Waco Regional Farmers Market | Waco

Thought for a couple of seconds

Waco Regional Farmers Market (now operating as the Waco Downtown Farmers Market at Bridge Street Plaza) is a cornerstone of Central Texas’s local-food movement, bringing together farmers, artisans and the broader community in a vibrant open-air setting. Its growth since opening in 2011 reflects both Waco’s agricultural heritage and a modern commitment to food access, sustainability and small-business support.

History and Mission
The market began near the Brazos River with fewer than a dozen vendors and a purely seasonal schedule. Driven by a volunteer board of directors and coordinated partnerships between the City of Waco, local nonprofits and Baylor University’s agriculture and public health programs, it expanded rapidly. In 2025 it relocated to Bridge Street Plaza to accommodate more vendors and to provide a greener, landscaped venue. Its mission blends economic support for producers with nutrition education, social gathering and cultural programming.

Market Days and Schedule
– Saturday Market: year-round, every Saturday from 9 AM until 1 PM (summer hours may shift to close at noon during July and August)
– Wednesday Night Market: spring season (mid-March through late May) and fall season (early September through early October), from 5 PM until 8 PM

Products and Vendors
All vendors must originate from within roughly 150 miles of Waco and meet market standards for freshness, safety and quality. Offerings include:
– Field-fresh fruits and vegetables (heirloom tomatoes, winter greens, sweet corn, berries)
– Pasture-raised meats, poultry and eggs (grass-fed beef, heritage pork, free-range chicken)
– Artisanal breads, pastries and pies (sourdough loaves, kolaches, fruit galettes)
– Handcrafted cheeses, yogurts and charcuterie
– Local honey, preserves, pickles and elixirs
– Prepared foods (wood-fired pizza, tamales, fresh-pressed juices)
– Crafts, pottery, handmade soaps and textiles

Special features such as “guest growers” from surrounding counties and rotating food-truck showcases keep the lineup fresh and encourage repeat visits.

Community Programs and Education
Nutrition incentives and educational outreach are integral:
– SNAP/EBT and Double-Up Food Bucks match program dollars for fresh produce purchases
– WIC Farmers Market Nutrition checks are accepted
– Weekly cooking demonstrations teach easy seasonal recipes
– Children’s “Junior Farmers” activity tables introduce planting, composting and pollinator biology
– Occasional expert-led workshops on topics like backyard beekeeping, organic pest control and fermentation

Accessibility and Amenities
Bridge Street Plaza offers level, hard-surface walkways, shaded seating areas and ADA-designated parking along Bridge Street. Over 400 public parking spaces surround the plaza within a short walk. Water bottle refill stations and portable restrooms (including an ADA-accessible stall) are provided. Bike racks and easy pedestrian access from the historic suspension bridge encourage car-free visits.

Volunteer and Vendor Opportunities
Volunteers assist with setup, information booths, educational stations and special events; they receive market gift certificates in exchange for service hours. Prospective vendors complete an annual application, provide proof of insurance where required and submit product samples for review by the market’s vendor committee.

Events and Entertainment
– Live musicians and roving performers enliven Saturday markets
– Seasonal festivals (Spring Fling, Fall Harvest Day) include pie-eating contests, farm-animal petting areas and hayrides
– Wellness pop-ups (yoga on the lawn, guided walking meditations) during Wednesday Night Markets

Organization and Funding
Governed by a volunteer board, the market is fiscally sponsored by a local nonprofit. Funding comes from booth fees, grants (public health, agriculture extension), sponsorships and occasional city support. Annual fundraising events underwrite scholarships for low-income shoppers and community outreach initiatives.

Visiting Tips
Arrive before mid-morning for the widest selection. Bring reusable bags or baskets. Many vendors accept credit/debit cards in addition to cash and benefit programs. Early spring and late fall bring seasonal rarities (fresh pecans, early asparagus), while midsummer highlights heirloom tomatoes and peaches.

Contact and Further Information
Market updates (weather cancellations, special events, vendor highlights) are shared via local newsletters, community bulletin boards and social-media channels managed by the market’s organizing team. Emergency or after-hours inquiries can be directed to the City of Waco Parks & Recreation office.