The Charlottesville City Market runs Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 E. Water St. through November, then the Holiday Market Nov. 28 to Dec. 19. SNAP is accepted.

Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Charlottesville’s markets page, its composting at the City Market page, city news releases and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP retailer locator.

Charlottesville’s main farmers market is the City Market, open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 E. Water St. The city calls it Charlottesville’s oldest open-air market. It runs April through November, so five regular Saturdays are left this season, and the Holiday Market takes over the same spot from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19. Charlottesville Parks and Recreation runs both, plus the Wednesday Farmers in the Park market at Pen Park from May to September.

Who to call

  • City Market and Farmers in the Park: 434-970-3371, citymarket@charlottesville.gov
  • Parks and Recreation: 434-970-3260
  • Composting questions: the city’s composting program contact form

The markets

Market Where When Season
City Market 100 E. Water St. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April to November
Holiday Market 100 E. Water St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 28 to Dec. 19
Farmers in the Park Pen Park Wednesdays, afternoons May to September

City Market. Vendors sell fruit and vegetables, baked goods and bread, roasted coffee, doughnuts, bagels, handmade crafts and food cooked on site, according to the city. The city’s market vendor directory lists the current sellers. Remaining 2026 Saturdays: Oct. 24 and 31, and Nov. 7, 14 and 21.

Holiday Market. The same Water Street site, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Saturday, Nov. 28, to Dec. 19. See our Christmas and tree lighting guide for the rest of the season.

Farmers in the Park. This Wednesday market moved to a new layout on the east side of the Pen Park parking lot this summer, with wider walkways, more seating and more shade, the city said on June 30. The city’s market page lists hours of 3 to 6 p.m.; the June release said 3 to 7 p.m. Check with the market before the 2027 season starts in May.

SNAP and food benefits

The USDA’s SNAP retailer list includes both city markets, the Charlottesville City Market at 100 E. Water St. and Farmers in the Park at Pen Park, as authorized to accept SNAP. Ask the market at 434-970-3371 how to use your EBT card. The same list also includes the Local Food Hub Market on Hillsdale Drive as a SNAP-authorized farmers market.

Composting at the City Market

From April through October, the city runs a free food-scrap drop-off at the City Market, staffed by Black Bear Composting. It takes fruit and vegetable scraps, bread, eggshells, meat and bones, coffee grounds and filters, cooking oils, plant trimmings, uncoated paper such as napkins and pizza boxes, and products labeled certified compostable. Pick up a free compostable bag at the booth. Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 are the last two composting Saturdays of 2026. For the rest of the year, the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s McIntire Recycling Center takes food scraps; see our trash and recycling guide.

Weather and heat

The city changes market hours for weather. In 2026 it closed the July 4 City Market at 11 a.m. for extreme heat, canceled the July 18 market for heat and poor air quality and canceled the Sept. 23 Farmers in the Park for the forecast. Changes are posted on the city’s news page and the City Market’s social media.

Selling at the market

Farmers and makers apply through the city’s market vendor application. The city also points shoppers and vendors to the Virginia farmers market trail.

What this means for you

  • Five City Market Saturdays remain after this week: Oct. 24 and 31, Nov. 7, 14 and 21.
  • Bring food scraps on Oct. 24 or 31 before the composting booth closes for the year.
  • The Holiday Market opens Saturday, Nov. 28.

Related guides: things to do this month, parks and trails and new businesses in Charlottesville.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Charlottesville City Market open?

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April through November, at 100 E. Water St. The Holiday Market follows from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, also 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Does the Charlottesville City Market take SNAP?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP retailer list includes the Charlottesville City Market at 100 E. Water St. and Farmers in the Park at Pen Park.

When is Farmers in the Park in Charlottesville?

Wednesday afternoons from May through September at Pen Park. The 2026 season has ended; the market returns next May.

Can I compost food scraps at the City Market?

Yes, April through October. The city’s free composting booth, staffed by Black Bear Composting, takes household food scraps, uncoated paper and certified compostable products, and hands out free compostable bags.