GUIDE FOR 2018

SUNDAY

Derry: Keystone Farmers Market Beach parking lot, 1150 Keystone Park Road off Route 981 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 3-Sept. 30

The market is in its fifth year, and has 15 to 20 vendors selling produce, jewelry, quilts, woodwork, baked goods, honey and plants.

Tip: If a vendor has a type of produce that typically isn’t in season until later on, ask if it was grown in a greenhouse to ensure that the produce is from the farm. Squirrel Hill Farmers Market Beacon/Bartlett parking lot (behind Murray Avenue) 9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 10-Nov. 11 This month, expect farmers to sell radish, pea shoots, salad mixes and strawberries. Fresh pasta and coffee also available.

Tip: Pea shoots, harvested from the upper-most part of a pea plant, are versatile and can be cooked or eaten raw, says Aeros Lillstrom of Who Cooks For You Farm. “I even use them in a PB&J sandwich,” she says.

MONDAY

East Liberty Farmers Market Lot between Station and North Euclid streets 3-7 p.m., May 14-Nov. 19

It features farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, whiskey, kombucha and wine accessories like holders and glasses..

Tip: Aldo Sauro sells fig tree seedlings in plastic containers and soda bottles. To keep the tree alive, grow it in a large pot and let it hibernate in an unheated garage during the winter.

Robinson Farmers Market 5718 Steubenville Pike 3-7 p.m. (except Memorial Day and Labor Day), May 21-Oct. 21

The market is back for the second year and features 32 vendors. The new ones are Freedom Farms, Guild of St. Fiacre, Head Acres Farm and Zeke’s Coffee. There’s live music every week from 4 to 6 p.m.

Tip: The Robinson Township Library holds a craft session for children on the first Monday of every month. Zelienople-Harmony Farmers Market East Beaver Street, Zelienople Community Park

3:30-7 p.m., June 4-Sept. 24

There are 16 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, grass-fed beef, bread, eggs, dairy and plants.

Tip: Sunrise Heirlooms will be selling four basil varieties and rare heirloom tomatoes.

TUESDAY

Bethel Park Farmers Market South Park Ice Rink parking lot, Corrigan Drive 3-7 p.m., May 1-Sept. 25

It features 17 full-season vendors and six part-time ones who sell kettle corn, Greek food, produce, eggs, barbecue pork and ribs, hummus and bread.

Tip: It’s a new location this year, having moved from the St. Thomas More Church parking lot.

Mount Hope Community Church 12106 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills 2-6 p.m., June 12-Sept. 25

It features 12 vendors who sell produce, dog treats, spices, jellies and jams.

Tip: Live music and poetry readings are held on the third Tuesday in July, August and September. South Side Farmers Market 18th and Carson streets parking lot 3-7 p.m., May 15-Nov. 20

It features flowers, fruits, vegetables and row crops such as potatoes and cabbage. Tip: When buying cabbage, look for ones that feel heavy.

Bellevue Farmers Market 34 N. Balph Ave., Bayne Park 3-7 p.m., June 6-Oct. 31

It features produce, fresh meat and eggs, baked goods, matcha teas, whiskey, mead and cider, soy candles, fruit spreads, butters and medicinal herbs.

Tip: Free yoga, skateboarding lessons and activities for children and seniors are offered.

Carrick Dairy District 1529 Brownsville Road 3-7 p.m., June 20-Nov. 21 (closed July 4)

It features fruits, vegetables, gyros and flowers, and will sell corn and squash as the season changes. Ten vendors have signed up so far.

Tip: You can seek shelter when it rains or drizzles, thanks to the pavilion built by the community.

Fox Chapel Farmers Market SSA Senior School campus parking lot, 423 Fox Chapel Road 3:30-6:30 p.m., June 13-Oct. 24

Fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, grassfed beef, fresh honey, baked goods, pickles and preserves, Italian sauces, wood-fired pizza and ice cream are sold, and so are foods from trucks.

Tip: “When you buy radishes, keep the greens on as long as possible. Also, don’t wash the radishes until they are ready to be used,” says Gianna Fazioli, director of SSA Farms. This way the vegetables can be stored for a longer time. You can reduce food waste by using the greens to make pesto, she adds.

Garfield Community Farm Stand For locations, check garfieldfarm.com 3-7:30 p.m., June 13-Sept. 26

Now in its 10th year, it features fruits and vegetables.

Tip: Because it is a mobile market, it travels around the neighborhood all day. It’s best to catch the market at Garfield Community Farm between 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Moon Township Farmers Market 1000 Beaver Grade Road at Municipal Building 3-6 p.m., June 6-Sept. 26

It features 35 vendors who sell produce, coffee, tea, organic hot dogs, tabouli, beer, wine, spirits, meat, dairy, antiques, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers, arts and crafts.

Tip: Credit, EBT and SNAP cards are accepted here. For every $5 spent with EBT or SNAP, the market will supply a $2 produce certificate. Also, the market has partnered with West AirComm to teach kids about healthy living and there will be giveaways for those who participate.

Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market United Lutheran Church, 975 Washington Road 4-7 p.m., June 6-Oct. 31

It features 15 vendors who sell pasta, shaved ice, produce, salsa and barbecue foods.

Tip: Founded in 1987, Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market welcomes everyone, including pets.

Peters Township Farmers Market St. David’s Episcopal Church parking lot, 905 E. McMurray Road, Peters 3-7 p.m., May 23-Sept. 26

Simmons Farm, Freedom Farms and Kerns Farms sell fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, fresh-cut flowers, hanging plants and meats such as beef, chicken, pork and duck. Prepared foods, condiments, shaved ice, cold-pressed juices, ice cream, honey, hummus, cookies and pies also are sold. Two live performances — 3 to 5 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. — are held every Wednesday.

Tip: Occasionally, chefs from local restaurants will host a cooking demonstration using produce from the market.

Ross Farmers Market St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 920 Perry Highway 3-7 p.m., May 16-Oct.24

The market is in seventh year and features 14 to 18 vendors who sell produce, pasta, balsamic vinegar, honey, lettuce, Amish baked goods, jams, jellies, pickled vegetables, gyros, barbecue and perennials. In May and October, there are crafters and other nonfood vendors.

Tip: The vendor fees go directly to help the North Hills Food Bank, and each year the market has generated more than $2,000 for the nonprofit.

Tarentum Farmers Market First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St. (corner of Lock Street. and 10th Avenue) 9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 13-October

It features produce, baked goods, pepperoni rolls and pierogies.

Tip: When buying broccoli, look for heads with florets that are a dark even green and have tightly closed flowers.

THURSDAY

Ambridge Farmers Market 624 Park Road, St. Mary’s Church parking lot (along Route 65) 4-7 p.m., May 3-Nov. 15, plus open on Nov. 20 for Thanksgiving

It features vegetables and fruits from Enon Country Gardens and Harley’s Oak Spring Farm, honey, fresh-cut flowers, plants and baked goods.

Tip: It’s the season to buy asparagus, lettuce, green onions, radish and rhubarb. Strawberries will be available toward the middle of the month and peas and beans at the end of June.

Beechview Farmers Market Broadway and Beechview parking lot 4-7 p.m., June 21-Sept. 13

It features seasonal produce, meats, flowers and prepared foods by Hey Tabouli.

Tip: When buying flowers, check the bottoms of the stems. The cuttings should be firm and green, not soft or slimy — an indication of age.

Charleroi Farmers Market Market House in 400 block of McKean Avenue 3-6 p.m., July 12-Oct. 4

There is one farmer and one or two vendors.

Tip: The Charleroi Market is an open building; however, the market is under cover, so it will be held rain or shine.

Downtown: Market Square Farmers Market Market Square, Forbes Avenue and Market Place 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 10-Oct. 25

Back for the 14th season, it features more than 30 vendors who sell produce, herbs, flowers, berries, garlic, prepared foods and pet treats.

Tip: New vendors include a pastry boutique, cheese and milk creamery, chocolate makers, gourmet popcorn maker, bread baker, two wineries, Goat Rodeo, two craft distilleries, Threadbare Cider & Mead and Wise County Biscuits.

Etna Farmers Market 437 Butler St., across from the borough building 3-6:30 p.m., June 7-Oct. 25

It features plants, honey, spices, cookies, snacks and sauces.

Tip: Parking might be tough, but Mike Niederriter, manager of the market, says if you drive around, you will find a spot.

Green Tree Farmers Market in the Park 905 Greentree Road, Green Tree Park 4-7 p.m., May 24 -Oct. 25

There are 10 vendors selling produce, fudge, hanging baskets, Italian ice, hummus, salads, meat, dairy and baked goods.

Tip: Knives are sharpened on the first Thursday of the month. Murrysville Farmers Market 3235 Sardis Road 3-7 p.m., June 7-Sept. 27

Returning for the fifth time, it features 28-plus vendors, produce, wine, barbecued foods, kettle corn, flowers and pet treats.

Tip: The Farmhouse Kids’ Club runs from June 14 through Aug. 30. Kids can sign up for it at the market.

Upper St. Clair/Bethel Park Rotary Farmers Market 2040 Washington Road, Westminster Presbyterian Church lot 4-7 p.m., May 17-Sept. 27

It features pizza, tacos, burgers, bread, pies, barbecued foods, salsa, maple syrup, honey, shaved ice, granola, dairy and desserts.

Tip: Logan Family Farms has new cuts such as the flat iron and Denver steak in addition to the filet mignon, ribeye and New York strips. It ages each animal for a month in its coolers.

Verona Farmers Market 736 E. Railroad Ave. 2-7 p.m., June 7-Oct. 25

It features 21 vendors who sell produce, soaps and cider. Schramm Farm is the big draw.

Tip: On the last Thursday of each month, five to six food trucks will be at the market, and live music is featured. Wilkinsburg Farmers Market Corner of South Trenton Street and Penn Avenue 3-6:30 p.m., June 14-Nov. 15 It features about 15 vendors. Tip: When buying lettuce, make sure the leaves are tight and look lively.

FRIDAY

Cranberry Township Farmers Market Behind municipal building on Rochester Road 3-6 p.m., June 8-Oct. 26 It features seven vendors.

Tip: From Sturges Farm, which has 5 acres of peach trees: “Look at the guy that’s selling them. If the guy grew the tree, it’s going to be a good peach.”

Downtown: Mellon Square Park Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., May 11-Oct. 26

It features fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, biscuits and gravy, sandwiches and baked goods.

Tip: Summer soul line dancing will be held by Roland Ford on June 15, July 6 and Aug. 10. Forest Hills Farmers Market Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 1840 Ardmore Blvd. 4-7 p.m., June 1-Oct. 26 In its 16th season, it has 22 vendors selling produce, snow cones, artisanal bread, pies, pierogies, homemade salsa, pastries, fudge, kettle corn, hummus and wood-fired pizza. Tip: A harvest festival is slated for later in the year.

North Side Farmers Market East Park, East Ohio Street and Cedar Avenue 3-7 p.m., May 18-Nov. 16

Features produce, pepperoni rolls, Amish baked goods, and fresh, smoked and frozen trout. Tip: When buying fresh fillets, aim for the same size so that they can evenly cook, says Meredith Seltzer, owner of Mill Creek Trout Farm in Utica. Because smoked ones are more dense and filling, she recommends buying half the quantity of fresh ones.

SATURDAY

Beaver Farmers Market Parking lot behind Beaver County Courthouse (Fourth and Market streets) 10 a.m.-1 p.m., April 28-Dec. 15

It is the largest of the Beaver County markets and features 30 vendors who sell seasonal produce, fresh eggs, frozen chicken, locally raised beef, honey, wine and baked goods.

Tip: Fresh Lebanese flatbreads are made at the market.

Bloomfield Saturday Market 5050 Liberty Ave. (between South Winebiddle and Gross streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m., May 19-Oct. 27

The 28 full-season vendors and 13 occasional vendors sell produce, cheese, meat, plants, cookies and hummus. The market also features local musicians and children’s activities.

Tip: If you bring compostables back to the market, Steel City Soils will take them and compost them to keep them out of landfills. Clairton Farmers Market On 1st Saturday: North State and Elm streets; on 3rd Saturday:

410 St. Clair Ave., St. Clair Pavilion 10 a.m.-3 p.m., May 5-TBD

It features fruits, vegetables, gyros and fresh baklava.

Tip: Red and white grapes should not be wrinkly or have a saggy skin. The color should be bright and vibrant.

Ellwood City Farmers Market 500 block of Beaver Avenue 8 a.m.- noon, June 2-Oct. 6

There are 16 vendors selling produce, pet treats, handmade soap and skincare products. Live music is featured. Tip: It holds a “master gardener” series with discussions on pollinators and canning produce.

Lawrenceville Farmers Market 250 40th St., Arsenal Park 1-4 p.m., June 2-Oct. 27

It features 28 vendors (six are full-time and the rest are part-time) and they sell produce, herbs, flowers, seedlings, handcrafted medicinal and herbal teas, beef, pork and honey. There are several special pop-in vendors, including Ultra Matcha and Relish.

Tip: Somali Bantu refugees who have resettled in Pittsburgh will sell prepared foods and new vendor Sugar Momma Sweets & Treats will serve kebabs and soul food. Food trucks will pull up, too, at the market. Ligonier Country Market Loyalhanna Watershed Farm

near West Main Street and Route 30 8 a.m.-noon, May 19-Sept. 29

It averages 130 vendors and features cooked foods, fresh produce, poultry, beef, crafts, soaps and pastries.

Tip: Come early because it takes more than 4 hours to get through all the vendors. Plastic bags are provided but bring reusable bags as they might come in handy.

Lower Burrell Farmers Market 2800 Bethel St., parking lot at City Hall 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 16Oct.13

It features 15 vendors, including an Italian baker, homemade pies and global foods. There’s live entertainment every other week.

Tip: On opening day, the master gardeners from Penn State will answer questions.

McDonald Trail Station Farmers Market 160 S. McDonald St. on Panhandle Trail 9 a.m.-noon, July 7 through mid-to-late September

There are six vendors selling produce, honey, baked goods, jellies and jams.

Tip: The market is adjacent to the Panhandle Trail, which is built on an abandoned grade of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and welcomes bikers and hikers. Monroeville Lions Farmers Market 2399 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville Community Park

9 a.m.-noon, May 12-Nov. 17

There are 14 vendors selling produce, preserves, kettle corn, meat and bread.

Tip: There is a separate parking lot for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Mt. Lebanon Uptown Farmers Market 710 Washington Road by Municipal Building 9 a.m.-noon, May 12-Oct. 27

It features produce, honey, artisan breads, meats, Greek and Moroccan foods, wine, whiskey and soaps.

Tip: Conover Organic Farm from Burgettstown is at the market for the first time. In addition to produce, it sells pickled goods, hot sauces, salsas and jams made with produce grown on the farm.

Perryopolis Farmers Market 301 Independence St.(next to Perry Drug) 9 a.m.-noon, May 26-Sept. 29

Ten to 15 vendors sell produce, prepared foods such as pierogies and cabbage rolls, fresh eggs, herbs, teas, wine and jewelry.

Tip: Unwashed eggs will keep more than twice as long as washed ones.

Sewickley: St. James Farmers Market 200 Walnut St., St. James Parish lot 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 7-Nov. 17

It features meat, fish, pasta, honey, pierogies and produce.

Tip: Pre-order garlic scapes at Enon Valley Garlic Co. as they sell out fast.

Slippery Rock Community Farmers Market Gateway Park on Newcastle Street (between Elm and South Main streets) 9 a.m.-noon, May 19-October

It features produce, handmade clothes, jewelry, soaps and lotions, eggs, baked goods and plants.

Tip: It’s a new location this year, having moved from Rock Falls Park.

Swissvale Farmers Market 7301 Schoyer Ave., Dickson School 9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 2-Oct. 27

It is in its fifth season and accepts SNAP benefits. The market features produce, baked goods and prepared foods from newcomers, Goodfella’s Restaurant and The Triangle Grill. Honey from Monroeville hives and Pennsylvania maple products also are new this year.

Tip: If you are seeking good local honey, ask questions such as where the hives are kept and and what kind of crops they are beside. Also, ask to do a tasting.

MULTIPLE DAYS

South Fayette/Cecil: Original Farmers Market 151 Parks Road, McDonald 5:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, May 4-Sept. 28; Mondays and Fridays only, Sept. 1-November.

It sells produce, wine, kettle corn, bread, baked goods and pumpkins come fall.

Tip: On June 23 and 24, it will have the grand opening of an expanded farm market. Check out the wine room at Arrowhead Wine Cellars.