Seasonal Markets to Shop Local on the North Carolina Coast

Step into a world of local vendors, friendly chatter, and beachfront settings that make our popular seasonal markets unlike any you’ve ever attended! Experience views of the ocean while shopping beach-inspired arts and crafts. Bask in the fresh coastal air while picking out fresh produce from local farmers. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere filled with live music and ready-to-eat meals.

These seasonal markets are more than just places to shop. They are vibrant hubs that bring locals and visitors together, fostering a sense of community in the top cities on the North Carolina coast. Here are our favorites to shop local!

Best Seasonal Markets along the North Carolina Coast

1. Wilmington Riverfront Farmers’ Market

• When: Saturdays – April to November
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Saturdays @ 8am – 1pm
• https://www.riverfrontfarmersmarket.org

Rain or shine, vendors line up along the Wilmington Riverfront every Saturday for a farmer’s market you don’t want to miss. Established in 2003, it’s the longest-running farmers market in Wilmington. Its popularity has kept it open and thriving for decades. And you’re sure to find something new every weekend!

Dock Street hosts more than 50 vendors weekly featuring a wide variety of locally grown fruits, veggies, and herbs. You can prepare a delish meal in your Wilmington vacation rental or pick up fresh flowers to brighten your room. The market also features unique handmade gifts from local artisans, providing the perfect souvenirs for your stay in Wilmington.

2. Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market

• When: Mondays – May to December
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Mondays @ 8am – 1pm
• https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/183/Farmers-Market

The grassy lawn of the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds next to Town Hall becomes a bustling site of 40+ vendors for the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market. Full-time vendors provide a friendly face every time you visit, while part-time vendors are featured on select Mondays during the market season.

Eat fresh with local produce and seafood caught right off the coast of Wrightsville Beach. Snack on ready-to-consume baked goods and quench your thirst with freshly brewed kombucha. This beautiful coastal destination inspired local artisans to create everything from seashell crafts to beach-inspired paintings, all available for sale.

3. Carolina Beach Market

• When: May to September
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Saturdays @ 8am – 1pm
• https://www.carolinabeach.org/government/departments/parks-recreation/carolina-beach-market

The spotlight is on local growers and artisans for the Carolina Beach Market. Cut out the middleman and go directly to the source of the best meats, produce, and crafts in town.

This seasonal market is set on the scenic lakeshore of the Carolina Beach Lake Park. Listen to live music from local musicians while shopping at the stalls of more than 90+ vendors. Pair fresh-cut meats with locally produced wine. Find handmade body care products that work wonders on your skin and local artisan jewelry, delivering the perfect touch of beach chic to your wardrobe.

4. Poplar Grove Plantation Farmers’ Market

• When: May to September
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Wednesdays @ 9am – 1pm
• http://poplargrove.org/farmers-market/

The Poplar Grove Plantation is one of the famous sites contributing to Wilmington’s historic charm. It dates back to 1850 and famously produced sweet potatoes and peanuts on the plantation grounds. Today, it hosts one of the popular Wilmington, NC seasonal markets where you can still find freshly grown produce and tons more.

You’ll feel like part of the local community when attending this market. Chat with local farmers about what makes their in-season fruits a must-try. Discuss the inspiration behind your favorite works from local artisans. And learn the history of the plantation.

Onsite parking is available.

5. Kure Beach Market

• When: June to August
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Tuesdays @ 8am – 1pm
• https://www.townofkurebeach.org/event/kure-beach-market

The sleepy Kure Beach wakes up every summer for its seasonal market. Head down to Ocean Front Park to find dozens of vendor tents set up against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the ocean breeze while exploring this open-air market featuring produce grown by local farmers, crafts designed by local artisans, and much more.

Stick around for the entire event for music from a live DJ and sampling specialty dishes from the local food trucks.

6. Kure Beach Holiday Market

• When: November
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Saturdays @ 9am – 3pm
• https://www.townofkurebeach.org/recreation/ocean-front-park-and-pavilion/activities-events

If you missed the busy summer market, stay patient until the ‘local’s summer’ months arrive for another Kure Beach seasonal market. The Kure Beach Holiday Market is just in time for our end-of-year shopping. And you’ll find some unique stocking-stuffer gifts and ingredients to cook the perfect holiday meal.

Holiday tunes ring in the air to set the mood for holiday shopping. One-of-a-kind arts and crafts make the perfect gift for that special someone. Stock up on holiday seasonings, herbs, and baked goods, so keep your belly as full as Santa’s during the holidays.

7. OIB Market Series

• When: Varies
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Varies
• https://www.oibgov.com/pview.aspx?id=20853&catid=0

Guests staying in our Ocean Isle Beach vacation homes will have plenty of opportunities to shop local throughout the year. Here are the seasonal markets featured in this series:

• Spring Market – March
• Summer Markets – June to August
• Black Friday Market – November

These markets focus on handmade, homemade, and homegrown goods.

Seasonal Stays on the NC Coast

Stay in local vacation rentals to attend these top seasonal markets along the NC Coast. Our comfortable stays offer plenty of space to store your seasonal market pickups or prepare fresh foods right at your home away from home. Explore open-air summer markets, holiday markets, or off-season markets from these popular coastal North Carolina vacation rentals.