The Kingsport Farmers Market opened for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 25, and the crowd showed up early.
Throughout the morning, the pavilion buzzed with activity. Every vendor space was filled under clear spring weather. Approximately 60 vendors participated on opening day, offering farm goods, prepared foods, baked goods, meats, plants, handmade products, and wellness items.
Appalachian music played in the background as shoppers moved through the aisles. The air was filled with the aromas of coffee, hot dogs, and fresh food, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the market.
Kingsport Farmers Market Brings Fresh Produce and Farm Goods
Local farms helped set the tone for the day. Snowflake Farm and Garden, an eighth-generation family property in Scott County, Virginia, brought a colorful selection of plants, starts, and cut flowers. By focusing on natural, regenerative growing practices, they showcased the early-season variety many shoppers sought.
Other growers contributed to the busy scene, filling the pavilion with spring produce. Their tables showcased microgreens, cabbage, squash, spring onions, and other fresh items, along with preserves and canned goods. For many visitors, opening day presented the first real opportunity of the season to stock up directly from area farms and makers.
Coffee, Breakfast, and Market Food
Early Bird’s Coffee Company was busy with the morning crowd, serving espresso drinks, cold brew creations, and smoothies. The veteran-owned mobile coffee cart proved to be a popular stop for shoppers eager to get an early start.
Sweet N Stacked also caught attention with their fresh, customizable mini pancakes. This warm breakfast option fits well with the family-friendly pace of the morning and could be easily carried through the market.
By lunchtime, Harpo Hot Dogs—operated by Jeff Morelock—added a familiar food-truck feel to the market. Classic hot dogs were served to visitors looking for something quick and hot.
Breads and Baked Goods
Baked goods were another highlight of opening day.
The Sourdough Treasury, an artisanal bakery outside Kingsport, saw strong demand and sold out of some items before 11 a.m. Founded as a tribute to the owner’s mother, the bakery offered small-batch items, including Jalapeño Cheddar loaves and Maple Bacon Scones.
Nearby, Appalachian Sourdough Co. from Chuckey brought its regional sourdough, made with its starter “Stewart.” The business offered artisan loaves, organic whole-wheat bread, and sourdough buttermilk biscuits.
Local Meats Come to Kingsport
Several vendors focused on locally raised meats.
Viking Farms TN of Surgoinsville offered pasture-raised chicken, KuneKune pork, and beef. They also discussed their regenerative agriculture approach with customers, sharing their commitment to sustainable farming.
McCracken Cattle from Church Hill brought locally raised beef, including steaks. They also provided information about custom bulk freezer orders for interested shoppers.
Holston Beef Company, based in Kingsport, also drew steady interest. They offered their “Gold Label” grain-finished beef, farm-fresh pork, Bratwurst, and goat burgers, appealing to a variety of tastes.
Wellness, Skincare, and Handmade Goods
The market also included a strong mix of wellness and handmade vendors.
The Johnson City Syrup Shop offered all-natural products, including Elderberry Syrup kits. Local raw honey blends, allergy and congestion syrups rounded out their wellness-focused table.
Horse and Bear Ranch from Southwest Virginia featured its “Herb Peddler” line. Products included herbal apothecary items, goat’s milk soaps, healing salves, and black walnut charcuterie boards made from wood milled on their ranch.
Depew Family Farm of Church Hill offered small-batch skincare products made with milk from Nigerian Dwarf goats. Scented soaps, bath teas, and whipped beef tallow face creams filled their table.
Sheek Treats from Elizabethton brought chemical-free pet treats made with mint and catnip grown on their own acreage. Additionally, they offered diet-friendly snacks and drink mixes for shoppers seeking healthy alternatives.
Music and Community
The Corklickers performed live, bringing traditional old-time Appalachian music to the pavilion. Clawhammer banjo, fiddle tunes, and high-energy string-band music gave the opening day a distinct regional feel.
The Kingsport Police Department was present during the event. Officer Sophia Sesi and Detective Joey Moody spent time engaging with visitors and helping keep the busy opening day safe and orderly.
By the end of the morning, the 2026 opening day proved why the Kingsport Farmers Market remains a strong community gathering place. Food, music, farm products, handmade goods, and a steady stream of visitors filled the venue. The season began with a strong turnout and plenty of local support.
