too, as they’ll help support Dallas-Fort Worth’s vibrant community of entrepreneurial makers.
Also in November — from Thursday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 5, to be precise — the Farmers Market will serve as one of the several hosts of the Chefs for Farmers Festival. This organization’s mission is to “bring chefs, artisans and culinary influencers together to celebrate supporting local and regional farmers at a four-day culinary blowout.” To that end, they’re kicking off this year’s celebration with Bite Nite Nov. 2. Knife’s John Tesar and 14 fellow “Top Chef” contestants (including Brooke Williamson and Casey Thompson, formerly of Shinsei) will give attendees a chance to sample their distinctive interpretations of Texas and Southern favorites, complete with wine pairings. Tickets for this very special event are $135 per person.
How will you be bringing in the harvest this autumn? What outdoor celebrations are you looking forward to attending in Downtown Dallas — and beyond? Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter, to help fill up our bucket list.
