The road to Downtown Arlington’s Farmers Market

Downtown Arlington has long dreamed of a consistent, vibrant, sustainable farmers market—one that would serve as a community anchor, bringing together local growers, artisans, families and small businesses. That dream has been realized with the launch of the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market on March 29. But this milestone has been years in the making—built on a patchwork of earlier markets, passionate individuals and evolving community needs. 

The First Seeds 

The original Downtown Arlington Farmers Market began around 2008. This first effort sat on two blocks of Front Street every Friday for the fall and spring season. 

“It was really the first time we saw the community show an interest in a farmers market,” said Maggie Campbell, president of Downtown Arlington Management Corporation and an organizer of the first market. 

As DAMC went through leadership changes, former Arlington City Council member Joe Bruner and his wife, and current DAMC Board Chair, Doreen Bruner, took on the role of organizing a farmers market and started a brick-and-mortar version in 2010 in what is now Black Box 215. Running for five years, this market offered residents a traditional setup with fresh produce, local goods and handmade crafts. Though photos from that era are sparse, it marked an important first attempt to plant roots downtown. By 2015, however, the market ended, and the city was left without a consistent space for local food and artisan vendors. 

The Downtown Urban Market 

Enter Kelley Vander Keen, co-owner of the now-closed Legal Draft Beer Co., who brought a different flavor to downtown’s market scene. Launching the Downtown Arlington Urban Market, she teamed up with Downtown Arlington Management Corporation and graphic designer Lauren Carter to organize monthly markets in the Urban Union area. 

“From the moment we opened Legal Draft, I had always wanted to see something like this happen in Arlington,” Kelley said. “I got together with Downtown Arlington on some sponsorship ideas, figured out what permits were needed, and put it all together.” 

The name “Urban Market” was intentional. As Kelley explained, “Urban Market came from ‘Urban Union,’ the area where the brewery and local businesses were located. I wanted all the businesses to feel a part of this Market.” 

“[Kelley] did a great job managing the vendor applications and creating a wide variety of vendors,” Carter said. “It wasn't as much produce-focused (although we always had at least one produce or plant vendor). A lot of food products though–pretzels, pies, cheese, honey, salsa, etc.” 

While vibrant and community-driven, the Urban Market faced challenges: limited space, parking constraints and ultimately the closure of Legal Draft Beer Co., which served as its operational base. Still, it stood as a testament to what was possible when local businesses and creativity came together. 

Arlington Foodies and a Co-Op Alternative 

Over the years local entrepreneur Jennifer Hurley stepped in to keep the spirit of local food and markets alive.  

"I opened the Arlington Foodies Produce Co-op to help bring fresh fruits and veggies into the community at an affordable price,” Hurley said. 

She also began the Arlington Foodies Market that lasted a few months downtown and migrated to Pantego where it was for 6 years. 

“As someone who ran a market, I know the challenges of finding fresh fruits and vegetables that are seasonal and organic," Hurley said. 

Through the Arlington Foodies Produce Co-op and Arlington Foodies Market, she created alternative spaces for community members to access locally sourced produce and connect with makers. While not a traditional farmers market, Hurley’s efforts helped maintain momentum and interest in farm-fresh food in Arlington.   

The Push for Permanence 

In 2021, a new chapter began with the election of District 5 Council Member Rebecca Boxall. Almost immediately, she began asking a key question: why doesn’t Arlington have a permanent farmers market? 

“A Farmers Market wasn’t part of our UDC (Unified Development Code) as a use,” Boxall explained. “After many starts and stops, we were able to pass on ordinance allowing Farmers Market as a use in our UDC and to authorize the city to enter in a contract with a market operator.” 

After many interviews, that operator became Four Seasons Markets. After extensive surveys and planning, a location was selected: a city parking lot just north of the Arlington Public Library and the railroad tracks. Boxall believes the space is more than temporary—it’s foundational.  

“It is my further suggestion that, if the Farmers Market is successful, a permanent open-sided pavilion should be built on this site that would be evocative of (but not a copy of) the original train station, which had a distinctive roof silhouette,” Boxall said. “This pavilion could still accommodate parking as now, provide much needed shade downtown and be used for other events including a weekly Farmers Market.” 

The Farmers Market Arrives 

The long-awaited Downtown Arlington Farmers Market opened on March 29, 2025, and by all accounts, it was a success. 

“It was fantastic!” Boxall said. “Exceeded my expectations.” 

Vendors now set up every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., selling everything from fresh vegetables and honey to handmade soaps and local crafts. Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The biggest requests? More produce, baked goods, meats and onsite food vendors. 

Boxall has even suggested pop-up partnerships with local restaurants like Hurtado Barbecue or Sugar Bee Sweets to cross-promote downtown dining and provide food options on site. 

For former market organizers like Kelley Vander Keen, the new market feels like a triumph. “I loved seeing all the people out exploring the area, buying local, handmade goods and just enjoying Downtown Arlington.” she said after seeing photos and videos from opening day.  

“I think the evidence is in the turnout–the city wants this.” Lauren Carter agreed. 

In a 2015 interview with The Shorthorn, one vendor from the 2010-2015 market said, “We’re going to see Downtown Arlington Farmers Market rise from the ashes.” 

Indeed it has. 

What’s Next? 

As the market settles into its new rhythm, the question isn’t just whether it will last—it’s how it will grow. With the potential for a permanent pavilion, increased vendor participation and deeper ties to local businesses, the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market may finally become the community fixture so many have envisioned. 

It’s been a long road—paved with good intentions, grassroots hustle and a whole lot of local love. Now, every Saturday, Arlington residents get to enjoy the fruits of previous markets’ labors.