Westchase District

At the Westchase Farmers Market residents gain access to nourishment that extends beyond tables laden with stunning harvests and goods. Most importantly this weekly celebration connects visitors with farmers and producers in an atmosphere that is approachable, which market manager John Carey says is his favorite part.

“The human element is really the joy out here,” he says. “The products are all great [and] the people are all passionate about what they’re doing, but the interaction between the customer and the vendor is really cool.”

About two-thirds of the 20 or so vendors have sold here since the early days, which is a solid testament to their ability to diversify their visibility and customer base not to mention the fun they have greeting customers and presenting their passions. More recent additions like Eva Marie Garcia of Kookie’s Cakes & Pies appreciate the less-common weekday.

“When I saw people on Saturday [at other markets] they would say ‘Oh, this would have been good with dinner last night,’” she says. “So I thought Thursday night would be perfect.” The community agrees, as evidenced by the more than 18,000 visitors who dropped by during the market’s first year.

The market welcomes regulars and new faces alike to indulge in the year-round festivities from 3pm ’til dark. Purveyors at nearly every tent offer samples of inspired goodies, which results in a mini meal convenient for tiding commuters over between work and dinner: Hacienda Real’s artisanal coffee from Costa Rica; savory bison jerky from Katerra Exotics; roasted nut, seed and fruit blends from Brenham Kitchens; or crisp and refreshing vegan cold-pressed elixirs from RAWR are just a few enticements awaiting shoppers. (Fun fact: Each bottle of RAWR contains juice made from 3–5 pounds of produce!) Originally organized by the Westchase District, the market was brought to life with funding from the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant as a solution to the food desert facing the district’s citizens. A vital part of the local landscape, it is now sustained through support from the Westchase Board of Business Directors.

10503 Westheimer (parking lot of St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church on the corner of Westheimer and Rogerdale)
Thursdays from 3pm until dark
Open since October 2013
westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com

To find an up-to-date listing of Farmers Markets in the greater Houston area, visit ediblehouston.com