HOPE Farmers Market
414 Waller St. Sundays, 11am-3pm
hopefarmersmarket.org

THE PERFECT SUNDAY MORNING DESTINATION, THIS FARMERS MARKET CELEBRATES SUSTAINABLE, DELICIOUS LIVING.

Equal parts farmers market, music festival and beer garden, HOPE Farmers Market offers the perfect haven away from the bustle of the city. Tucked in an intimate space behind a century-old railroad station turned artist’s workshop, the market is more than a place to purchase organic, locally- and sustainably-grown produce—it is a vibrant destination celebrating the best of the creative Austin community.

Established in 2009, HOPE Farmers Market is a hub for local artists, food trucks, musicians, farmers and non-profit organizations, who gather every Sunday, from 11am to 3pm at Pine Street Station in East Austin. On any given day, you might wander through the market’s row of white tents to find children dancing to live music in front of the stage, an herb vendor playing a West African balofon and guests enjoying ice cream sandwiches at brightly-colored picnic tables with a view of the downtown skyline. “It feels like Austin,” says Development Director Greg Esparza of the market’s colorful, eclectic vibe. “It’s wonderful to see people really embrace the market and make it their go-to place to hang out on Sundays.”

Whether you’re looking for buttermilk pie or fresh fennel, one-of-a-kind jewelry or beautiful creamy pâté, HOPE Farmers Market thrives on diversity: “The market has become sort of a vendor incubator,” observes Program Director Elizabeth Garrett, “an environment for these artisans to showcase their products, learn from and mentor each other and cater to consumers looking for something innovative on the food scene.” This spring, Garrett looks forward to HOPE’s newest vendors, including Round Rock Honey, Texas Olive Ranch and gluten-free Food Smarty.

Above all, however, the market is a platform for Austinites to engage their community and explore a more sustainable way of life. “We want people to know that there is—and they can be a part of—a community that is taking a more sustainable, more communal and more delicious approach to growing and eating food,” Esparza says. “You can get to know the people who make the stuff you eat every day. By knowing how the whole cycle is cared for, you can get more pleasure from the everyday act of eating or sharing food with friends.” HOPE Farmers Market is a part of the Helping Other People Everywhere (HOPE) Campaign, which supports artists and creative individuals around the globe.