Eat, Shop and Stroll Local Every Thursday at the Duke Farmers Market

The 2025 season of the campus market kicks off on April 24

Customers look at fresh produce available at the Duke Farmers Market
Customers peruse the fresh produce available at the Duke Farmers Market. Photo by Travis Stanley

For a couple years, Cyndy Keener had to really work to get to the Duke Farmers Market. Her position was stationed out of Hock Plaza, across busy Erwin Road from the main hub of Duke University Hospital and the site of the Farmers Market on Duke Medicine Pavilion Greenway.

But last year, Keener started a role as Pre-licensure Clinical Program Manager for the Duke University School of Nursing – a short stroll from where the Farmers Market stands set up each week during the summer.

“I really like to pick out my own fresh produce, and it’s really convenient,” Keener said. “But what I really love is just a really nice way to get outside, get a little walk and experience that community that exists outside of our immediate walls.” 

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All of the Duke community can take advantage of the Duke Farmers Market when it kicks off its 2025 season April 24. The 23rd season takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday until Oct. 9.

As in years past, about 15 to 20 vendors are expected each week, selling fresh fruits and vegetables and prepared foods. Food trucks will also be on site each week.

“Our farmers market is a vibrant gathering of local farmers, artisans and small businesses offering fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods and unique specialty products,” said Brian Zelanko, Health Promotion Program Manager for LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. “It’s not just shopping — it’s a fun, community-focused experience with activities, live music, games, prizes and seasonal surprises.”

A headshot of Cyndy Keener
Cyndy Keener

Specialty and artisan products available this year will include tea, sauces and gelato. Zelanko said Duke Farmers Market also hopes to add potted herbs and plants in addition to fresh-cut flowers offered each week by Shoomee’s Flower.

This year will also include a bonus “Spooktacular” Market on Oct. 30 to celebrate Halloween.

Keener, the Pre-licensure Clinical Program Manager, said she always makes sure to gather fresh produce when she visits the farmers market, but also makes pre-made dips such as hummus and the fresh-cut flowers a priority. Often, she uses her farmers market visits each week as an opportunity to reconnect with others.

“I especially love it too, when I can recruit my friends and co-workers here to go with me because then it can be a bit of social time, too,” she said.

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