Farmers tailgate markets are getting ready for a new season with a few shifts in operating hours coming up over the next few weeks. Below is a rundown for what to look for at Buncombe County markets, but you can also find opening dates for markets across the region at appalachiangrown.org. 
 
At these early spring markets, you’ll begin to find some new and exciting seasonal produce over the next few weeks, including strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, alliums, ramps, and more! You’ll also be able to source much of the produce we’ve seen through the winter, like cold-hardy greens, salad mixes, turnips, and radishes. As always, you can also get mushrooms, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, and prepared foods. Look out for a wide variety of plant starts at farmers markets within the coming weeks as well! 
 
West Asheville Tailgate Market will reopen at 718 Haywood Rd. on Tuesday, April 2, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Expect more than 40 farmers and makers each week, including vendors like Bear Necessities, New Roots Market Garden, Thatchmore Farm and more! 
 
River Arts District Farmers Market will continue its regular season in the same location starting Wednesday, April 3, with slightly longer hours, from 3 to 6 p.m. You can find this market at Smoky Park Supper Club, next to the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, at 350 Riverside Dr. 
 
East Asheville Tailgate Market reopens next Friday, April 5, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 954 Tunnel Rd. This market continues to grow, with about 30 vendors each week all season. Look for familiar faces this year like Smallholding Farm, Ali Rae’s Pimento Cheese, and Wild Goods Foraging. 
 
Next Saturday, April 6, Asheville City Market will return to its regular season hours of 9 a.m. to noon at the same location on N. Market St. Free parking for customers is available at the HomeTrust Bank lot and at the Family Justice Center lot across from the YMCA at 35 Woodfin Street. Expect more than 40 vendors each week, including many of our favorite vendors from the winter market like Seven Seeds Farm, Tonoloway Farm, and Highgate Farm, as well as new vendors like Spice Witch! 
 
North Asheville Tailgate Market will return to its regular season hours at its temporary location in parking lot P34 on the UNC Asheville campus next Saturday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to noon. Look for a full lineup of returning vendors and a few new faces. Note that construction in the UNC campus will affect the market’s location this season. Stay tuned to the market’s newsletter and social media for updates.
 
Weaverville Tailgate Market will continue its regular season at the same address and time on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m as they officially start their regular season market next week. The market will move partially outside after being inside all Winter, at the Weaverville Community Center at Lake Louise, 60 Lakeshore Dr. In addition to many of the winter season vendors, several regular season favorites like Ivy Creek Family Farm will join the market!
 
The Enka-Candler Farmer’s Market will open for the season in a few weeks from now on Thursday, April 18, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. You can find them outside the A-B Tech Enka Campus at 1465 Sand Hill Rd. Be sure to check in with their social media for vendor updates! 
 
In May, look for openings from Black Mountain Tailgate Market on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to noon, and Southside Community Farmers Market on Sunday, May 5, at noon.
 
There are more than 100 markets throughout the Appalachian Grown region, which includes Western North Carolina as well as surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Find a full list at in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.