Great American Farmers Market

What This Event Was Supposed to Be

For one week in August, the National Mall turns into the country's farmers market. As part of America's 250th birthday summer, the USDA is bringing more than 80 farmers, ranchers, and makers from across the country to the Mall, August 3 through 8, from 4 to 8pm daily. Think of your Saturday market, then scale it national: Georgia peaches next to Wisconsin cheese next to Montana honey, with daily family programming mixed in.

The 4-8pm window makes this an easy after-camp or after-work outing, and the evening hours dodge the worst of the August sun. Entry is free; bring a tote and a budget, because the whole point is going home with something from a state you've never bought food from. It's also a painless way to sneak a little geography into a Tuesday: find the farthest-away farm stand and ask them how long the drive was.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Go early in the week. Monday and Tuesday evenings are calmer than the closing Saturday.
• ✓Bring a tote and a cooler bag. Dairy and meat vendors will tempt you, and the car will be hot.
• ✓Make it a geography game. Have the kids find the vendor from the farthest state.
• ✓Combine with a monument walk. The 4-8pm slot flows straight into golden hour on the Mall.
• ✓Check the USDA schedule. Daily family programming varies; usda.gov/gafm has the lineup.