National Farmers Market Week is just around the corner on Aug. 6-12, and what better way to celebrate than to visit Kingsport’s award-winning farmers market. Spend time experiencing the vibrant and diverse assembly of local and regional farmers and artisans engaging with the Kingsport community. 

Founded to provide produce and goods directly to consumers, the Kingsport Farmers Market was originally named the Tri-Cities Farmers Association for Retail Marketing, a non-profit membership organization. The association changed its name in the early 1990s, and the coalition’s efforts to offer fair and direct produce and artisanal items have continued.  

Also available are programs and fun events through the Kingsport Farmers Market, including Farmacy Fit, a program that links physical fitness with fresh locally grown produce by providing $3 worth of tokens to market goers after they have completed a one-mile walk. There’s also live music with Market Jams and free cooking demos and samples on Saturdays with the Chef.  

The market also features a partnership with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides economic benefits to the community by helping people purchase items like healthy homegrown produce. 

The Kingsport Farmers Market has received recognition for its excellent work, including The Tennessee Magazine’s best farmers market in East Tennessee. Additionally, it received two awards from the Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets (TAFM) at the 2022 TAFM annual meeting – one for second place for best website and another for third place for best social media. 

Since 2012, the Kingsport Farmers Market has operated out of the renovated Quebecor facility on the corner of Center and Clinchfield streets and allows for rentals of its pavilion space.  

The Kingsport Farmers Market is open April through November on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.