Did you know agriculture is a major part of the New York economy? Around 7 million acres of land in the state is dedicated to farming. This is because the area is incredibly fertile. The state is fantastic for producing fruits (especially apples), milk, and other animal products. One of the wonderful things about New York is that it isn’t just the larger producers dominating the farming market. The large amount of land also ensures that smaller producers get a say too, and you’ll find many of them featured at Rochester farmers’ markets.
If you want to get your hands on some of the freshest fruits, vegetables, animal products, and artisanal products, then you’re in the right place. On this page, we will introduce you to the top farmers’ markets in Rochester! We have something for every single day of the week!
Our Favorite Farmers Markets in Rochester, NY
Table of Contents
Multi-Day Markets
1. Aman’s Farm & Market
Where: 2458 E Ridge Road, Rochester, New York, 14622
When: Every day. Monday to Saturdays, 8 am to 5:30 pm. Sundays, 9 am to 5:00 pm.
Why Visit:
Founded in 1860, this is one of only a few Rochester farmers’ markets open every single day of the week. Unlike other markets on this list, you will not interact with individual producers here. Instead, the family-run Aman’s Farm and Market works hard to source the freshest produce from all over New York.
Most of the produce on sale here comes from small local businesses, including cheddar cheese, sodas, mustards, and more. You’ll always find fresh seasonal produce here. On top of that, you have one of the largest selections of beers that we’ve seen at any market with over 350 to choose from!
Famous For: Has been in operation since 1860. If you are looking for more than just fresh produce, Aman’s Farm and Market may be great. You have tons of fresh produce, cheese, and artisanal products from vendors throughout New York. You can also buy flowers, lawn care products, and beers.
2. Rochester Public Market
Where: 280 N. Union St.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 am to 1 pm. Saturdays, 6 am to 3 pm.
Why Visit:
Originally founded in 1905, the Rochester Public Market has been selling fresh produce and other market goods to the citizens of Rochester for almost 120 years now. This is one of the largest markets in Rochester, with over 300 vendors selling products here. Of course, not all of it will be farm produce, but a good amount will. You can find countless independent businesses here selling fresh farm produce, coffee, beers, gifts, and more. If you can name something you can find at a market, then the chances are high that you’ll find it at the Rochester Public Market.
Famous For: Being one of the largest markets in the state of New York. Has over 300 vendors. Includes international food options, not just what is grown within Rochester and the surrounding area. This means the Rochester Public Market has more product variety than other markets.
3. Testa’s Farm Market
Where: 5498 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624
When: Everyday, 8 am to 6 pm
Why Visit:
The Testa’s Farm Market is somewhat unique in Rochester, and we have seen it described, rather aptly, as a hidden gem. This is because the market isn’t heavily advertised. It also takes a bit of tracking down, but once you have found it (just tap the address into your sat nav), you’ll walk into an Aladdin’s cave of fresh produce.
This market has no vendors. It doesn’t even have any people standing around waiting to take your cash. Instead, the whole market operates on an honor box system. Pick up your fresh produce (all affordable) and drop your cash into the lockbox. Simple! A lot of people absolutely love Testa’s Farm Market. You’ll always find the freshest produce here.
Famous For: Being a hidden gem. It is run by just one person. He stocks the market each day. The unstaffed market allows people to come, pick up their produce, and pay using the honor box system.
4. Whittier Fruit Farm
Where: 219 Whittier Road, Rochester, NY, 14624
When: Every day. Hours vary check their website at www.whittierfruitfarm.com
Why Visit:
If you are in the mood for some fresh apples, sweet cherries, or blueberries, then this family-owned farm will be perfect for you. This farmers’ market in Rochester doesn’t have a massive selection of products beyond that. However, since everything sold here is grown on-site, you won’t find anything better than what can be found at the Whittier Fruit Farm. Some years, you can even dabble in a bit of ‘pick your own’ with the fruit, which has always been a favorite among children.
Famous For: Offering some of the freshest apples, blueberries, and sweet cherries in the area. Have a massive selection of farm-grown pumpkins in October.
Also Read: Best Farmers Markets in USA
5. Sunscape Farms
Where: Penfield location is at 1416 Creek St. Greece location is at 1530 Maiden Ln.
When: Penfield: daily, 9 am to 6 pm at weekends, 11 am to 6 pm on weekdays. Greece location hours vary. Only open from May to September.
Why Visit:
One of the key ‘selling points’ of Sunscape Farms is their commitment to ensuring that they only sell products that are in-season in New York. They do not offer any shipped-in products to complement their range, and they are one of only a few Rochester farm markets that do this. This ensures that everything you can buy here is as fresh as possible, with no chemicals added. It also means that you can only purchase in-season produce here. If a product isn’t in season, then Sunscape Farms won’t have it for sale. So, the product selection is a little bit smaller in some other markets but, in our opinion, much more delicious.
Famous For: Family-run farmers’ market that only sells in-season produce. Multiple vendors supply the farm.
6. Greece Ridge Mall Farmers’ Market
Where: Ridge & Long Pond Road, Rochester, New York, 14626
When: Thursdays & Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm (June to November)
Why Visit:
If you’re looking for a rather laidback Saturday farmers’ market in Rochester, it may be worth checking out the Greece Ridge Mall Farmers’ market. It is only a tiny market, but it is packed with seasonal delights. Buy your seasonal produce, meat, eggs, prepared foods, and more. Afterward, you can head to the shopping mall.
Famous For: offering a small selection of fresh, locally grown produce for those shopping at the Greece Ridge Mall.
Tuesday Markets
7. Westside Farmers Market
Where: St. Monica Church, 831 Genesee St, Rochester, NY, 14619
When: Tuesdays, 4 pm to 7 pm, June to October
Why Visit:
While one of the smaller Rochester farmers’ markets, Westside Farmers’ Market is always well attended every Tuesday. This is because it is packed to the brim with fresh produce from all over New York. The market goes to huge lengths to ensure that in-season produce is well represented at Westside Farmers’ Market, and they even keep a calendar on their website so you know exactly what is likely to be featured there.
On top of this, you have beef, cheese, chicken, eggs, pork, and more. Some of our favorite syrup has even come from this farmers’ market. You can also find various non-profits focused on helping the citizens of Rochester get healthier.
Famous For: A smaller community market. Head here for tips on nutrition and recipes, and even get a free blood pressure check. Lagoner Farms provides the most fresh produce options, with Amazing Grains offering some of the best-baked bread in Rochester.
Thursday Markets
8. South Wedge Farmers Market
Where: 357 Gregory St, Rochester, 14620
When: Thursdays, 4 pm to 7 pm (June to September)
Why Visit:
While this certainly isn’t the largest market, it is fun to attend every Thursday. Each week, up to 25 vendors, plus a food truck, will be selling fresh produce. The market varies from week to week, but head here, and you’ll enjoy pasture-raised pork, fresh pizza, lemonade, microgreens, mushrooms, and some of the finest honey you have ever tasted. This is also one of the few farmers’ markets we have seen that sells vegan cheeses. Oh, and because this market happens a bit later in the day, you may want to try some of the hard cider being sold at the market most weeks.
Famous For: Eggs n Honey Farm offers a good selection of produce and honey. Freddie’s ROC brings some delightful pizza to the table, and Garner Farms offers some of the best pork in Rochester.
9. Irondequoit Farmers Market
Where: Town Hall Campus, Irondequoit Youth Baseball Complex
When: Thursday, 4 pm to 8 pm (May to October). First Thursday of every month, 4 pm to 8 pm (January to April)
Why Visit:
The Irondequoit Farmers’ Market is one of the newer farmers’ markets near Rochester and has been a rousing success. This is thanks to the town’s commitment to ensuring that only the best farmers sell their produce here. While it is a relatively small market, it should still provide all your necessities, including seasonal fresh produce, meat, eggs, and more. You can also find baked products, teas, toffees, maple syrup, and countless spices.
Famous For: Live concerts at every farmers’ market. The market mostly showcases bands from the local area, so there is always something new to discover when you are done shopping at the market.
Sunday Markets
10. Brighton Farmers’ Market
Where: 1435 Westfall Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
When: Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm (April to November) and Sundays, 10 am to 1 pm (December to April)
Why Visit:
Looking for the best Sunday farmers’ market in Rochester? You may have found it at the Brighton Farmers’ Market. Opening almost every month of the year, the farmers’ market here is packed to the brim with some of the best produce in all of Rochester. This market was founded by the Town of Brighton to encourage a healthier lifestyle among the residents.
This is a producer-only market, which means that every single product you see for sale here has been produced by the vendors. You can’t get much fresher than that. In fact, every single producer here produces their goods no more than 50 miles from Brighton. There are a lot of vendors here, which means that you get to enjoy fresh produce, fish, flour, baked goods, coffee, and more.
Famous For: Being a producer-only market. A great place to get creams (East Hill Creamery), hot & cold sandwiches (Fox’s Deli), and some fantastic pastries. If you can imagine a product at a farmers’ market, you’ll likely find it here. Open all year round, with an indoor market for the winter months.
FAQs
1. What is the biggest farmers market in Rochester?
The Rochester Public Market has over 300 vendors. While not all of them are farmers, there is more than enough at this market to satisfy most people.
2. What are the good Rochester Farmers Market Saturdays?
If you want a good selection of products every Saturday, we suggest you head to Aman’s Farm Market in Rochester.
3. What are the good Rochester Farmers Market Sundays?
Brighton Farmers’ Market is one of the best markets to visit on Sundays in Rochester.
4. What is the longest-running farmers market in Rochester?
Aman’s Farm Market has been running in some form since 1860, making it one of the oldest farm markets in Rochester.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, when it comes to Rochester farmers’ markets, there is no shortage of options. We have barely covered everything the area has to offer too. So, while we suggest you check out these farmers’ markets first, feel free to browse the local events calendar for Rochester. New markets are constantly springing up, allowing you to give back to the local community.