A Cidiot's Guide to Farmers' Markets in the Hudson Valley

Farmers' markets really bring the world together. Locals, visitors, and newcomers all mingle around a common cause: food, farms, and community. What a great way to meet local brands, pick up meat and fresh veggies for cooking that week, plus catch up on local gossip.

What you'll find: Expect to discover local spirits (distilleries, cideries), small-batch hot sauces, pasture-raised meats, regional cheeses, and handmade items like eco-friendly soy wax candles or custom woodwork.

Will there be food? Many markets host local food trucks, specialty coffee pop-ups, or pastry chefs, making it a spot to grab breakfast, listen to live music, and people-watch. Or plan on getting a bite at one of the restaurants around the market, which would love the support.

I always bump into vendors and customers I know.

Here are a few markets I know about or have been to, but please share more and your favorites. Most are Saturdays, several on Sundays. Please double-check hours and locations for outdoor versus indoor locations, depending on the season.

Some more questions and answers are down below, too.  

COLUMBIA COUNTY

• Hudson Farmers Market - Saturdays 9am-1pm. 30 vendors - April 18th to November 28th outside corner of N 6th St and Columbia St, Hudson, NY. Indoors December 5th to April 10th at the Elks Lodge.
• Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market - Saturdays 9am-1pm. Roeliff Jansen Park, State Route 22, Hillsdale, NY (A Cidiot favorite!)
• Kinderhook Farmers Market  - Saturdays 8:30am to 12:30pm. Village Square, Kinderhook, NY

DUTCHESS COUNTY

• Beacon Farmers Market - Sundays 10am-2pm. 223 Main Street, Beacon
• Germantown Farmers Market  - Saturdays 10am-1pm. Palantine Park Pavillion, 50 Palantine Park Road, Germantown, NY
• Hyde Park Farmers Market - Saturdays 9am-2pm. 4390 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park (Across from Town Hall). June through October.
• Millerton Farmers Market - Saturdays 10am-2pm. 6 Dutchess Avenue, Millerton, NY
• Rhinebeck Farmers Market - Sundays 10am-2pm. Municipal Parking Lot, Rhinebeck, NY (no dogs). May 3-December 27
• Arlington Farmers Market (Poughkeepsie) - Thursdays 3pm-7pm. Located on Vassar College Alumnae Lawn on Raymond Avenue.

GREENE COUNTY

• Catskill Farmers Market - Sundays 10am-1pm. 145 Water Street, parking lot next to Catskill Creek

ORANGE COUNTY

• Newburgh Farmers’ Market - Saturdays 10am-3pm (Summer); 10am-2pm (Winter). Safe Harbors Green, 97 Broadway, Newburgh, NY

ULSTER COUNTY

• Kingston Farmers Market - Saturdays 9am-1pm. County Courthouse Parking Lot, 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY (A Cidiot favorite!). May 2-November 21
• Hudson Valley Open Market (New Paltz) - Saturdays 10am-3pm. 196 Main Street, New Paltz (New Paltz Middle School Parking Lot) May to October.
• Saugerties Farmers Market  - Saturdays. 115 Main St, Saugerties, NY. May 23-October 31

Frequently Asked Questions about Farmers Markets (FAQs)

• Can I bring my dog?" — Some markets (like Rhinebeck) ban dogs due to agriculture/health codes, while others, especially the smaller town ones, are a canine parade, and you'll see dogs all over.

• "Cash or Card?" — While many vendors take Venmo, Square, or Apple Pay, cell service can occasionally be spotty in rural pockets. Carrying a small wad of crisp $5 and $10 bills is always a pro-move. Also note that towns like Kingston on Saturday have meters for many parking spots and require quarters. 

• "What time should I actually get there?" — At bigger city markets, go early (right at opening if you want the best pick of popular items like fresh sourdough, heirloom tomatoes, or local berries before they sell out. Go late (the last 30 minutes) if you are looking for potential vendor discounts, though selections will be picked over.

• "Are they open rain or shine?" — Most outdoor markets push through unless it’s severe weather. Pack an umbrella and boots. And a canvas tote bag, too. Plastic bags are a rarity.

What's your absolute favorite vendor or secret market find? Drop it in the contact page so I can add it to the guide!