Duke Farmers Market Opens 24th Season on April 23

In addition to fresh produce and other vendors, two food trucks will be onsite each week

A customer browses food at the Duke Farmers Market
Duke Farmers Market's 24th season begins April 23. Photo by Travis Stanley

Six months after starting his role as a Senior Engineering Tech at the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures (MC3), Tobias Flow found a rhythm he looks forward to each spring.

When the Duke Farmers Market returns each April, Thursdays take on a special meaning.

“I can’t wait for the farmers market this year,” Flow said.

His wait is nearly over.

The 24th season of the Duke Farmers Market begins April 23 and is held every Thursday until Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Duke Medicine Pavilion Greenway outside the Trent Semans Center for Health Education. A bonus Fall Fest market will take place Oct. 29.

Tobias Flow
As an active runner who completed a marathon last fall, Tobias Flow prioritizes healthy eating with the kind of fresh foods he finds at Duke Farmers Market. Photo courtesy of Tobias Flow

As in years past, about 15 to 20 vendors are expected each week, selling fresh fruits and vegetables and prepared foods, with returning booths expected from Lyon Farms and South Mountain Creamery, among others.

This year, two food trucks have been approved to be onsite each week, which Flow said should help make the lines for a quick lunch more manageable – especially when his favorite truck, Poblanos Tacos, is at the market.

The real draw for Flow is not only picking up fresh, healthy food such as in-season peaches to satisfy his sweet tooth, but also some of the more decadent pastry options from vendors such as Strong Arm Baking Company.

When Flow makes his weekly trip to the Duke Farmers Market, he often asks MC3 co-workers to accompany him. But if they can’t make the time, he often does his best to bring the market back to his co-workers.

“I may bring certain fruits and certain sweets back to share with everybody,” he said.

Connection and community are important parts of Flow’s weekly routine. Even on weeks the treats don’t make it back to his office, he finds new ways to form bonds with others at Duke – and continue making Thursdays his favorite day of the week during farmers market season.

“Just meeting and seeing the different people from different departments is always great,” he said.

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