The Essential 2025 Guide To The Conway Farmers Market: Dates, Hours, And What You MUST Buy
The 2025 season for the primary Conway Farmers Market is officially scheduled, bringing fresh, Arkansas-grown produce and artisanal goods back to the heart of Faulkner County. This guide provides the most current and essential details for the upcoming market season, ensuring you know exactly when and where to find the freshest local bounty.
Operating as the cornerstone of the local food scene since 1960, the Conway Farmers Market is more than just a place to buy vegetables; it's a vibrant community hub that supports over 40 vendors from across Central Arkansas. From ripe tomatoes and crisp greens to local honey and handmade crafts, planning your visit around the official 2025 schedule is the first step to enjoying the best of local agriculture.
Conway Farmers Market 2025 Season: Location and Operating Schedule
The main Conway Farmers Market, often referred to as the Faulkner County Farmers Market, maintains its tradition of offering two distinct shopping days during the peak season. Knowing the specific days and times is key to catching the best selection, especially for high-demand items like seasonal berries and fresh eggs.
Primary Market Location and Dates (Main Season)
- Location: Parking lot of Antioch Baptist Church, 150 Amity Road, Conway, AR 72032.
- 2025 Season Dates: The market runs from Saturday, April 26, through Saturday, September 27, 2025.
- Weekly Schedule: The market operates on both Saturdays and Tuesdays during the peak summer months.
Detailed 2025 Operating Hours
To maximize your shopping experience and beat the crowds (and the Arkansas heat), plan to arrive early, especially on Saturday mornings. The market’s hours are tailored to accommodate both weekend shoppers and mid-week grocery runs.
- Saturday Market Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Every Saturday, April 26 – September 27).
- Tuesday Market Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Tuesdays, typically running from June through August).
The Tuesday hours are particularly convenient for those using the Arkansas WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), as the market is a key participant in this initiative to provide fresh, local food to families.
What to Buy: Essential Vendors and Seasonal Produce
With over 40 dedicated vendors, the offerings at the Conway Farmers Market extend far beyond standard garden fare. Shopping here allows you to directly support local growers and artisans, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, Arkansas-grown products. The selection changes weekly, reflecting the true seasonality of Central Arkansas agriculture.
Must-Buy Produce and Goods
As the season progresses from late spring to early fall, you will find a rotating selection of items. Focus on these staples from local farms:
- Spring (Late April-May): Fresh strawberries, asparagus, leafy greens, radishes, spring onions, and starter plants for your own garden.
- Summer (June-August): The peak season brings heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, blueberries, squash (zucchini and yellow), bell peppers, and cucumbers.
- Fall (September): Watermelons, pumpkins, okra, sweet potatoes, and fall-flowering plants.
Beyond the produce, look for specialty vendors offering high-quality, locally sourced entities:
- Local Honey: A staple at the market, often featuring different floral sources.
- Baked Goods: Freshly baked bread, pies, and pastries from local kitchens.
- Crafts and Art: Handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, and other artisanal products.
- Plants and Flowers: Bedding plants, hanging baskets, and fresh-cut flowers to brighten your home.
Payment Options and Food Assistance Programs
The Conway Farmers Market is committed to accessibility, making it easy for all Faulkner County residents to purchase fresh, nutritious food. The market is a strong supporter of various food assistance programs, often providing additional benefits to stretch your grocery budget.
SNAP/EBT and WIC Acceptance
The market actively participates in federal and state programs, ensuring that food assistance benefits can be used to purchase healthy, local food:
- SNAP/EBT: The Conway Farmers Market accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Shoppers can swipe their EBT card at the market's information booth to receive tokens or scrip that can be used to purchase eligible items from participating vendors.
- Double Your Dollars: Arkansas often runs a "Double Your Dollars" or similar incentive program, which matches the value of SNAP benefits spent at the market, allowing you to buy twice as much produce. Always check with the market management for the current program details.
- WIC FMNP: The market is a designated location for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible participants.
Most vendors also accept cash, and many are equipped to accept credit or debit cards, but it is always wise to bring some cash for small purchases.
Beyond the Main Market: Other Local Food Entities in Conway
For those who can't make the Saturday or Tuesday market, or who want to explore other local food options, Conway, AR, offers several other ways to connect with local growers and artisans, boosting the area's topical authority in local food systems.
1. Downtown Conway Farmers & Crafts Market
Located in the heart of downtown, this market offers a different atmosphere and schedule. It often focuses on a mix of produce and handmade crafts, serving as a hub for both farmers and local makers. The location is typically near the corner of Main and Parkway Street.
2. Conway Locally Grown (Online Market)
For ultimate convenience, Conway Locally Grown operates as an online farmers market. This platform allows you to place orders for fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, and meats from local growers throughout the week and pick them up at a central location. This model is perfect for busy families and professionals.
3. Bell Urban Farm
Bell Urban Farm is a dedicated local foods grocery store and farmstand in Conway. They focus on 100% locally sourced items, including veggies, fruit, and meat. Their farmstand is a great year-round option and they are also noted for accepting SNAP/EBT.
4. Third Thursday Farmers' Market Events
Throughout the season, Conway often hosts special evening markets, such as the "Third Thursday Farmers' Market." These events typically run from 5 to 8 p.m. and incorporate live music, food trucks, and craft areas, making them a festive community gathering.
Tips for a Successful Market Trip
Navigating the Conway Farmers Market is easy, but a few pro tips can enhance your experience and ensure you get the best selection:
- Bring Reusable Bags: Vendors appreciate it, and it makes carrying your haul much easier.
- Arrive Early: The best selection of popular items (like local honey, fresh bread, and specific heirloom varieties) often sells out within the first hour.
- Talk to the Growers: Ask questions about how the food was grown, how to store it, and for recipe ideas. Building a relationship with your farmer is one of the biggest benefits of the market.
- Carry Small Bills: While many vendors accept cards, small cash denominations make transactions quicker and easier.
- Check the Website: Always confirm the exact schedule and any potential weather-related changes on the official Conway Farmers Market website before you go.
The 2025 season is set to be a fantastic year for local food in Conway. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, and make a commitment to support your local Faulkner County farmers.
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