The best markets in Cape Cod are loaded with locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and culture. Several markets also pop up seasonally to celebrate the festive season. By shopping at local farmers’ and holiday markets, you’ll not only be able to purchase high-quality regional products, but also support the local community.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, when viewed from above, juts out into the mighty Atlantic on America’s east coast, looking like a flexing arm. From Provincetown at the spit at the tip to the shoulder cities of Falmouth and Sandwich closest to the mainland, here are the top markets to shop like a local in Cape Cod.

  • 1

    Bass River Farmers Market

    Shop local on the library lawn in the mid-Cape region

    Bass River Farmers Market
    • Budget
    • Families
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    The Bass River Farmers Market is held outdoors on the lawn of South Yarmouth Library, rain or shine. Stalls are laid out under colourful tents, featuring homemade baked goods, crafts, plants, soaps, jams, jellies, honey, herbs, and eggs. Local meat and fish vendors round out a wide selection of fresh produce and products.

    Purchasing items at the market is an excellent way to support local farmers, artisans and craftspeople. This seasonal market also features live music and is an excellent go-to spot for the entire family. Parking is plentiful, and it’s never usually too crowded.

    Location: 311 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth MA, 02664, USA

    Open: Mid-June–early September: Thursday and Saturday from 9 am to 1.30 pm (closed on Sundays and Monday–Wednesday)

    Phone: +1 774-217-1067

    Map
  • 2

    Chatham Farmer’s Market

    A delightful farmer’s market right at the ‘elbow’ of Cape Cod

    Chatham Farmer’s Market
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Shoppers

    Chatham Farmer’s Market is a haven of locally-made products and home-grown produce, taking place place on Tuesdays from mid-May through October. From fresh-popped kettle corn to pasture-raised meats, eggs, and dairy, this open-air market has quite the array of homemade goods to check out.

    The market promotes and supports regional farming and fishing traditions, local arts and crafts, and small-batch entrepreneurs. Olive oil, marinara sauce, wine, roasted coffee, jams, fresh-squeezed juices, and baked goods are but a few of the many handcrafted items available. The market also has a “Farmer Favorite Musician” performing to entertain you as you shop.

    Location: 1652 Main Street, Chatham, MA, 02633, USA

    Open: Mid-May–October: Tuesdays from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm (closed Thursday–Monday)

    Phone: +1 508-247-7268

    Map
  • 3

    Provincetown Educational Farmers’ Market

    A bustling open-air market at the very tip of Cape Cod

    Provincetown Educational Farmers’ Market
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    The Provincetown Educational Farmers' Market takes centre stage at the Town Hall during the warmer months, just a stone's throw from the harbour. Here, you'll find everything from lobster and scallops from the Atlantic to firm fungi and fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. You can also find handcrafted bread and homemade baked goods, pasture-raised meat products, honey, plants, and flowers.

    The reason behind its name? Besides offering local produce, the event's focus is to share agricultural knowledge at the market and within the community, fostering involvement in the care of local food sources, ourselves, and the environment.

    Location: Ryder St, Provincetown, MA, 02657, USA

    Open: Late-May–late-October: Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm (closed Sunday–Friday)

    Phone: +1 508-247-7268

    Map
  • 4

    Wellfleet Farmers Market

    A farmers’ market in a historic seaside village

    Wellfleet Farmers Market
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    • Families
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    The Wellfleet Farmers Market starts in the spring with seedings and follows through to the fall with a bounty of fresh-cut flowers, jams, meats and cheeses. The variety of newly harvested vegetables and herbs changes as the season progresses – you’re bound to find something new here with each visit.

    Not only can you support locals and grab fresh produce and products, but you can also get your groove on – Wellfleet Farmers Market features live music and the event is a fun and festive time for everyone attending.

    Location: 200 Main St., Wellfleet, MA 02667, USA

    Open: May–early October: Wednesday from 8 am to 12 pm (closed Thursday–Tuesday)

    Map

    photo by Tom Woodward (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Sandwich Farmers Market

    A community market with unique items on the ‘shoulder’ of Cape Cod

    Sandwich Farmers Market
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    At the Sandwich Farmers Market in Cape Cod, you’ll find quite the eclectic mix of items. Besides produce, honey, cheeses, olive oil, baked goods, pasture-raised beef and eggs, there are also items you need but didn’t think you could find on offer here. Homemade pesto, tasty lemonade, toffee, healthy dog treats, and all-natural insect repellents are among the more unique products you’ll come across.

    The Sandwich Farmers Market is a community affair that takes place under the shade of trees and tents in the Wing School parking lot. The market takes place in the summer, but it does have winter and spring dates – check online for the latest information.

    Location: 33 Water St., Sandwich MA, 02563, USA

    Open: Late June–early October: Tuesdays from 10 am to 1 pm (closed Wednesday–Monday)

    Map
  • 6

    Brewster Historical Society Farmers’ Market

    Fresh produce and essentials sold in a unique and historic setting

    Brewster Historical Society Farmers’ Market
    • Families
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Brewster Farmers' Market is held in a unique location, on the grounds of the Brewster Historical Society. The market is laid out in the shadow of Higgins Farm Windmill and other historic buildings. Stalls here sell local fruits and vegetables, honey, cheese, farm-raised eggs and meats, as well as microgreens and even lobster.

    Attending the market is an excellent activity for the entire family, with so much to see besides local products – there's always face painting available for youngsters and the young at heart. If you can't make it to the weekly market, the farmers' market offers curb-side pick up packages.

    Location: 51 Drummer Boy Rd, Brewster, MA, 02631, USA

    Open: Early June–Early September: Wednesday from 3 pm to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 508-896-5921

    Map
  • 7

    The Canteen Holiday Market

    A cheery holiday gala in historic Provincetown

    The Canteen Holiday Market
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group
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    The Canteen Holiday Market is a seasonal celebration held in Provincetown on weekends after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Besides a market, there’s also festive entertainment, holiday cuisine, and seasonal libations on offer. About 25 rotating local artisans ply their wares every Saturday and Sunday, featuring everything from handcrafted jewellery to holiday greenery, baubles and ornaments.

    This annual event is well-attended and lively. The decorations are festive, and the entire community looks forward to it. Each year the vendor interest in the market grows. Recently, arrangements were made for an overflow area for extra artisan booths – all the more holiday cheer for all to enjoy.

    Location: 225 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, 02657, USA

    Open: Late November–late December: Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 508-487-3800

    Map

    photo by Carlos Pacheco (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Truro Educational Farmers’ Market

    Fresh produce with art and education

    Truro Educational Farmers’ Market
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    The Truro Educational Farmers’ Market serves up art and education along with a bevvy of local goodness. The market is located along the Pamet River in Truro Center and has stalls offering fruits, vegetables, lobsters, baked treats, honey, flowers, chai, and wines. To top it all off, there’s live music to entertain you as you browse from stall to stall.

    The art and education component at the market is provided by children involved in the after-school student gardening programmes. The Truro Market’s mission is to educate the community about the positive effects of growing and consuming healthy food.

    Location: 20 Truro Center Road, Truro, MA, 02666, USA

    Open: Mid-June–mid-September: Monday from 8 am to 12 pm (closed Tuesday–Sunday)

    Map
  • 9

    Cranberry Flea Market

    A source for a rich variety of goods in East Wareham

    Cranberry Flea Market
    • Budget
    • Shoppers

    The Cranberry Flea Market is a massive indoor hodgepodge of 90-plus vendors in East Wareham. There are 15,000 sq ft of space with sections, tables, and booths loaded with booty and treasure. Locals love shopping here for many reasons: prices are reasonable, the number of items can be mind-boggling, and there’s always the possibility of finding that special something that you never knew you needed.

    Open year-round and located indoors, the Cranberry Flea Market has a bit of everything – from books and bling to artwork and antiques to household items and holiday decorations. You could spend hours here treasure-hunting

    Location: 3065 Cranberry Hwy, East Wareham, MA, 02538 USA

    Open: Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Monday–Thursday)

    Phone: +1 774-634-6364

    Map
  • 10

    Falmouth Art Center Holiday Market

    Original and unique holiday gifts made with love

    Falmouth Art Center Holiday Market
    • Shoppers

    The Falmouth Art Center Holiday Market is an opportunity to view local arts and crafts and purchase a handmade holiday gift for your loved ones and friends. Original artwork and photographs as well as other unique gifts abound at this annual holiday market.

    The annual event starts in mid-November, runs through December 24 and is open during the same hours as the gallery. There’s much to see here besides traditional artwork: jewellery, scarves and hats, sculpture and pottery, quilting, greeting cards, and decorative tabletop items are also available.

    Location: 137 Gifford St, Falmouth, MA, 02540, USA

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 508-540-3304

    Map
Kara K. La Lomia | Compulsive Traveller