As autumn gives way to winter, the Berea Farmers Market prepares for its annual seasonal transition. Starting Saturday, November 1, the market will move indoors to 207 N. Broadway Street and shift to winter hours, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday through March.
The change marks a familiar rhythm for Kentucky’s second-oldest farmers market and oldest “producer only” market, which has served the Berea community year-round for more than 50 years (founded in 1973). While the location and hours adjust for the colder months, the market’s commitment to fresh, local products and direct farmer-to-consumer connections remains constant.
What “Producer Only” Means
The Berea Farmers Market holds a special distinction as a producer-only market, meaning every item sold is grown, raised, or made by the vendor selling it. This policy ensures authenticity and creates direct relationships between producers and customers—no middlemen, no resellers, just farmers and artisans sharing their work.
During the winter months, shoppers can still find an impressive variety of products: fresh vegetables from season-extending techniques like hoop houses and cold frames, eggs from local chickens, meats from area farms, artisan breads and baked goods, dried beans and cornmeal, mushrooms, dried herbs, handcrafted soaps, and unique artisan items.
The producer-only model extends to value-added vendors offering prepared foods like kombucha tea, coffee beans, and baked goods, as well as local artisans selling handmade jewelry, sewn items, and other crafts. If a vendor sells it, they made it—a principle that has defined the market for decades.
Winter Location and Hours
The winter location at 207 N. Broadway Street provides indoor shelter from Kentucky’s unpredictable winter weather, allowing the market to operate comfortably regardless of rain, snow, or cold temperatures. The indoor space maintains the community atmosphere that makes the Berea Farmers Market special while protecting vendors and shoppers from the elements.
The adjusted hours—10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays—reflect shorter daylight hours and winter schedules. The market will no longer operate on Tuesday evenings during the winter season, consolidating to Saturday mornings when families can make market visits part of their weekend routine.
For comparison, summer hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays at the Chestnut Street Pavilion (635 Chestnut Street), with additional Tuesday evening markets from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. during prime harvest season (times may vary by season). The winter schedule simplifies to Saturday mornings only, making it easier for vendors and customers to plan their weeks.
Supporting Local Food Systems
Shopping at the farmers market during winter months takes on added significance. Winter farmers face unique challenges—shorter days, colder temperatures, higher heating costs for greenhouses, and reduced crop variety. By continuing to support local producers through the winter, customers help sustain the farms and businesses that make the summer market so vibrant.
The Kentucky Double Dollars program continues during winter months, providing valuable benefits to participants with EBT, PEBT, food stamp, senior, or WIC cards. The program offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $20 per day, effectively doubling purchasing power for fresh food items. Participants receive specific coins for fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, and other food-based products, making healthy local food more accessible to all community members.
A Community Gathering Place
Beyond the products for sale, the Berea Farmers Market serves as a community gathering place where neighbors connect, stories are shared, and relationships form. The winter market maintains this social function even as the weather turns cold, providing a weekly opportunity for community members to see familiar faces and support local businesses.
The market’s leadership, currently headed by Board President Gina Hudson, maintains deep dedication to ensuring vendors, staff, and representatives personally know each vendor and uphold the market’s values and traditions. As former market president Rene’ Poitra-Riley described in 2021, the market captures “the very best particulars of being an authentic ‘Grassroots Destination.'”
The market welcomes well-behaved dogs, features occasional live music, and creates a family-friendly atmosphere that makes Saturday morning market visits enjoyable for all ages. These touches transform a simple shopping trip into a community experience.
Planning Your Visit
The winter market location at 207 N. Broadway Street is easily accessible from downtown Berea and surrounding neighborhoods. Parking is available nearby, and the indoor setting means shoppers can take their time browsing without worrying about weather conditions.
Bring reusable bags for your purchases, and consider arriving early in the season to see what winter products are available. Many shoppers are surprised by the variety still offered during colder months—winter squash, root vegetables, greenhouse greens, and storage crops like potatoes and onions provide plenty of options for seasonal cooking.
Cash is always appreciated by vendors, though many also accept electronic payments. The Kentucky Double Dollars program operates from a tent at the market entrance for eligible participants.
More Than 50 Years of Community Connection
The Berea Farmers Market has been connecting local producers with community members for more than 50 years (founded in 1973). This longevity reflects the market’s importance to Berea’s local food system and its success in adapting to changing seasons and community needs while maintaining core values.
Long-time vendors bring wisdom and knowledge that newer vendors learn from, creating a mentorship culture that strengthens the entire market community. This intergenerational knowledge transfer ensures the market’s traditions continue while welcoming innovation and new participants.
More Information
For additional details about the Berea Farmers Market, including vendor lists, special events, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.bereafarmersmarket.org or follow the market on Facebook at facebook.com/bereafarmersmarket.
The winter season begins Saturday, November 1, and continues through March at 207 N. Broadway Street, every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come support local farmers, artisans, and your community this winter—fresh, local food doesn’t take a season off in Berea.