8 Farmers Markets In New York Overflowing With October Produce

Fall in New York turns the city’s farmers markets into vibrant showcases of the season’s bounty, where every stall bursts with color and flavor.

As the leaves shift to brilliant shades of red and gold, harvest tables overflow with pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, and endless varieties of apples, each more tempting than the last. The air feels crisp and inviting, filled with the scent of cider and baked goods that mingle with earthy autumn produce.

I’ve spent many October mornings strolling these markets, warm coffee in hand, gathering inspiration and planning meals around whatever is freshest, most abundant, and perfectly in season.

1. Union Square Greenmarket: Manhattan’s Harvest Hub

Walking through Union Square Greenmarket feels like stepping into autumn’s heart. Over 140 regional farmers converge here, creating Manhattan’s most vibrant produce paradise.

I stumbled upon heirloom apple varieties last year that I’d never even heard of! Early mornings offer the best selection – I arrive before 9am to snag the coveted Honeycrisp apples and colorful cauliflower heads.

The market accepts EBT and FreshConnect benefits, making farm-fresh produce accessible to everyone. The squash selection alone warrants a visit – from petite delicatas to massive blue Hubbards that could feed a family for weeks.

2. Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: Brooklyn’s Autumn Gathering

Saturday mornings at Grand Army Plaza transform into a celebration of fall’s finest offerings. Nestled at Prospect Park’s entrance, this market buzzes with Brooklyn energy as farmers arrange mountains of just-harvested produce.

The apple cider stand became my weekend ritual last autumn – watching them press fresh batches while chatting with the farmer about which varieties made the sweetest blend.

Pumpkins of every shape and size create an Instagram-worthy backdrop against the park’s turning leaves. Arrive early if you’re hunting for specialty items like purple carrots or rare apple varieties – they disappear quickly as savvy Brooklyn cooks know exactly what they’re looking for.

3. Jackson Heights Greenmarket: Queens’ Sunday Treasure

Queens’ cultural diversity shines through at this Sunday market where international cooking traditions meet local harvests. My first visit changed my cooking forever after a farmer taught me how his Asian pear varieties pair perfectly with fall greens.

Regional apple growers display varieties you won’t find in supermarkets – some sweet, others bracingly tart, perfect for everything from snacking to pie-making.

The squash selection reflects Queens itself – globally inspired with varieties from Italian delicatas to Japanese kabochas. The market gets crowded after church services let out, so I’ve learned to arrive when it opens at 8am to browse in peace and chat with farmers about their growing practices.

4. Rochester Public Market: Finger Lakes Fall Bounty

Imagine a market so abundant it requires three weekly sessions to contain all its harvest goodness. Rochester’s historic public market dates back to 1827, and autumn transforms it into a celebration of upstate agriculture.

My favorite section features apple farmers who bring dozens of varieties – from tiny crab apples for preserving to massive baking varieties perfect for pies. Root vegetables create a rainbow of earthy colors – purple beets, orange carrots, and creamy parsnips fresh from nearby fields.

The market accepts SNAP benefits and offers FreshConnect discounts, ensuring everyone can enjoy the seasonal bounty. Saturday mornings bring the fullest vendor attendance, though Tuesday’s smaller market offers a more relaxed shopping experience.

5. Ithaca Farmers Market: Lakeside Harvest Haven

The waterfront pavilion at Steamboat Landing houses my favorite October destination – a market where Finger Lakes farmers create a feast for the senses. Mushroom foragers bring their woodland treasures here, offering everything from delicate oyster mushrooms to meaty maitakes.

Cider is the star attraction – both sweet and hard varieties flow freely with samples that showcase the region’s apple diversity.

I never leave without a bunch of lacinato kale, which tastes sweeter after the first frost has kissed its leaves. The covered pavilion makes this an all-weather destination, though on sunny October days, nothing beats wandering through with a hot apple cider, watching boats on Cayuga Lake between produce purchases.

6. Troy Waterfront Farmers Market: Capital Region’s Cornucopia

Monument Square bursts with Hudson Valley’s finest every Saturday, drawing visitors from across the Capital Region. My first visit three Octobers ago introduced me to a farmer growing over 30 garlic varieties – each with unique flavor profiles perfect for winter cooking projects.

The market’s layout encourages exploration, with produce vendors creating a kaleidoscope of fall colors. Bright orange pumpkins, deep green kale, and purple-topped turnips create a painter’s palette of edible options.

Local chefs often shop here early, and I’ve picked up cooking tips by simply asking what they’re planning with their market hauls. The market’s permanent district plan promises to make this autumn tradition even more impressive in coming years.

7. Saratoga Farmers’ Market: Racing City’s Fall Harvest

High Rock Park transforms into a producer-only paradise where everything sold comes directly from the farms surrounding Saratoga Springs. The Wednesday afternoon market became my midweek ritual last fall – a perfect after-work stop to restock fresh greens and apples.

Apple cider donuts create irresistible aromas that waft through the market, making them almost impossible to resist.

I’ve learned to pair them with tart Empire apples for the perfect sweet-sour balance. Root vegetables shine here – from rainbow carrots to golden beets harvested that morning. October represents the final outdoor month before the market moves indoors, creating a last hurrah of fall abundance before winter settles in.

8. Beacon Farmers’ Market: Hudson Valley’s Sunday Staple

Tucked behind Main Street in the DMV lot, Beacon’s year-round market reaches peak perfection in October. The Hudson Valley’s apple heritage shines through here – I counted 15 varieties on one stand alone during my last visit!

Winter squash creates geometric sculptures on market tables – delicatas, butternuts, acorns, and sugar pumpkins waiting to become soups and pies. The market’s intimate size encourages conversations with farmers who eagerly share storage tips for extending fall’s bounty.

Sunday’s relaxed pace makes this my favorite weekend market – no rushing, just meandering between stands while sipping local apple cider. Its year-round schedule means relationships with farmers continue even after October’s abundance fades into winter.