Farmers’ Market

Ranked as one of the best in the country, the Nashville Farmers’ Market hosts farmers and restaurateurs as well as artisans, various merchants, and special events. Dating back to the 19th century, the attraction has played a vital role in the daily lives of Nashville residents. The market encompasses 16 acres of Music City’s urban landscape. The covered, outdoor farm sheds are dedicated to fresh produce, handmade and local goods while the Market House is home to a variety of restaurants and retail shops.

The Market’s History

The market dates back to the early 19th century when local farmers brought their produce and other goods into the city on horseback. The state general assembly authorized the construction of a city market house in 1801. The 40-foot-long building was completed and opened the following year on the south side of the public square. This structure was replaced in 1829 by a complex of two buildings connected by sheds that housed a hundred vendor stalls. When the market was closed to make room for the construction of the Davidson County Courthouse, a third structure, now known as the Bent West Building, housed the market from 1937 until 1955. Situated on the north side of the square, this facility was deemed inadequate because of poor lighting and the lack of access for the large trucks now in use.

A $1 million bond issue in 1949 jump started the construction of the Farmers’ Market at a downtown location north of Jefferson Street between Sixth and Eighth streets. The latter thoroughfare has since been renamed Rosa Parks Boulevard. As part of the 1995 renovations of Bicentennial Mall State Park, the market was moved to its present location. Although damaged by the historic flood in 2010, the city renovated and reopened the Farmers’ Market after just a few short months with the assistance of the vendors, merchants and volunteers as well as various community organizations.

Must-See Areas

Outdoor Farm Sheds

The two, covered outdoor farm sheds feature produce vendors, handmade artisan foods and crafts, international products, apparel, Nashville-themed goods, and more. The busiest time of the year is the April to November growing season. You can find a wide variety of farm-direct goods, including fresh produce, honey, bread, meat, and other locally grown foods.

Eateries & Kitchens

The indoor market house is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants offering a variety of cuisine from around the world. In addition to Nashville hot chicken and locally sourced coffee, you can find Greek, Jamaican, Mexican, vegan, Caribbean delights, and more. There is an international market and a store featuring locally sourced artisan products. The incubator kitchen, Grow Local Kitchen, offers rotating pop-up restaurants six days a week.

Special Events

The market hosts half a dozen special events each year, along with several event rentals for locals and tourists alike. The market’s events are produce – and seasonality-themed festivals with vendor specials, live music, food trucks, and more.

Visitor Information

The Nashville Farmers’ Market is open nearly every day of the year. The farm sheds and market house are open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day; however, individual vendor, store, and restaurant hours vary. Downtown parking is limited, so the best way to reach the Farmers’ Market is aboard the Old Town Trolley or by parking in the market’s free parking lot. Hop aboard for a fun sightseeing adventure to the most popular attractions in Nashville. You can avoid driving in city traffic as you sit back and relax while listening to an entertaining narrative about Music City.

Things to Do Nearby

Bicentennial Mall State Park

Nestled in the shadow of the Capitol and across the street from the Farmers’ Market, the exhibits, monuments and memorials of Bicentennial Mall State Park honor the Volunteer State’s history, culture and natural beauty. The magnificent 19-acre park is also the setting for a variety of celebrations throughout the year, such as the Tennessee History Festival.

Tennessee State Capitol

One of the oldest working capitols in the nation, the Tennessee State Capitol first opened in 1859. It is considered to be the crowning achievement of renowned architect William Strickland, whose remains are entombed within its walls. In addition to touring the building, visitors can view statues and memorials on the capitol grounds honoring famous Tennesseans.

Musicians Hall of Fame

The Musicians Hall of Fame, housed in the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, honors session musicians, singers and songwriters who have toiled behind the scenes to create hit records for legendary entertainers like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. These background artists developed the unique sounds associated with Detroit, Memphis and Muscle Shoals.