Old Town Farmers' Market moves to new location Saturday
Nation's oldest continuously operating farmers market relocating to Tavern Square for two to three years during $123.6 million project
The Old Town Farmers’ Market, which has operated continuously since 1753, will hold its first market at a temporary location this Saturday as City Hall and Market Square begin major renovations.
Starting Jan. 10, the market will operate in the 100 block of North Royal Street and the courtyard at Tavern Square, just across the street from its historic home. The move allows the 272-year-old market to continue operating during the renovation project, which is expected to take two to three years.
George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold at the market, and it is considered the oldest farmers' market in the country, held continuously at the same site.
According to organizers, more than 70 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, dairy, and specialty items will continue operating every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.
The city will host a virtual pre-construction community meeting on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss the construction schedule, hours, and impacts on parking and transportation. Registration is required at alexandriava.gov/CityHall.
The $123.6 million renovation project has been deferred five times since 2015 and has grown from an original $50 million estimate, according to the city’s 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program budget. The project will repair aging HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems in the 153-year-old City Hall building, address structural issues in Market Square Plaza and the underground garage, and improve accessibility, security, and technology.
City Hall received an F rating in a 2022 internal facilities report, which found the building was “functionally obsolete.” Construction is scheduled to last through 2028.
The relocation marks the first time in nearly 60 years that the market will leave Market Square during construction. During the 1960s urban renewal, the market moved multiple times — including to an empty grocery store, inside City Hall, and onto Cameron Street — before returning to Market Square in 1967.
The Market Square Garage will close by Jan. 17. After that date, shoppers are encouraged to use the Tavern Square garage at 418 Cameron St., which will offer free parking on Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Additional parking is available at Courthouse Square at 111 S. Pitt St.
The market will return to Market Square once renovations are complete.
For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/OldTownFarmersMarket.
Other farmers markets in Alexandria
The Old Town Farmers’ Market is one of at least six farmers markets operating in Alexandria. Others include:
Del Ray Farmers’ Market: Corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon avenues, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, year-round.
Old Town North Farmers’ Market: Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St., Thursdays from 3-7 p.m. spring through fall; Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round. Dog-friendly.
Four Mile Run Farmers’ & Artisans Market: 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave., Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepts SNAP/EBT.
West End Farmers’ Market: Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive, Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through Nov. 15.
The Market at Southern Towers: 4901 Seminary Road, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepts SNAP/EBT with Double Dollar incentive.