There’s something about the arrival of spring in Nova Scotia that just makes you want to get out, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the people and places that make this province feel like home. And honestly? There’s no better way to do that than spending a Saturday morning wandering through a farmers market.

Whether you’re brand new to the province or you’ve been here your whole life, farmers markets are one of those beautiful little traditions that remind us why community matters. They’re where you shake hands with the person who grew your vegetables, where your kids try samples of homemade jam, and where a quick trip for bread somehow turns into two hours of good conversation.

Nova Scotia is home to more than 40 farmers markets, and while some run year round, spring is when the seasonal markets start firing up and the energy really picks up across the province. Here’s a look at which markets are open right now, which ones are opening their doors in the coming weeks, and a few tips to help you make the most of market season.

Markets Open Right Now

If you’re ready to go this weekend, these markets are already up and running year round.

Halifax Seaport Farmers Market

The longest continuously running farmers market in North America, dating back to 1750. Located at Pavilion 23 on the Halifax waterfront at 961 Marginal Road, this market is open Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year round. With over 100 vendors, you’ll find everything from fresh baked goods and artisan crafts to international street food, handmade jewelry, locally roasted coffee, and small batch hot sauces. Free parking is available on weekends, and the waterfront setting makes it a great spot to spend the morning.

Alderney Landing Farmers Market, Dartmouth

Just across the harbour, the Alderney Landing Farmers Market brings a different kind of charm. Located at 2 Ochterloney Street on the Dartmouth waterfront, the Saturday Farmers Market runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. year round. They also host a Sunday Artisan Market from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a Wednesday Market from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the spring and summer months, the market expands outside with even more vendors and entertainment. If you time it right, you can hop on the Halifax ferry afterward and make a whole day of it.

Wolfville Farmers Market

If you haven’t been to the Wolfville Farmers Market, you’re missing one of the province’s best. Started in 1992 with just three vendors in a parking lot, it’s grown into a year round Saturday gathering with over 65 farmers, chefs, and artisan vendors. Located at 24 Elm Avenue in a beautifully converted century-old apple warehouse, the market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday. There’s live music most weeks, and the place just hums with energy. They also run WFM2Go, an online ordering and delivery service with pickup hubs across HRM and the Valley on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s a great option if you love the market but can’t always make it in person.

Truro Farmers Market

The Truro Farmers Market runs year round on Saturday mornings and is a wonderful community gathering point for Colchester County. It’s a smaller market with a loyal following, and a great stop if you’re heading through the hub of Nova Scotia.

New Glasgow Farmers Market

Open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 261 Glasgow Street in New Glasgow, this year round market offers a strong lineup of local vendors. It’s a great option for anyone on the north shore of the province.

Opening Soon: Seasonal Markets to Watch For

May is when things really start to pick up. Here are some of the seasonal markets getting ready to open their doors in the coming weeks.

Sackville Farmers Market

The Sackville Farmers Market kicks off its 2026 season with a Grand Opening on Saturday, May 2nd. Open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., May through November, this one has become a real community favourite in the Bedford/Sackville area.

Hubbards Barn Farmers Market

Set on six acres of peaceful woodland at the Hubbards Barn and Community Park, this market has been running for over 20 years. It opens in May and runs Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through October. Over 50 vendors set up here with everything from French bakery breads and fresh seafood to handmade soaps, artisan jewelry, and locally grown mushrooms. Live music is a regular feature, and the whole setting feels like something out of a storybook.

Antigonish Farmers Market

This market has grown from just 6 vendors back in 1995 to over 60 today, welcoming more than 70,000 visitors a year. It runs Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., May through October, at the 4H Barn on the Exhibition Grounds. Great mix of local produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, and live entertainment.

Lunenburg Farmers Market

A community staple on the South Shore for over 30 years. The outdoor summer season kicks off in mid-May at the Lunenburg Arena on Green Street, running Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through mid-September. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and a strong lineup of seasonal produce, baked goods, local cheeses, wines, fresh seafood, and handmade artisan goods.

North Mountain Market, Harbourville

A charming market hosted in a historic wooden church in Harbourville. Their 2026 season runs every Saturday from May 30th to October 10th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They feature live music each week and a true small-community feel that’s well worth the drive.

A Few More Worth the Drive

Keep an eye out for the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Traders Market (Saturdays, May through October), the Mahone Bay Organic Market (Tuesdays, late May to mid-October), and the Tantallon Village Farmers Market (Tuesdays, June to October). Each one has its own personality, and exploring them is one of the best ways to discover corners of the province you might not have visited before.

Tips for Making the Most of Market Season

Get there early. The best selection is always at opening time, especially for produce, baked goods, and anything in limited supply. Early birds really do get the best bread.

Bring cash (but cards work too). Most vendors accept cards these days, but having some cash on hand never hurts, especially at smaller markets. And when you pay with cash, vendors don’t have to pay processing fees.

Talk to the vendors. This is the best part. These are the people growing, making, and baking everything you see. Ask them how they got started, what’s in season, or how to cook something you’ve never tried before. You’ll leave with more than just groceries.

Bring your own bags. Most markets encourage (and some expect) you to bring reusable bags. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

Make it a family thing. Markets are a wonderful experience for kids. Let them pick out a treat, watch a musician, or just soak in the atmosphere. It’s how you build those connections to your community early on.

Shop online if you can’t make it in person. A few Nova Scotia markets now offer online ordering. The Wolfville Farmers Market’s WFM2Go service is a standout, with over 1,800 products from 65+ vendors and pickup hubs across HRM and the Valley.

Why It Matters

Farmers markets are about so much more than food. They’re about knowing where your food comes from. They’re about supporting your neighbours. And they’re about being part of a community that values the people and traditions that make this province what it is.

Nova Scotia has the most farmers markets per capita in Canada, and that’s something worth celebrating. Whether you’re visiting one that’s been running all winter or heading to a grand opening this May, there’s always something new to discover. So grab your bags, bring the family, and we’ll see you at the market.

For a full directory of farmers markets across Nova Scotia, visit farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca