Moving Outside: Troy Waterfront Farmers Market returns outdoors for spring, summer season (Troy Record)
This story was published in the Troy Record on May 1, 2026.
Above: The Record, May 1, 2026, page A1. Below: continued on page A2. Click either page to enlarge.
Staff Report
TROY, N.Y. — The Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market is returning outdoors this Saturday, May 2, featuring various vendors that span several blocks to mark the beginning of the spring season.
“For 26 years now, the surest sign of spring in Troy has been the farmers market moving outside,” Melanie O’Malley, president of the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, said in a press release. “No matter the weather, the outdoor market strives to bring a spectacular selection of goods and energy to downtown.”
“The scale and the atmosphere are amazing, and our vendors put their best foot forward,” she added. “There’s really nothing else like our market in this region.”
Every Saturday, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the outdoor market draws up to 15,000 visitors to shop for local produce, dairy, meats, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, and handmade crafts around Monument Square and along River Street.
More than 100 producer-only vendors are posted throughout six bustling city blocks, offering fresh local food. The market attracts couples, families, students, tourists and locals from across the region who linger to explore downtown, the release said.
Mayor Carmella Mantello expressed her excitement that the market is headed back outdoors for the season, and added that the market helps bolster the city’s economy.
“The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is one of the heartbeats of our city, fueling civic pride and strengthening our local economy,” Mantello said. “It showcases Troy’s diverse community and second-to-none waterfront, drawing thousands each Saturday to enjoy local food and businesses in a safe and clean environment.”
The market, which is held at the Troy Atrium over the winter, had increased turnout due to increased effort to improve the winter home and inform the public where and when the market is held, market manager Steve Ridler said.
“Our vendors have been itching to get outside for another successful summer,” market manager Steve Ridler said. “I’m happy to report that this winter market was our best ever, with the last seven Saturdays attracting more than 3,500 shoppers per market and one Saturday exceeding 3,800.”
Produce vendors this summer are located on Second Street, dairy on First Street, farm-raised meat is on River Street, prepared food vendors surround Monument Square, and a Makers Market is located on Broadway and in Franklin Alley.
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The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market has more than 100 vendors offering a wide variety of goods. (Emma Ralls — MediaNews Group)
The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market opening day brought residents and their dogs to River Street Saturday morning. (MediaNews Group file photo)
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Sprinkled throughout are wines, spirits, baked goods and among other goods.
This season welcomes six new full-time vendors and four guest vendors.
Owl Wood Farm — Salem, N.Y. Small-scale Certified Naturally Grown vegetable farm offering fresh vegetables, herbs and strawberries.
Sprouting Heart Farm — Brunswick, N.Y. Fourth-generation no-till organic vegetable farm growing a wide range of fresh seasonal produce.
Upstate Granola (every other week) — Kingston, N.Y. Handmade artisanal granola in creative flavors (many gluten-free and vegan).
The Creme Brulee Shop — Troy, N.Y. Gourmet crème brûlée in flavors like vanilla, white chocolate raspberry and Baileys (gluten-free, packaged to-go).
Dream Flag — Capital Region, N.Y. Handmade Tibetan-style dumplings (momos) with traditional and vegan options.
Golden Blend Bakehouse — Troy, N.Y. Gluten-free and dairy-free baked goods, including focaccia, bagels, pizza crusts, cookies, rolls and breads.
The market is looking to expand its weekly offerings with several guest vendors this season, the press release said.
Look for:
Samosa Shack — Kingston, N.Y. Plant-based artisanal samosas and creative Indian-inspired street food.
Pretty Pig Provisions — Troy, N.Y. Chef Dale Hajdasz’s pop-up with homemade sandwiches, soups, charcuterie-style items and scratch-made prepared foods.
Ilium Brewing — Troy, N.Y. Local craft brewery offering house-brewed beers (samples and to-go options).
Crème de la Crème (Bakery & Mobile Creperie) — Capital Region, N.Y. French-inspired pastries, sweet and savory crepes, and desserts like cream puffs.
The farmers’ market has prioritized working with downtown merchants to highlight their businesses and increase opportunities within the farmers’ market. Planet Vintage, a vintage pop-up market, will return this season on the landing at the top of the stairs connecting River Street to the Front Street parking lot.
Public restrooms are available in The Arts Center of the Capital Region, and free public parking is available at the State Street Parking Garage at State and River Street, Riverfront Park, Green Island Bridge lots, and Fifth Avenue Garage between Broadway and State Street. Street parking is also free.
No parking is permitted in the vacant lot where the Uncle Sam Garage once stood, as it is privately owned and slated for future redevelopment. All market-area streets are posted “No Parking” from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, May through October.
Visit https://www.troymarket.org/parking for a parking map and videos.
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A crowded street during the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market. (Photo provided)
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