Matthews Community Farmers' Market

Thank you for your interest in joining our vibrant vendor community at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market (MCFM)! We are dedicated to connecting local producers with our community and offering high-quality, locally grown and locally sourced products. MCFM is a producer only market; no resale is permitted. If you believe your products would be a great fit for our market, please review the application details below.

 

Applications for the 2026 Main Market Season Are Now CLOSED.​

 

Applications for the 2026 Main Market season are now closed. The application period ran from November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

 

If you submitted a completed application and paid the application fee on or before December 31, 2025, your application will be considered for the 2026 season. All applications received during the application period are reviewed over multiple meetings with our Board of Directors. This allows us to make thoughtful, holistic decisions based on the information provided by each applicant and the overall needs of the market. We will be in touch with those who have submitted completed applications by mid to late February with decisions or next steps. 

 

We are not able to accept late applications for the 2026 season.

 

Looking Ahead to 2027

 

Applications for the 2027 Main Market season will open on November 1, 2026 and will be accepted through December 31, 2026. Applications submitted outside of that window will not be considered.

 

I missed the application deadline for the 2026 season. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. Applications for the 2026 Main Market season were only accepted between November 1 and December 31, 2025. We are not able to accept late applications. If you’re interested in a future season, applications for the 2027 Main Market will open on November 1, 2026.

 

In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the market and stay connected with us through our website and social media to learn more about our community and vendor opportunities. 

 

We are excited for another incredible season and look forward to supporting our community of local farmers, artisans, and food producers. For questions or updates, feel free to reach out to us at matthewsfarmersmarket@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @matthewsfarmersmarket.

 

    •    Application Period: November 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

    •    We are a producer-only, year-round, rain or shine, market:

          - Main Market Season: This is a 32-week season running from April to November.

          - Winter Market Season: An additional 18-19 weeks from December through early April.

    •    Starting as a New Vendor: New vendors who are accepted for the upcoming season generally begin selling in        April at the start of the Main Market Season.

 

Thank you again for your interest, and we hope to hear from you later this year!

​

How to Apply

 

Step 1: Visit and Review

Before applying, we encourage potential vendors to visit the market on a Saturday to get a feel for our community. Please review the MCFM Rules and Regulations and our Vendor Application Form below, as these contain important criteria and requirements for participation.

 

Step 2: Prepare Documentation and Application Fee

    •    Ensure that all prepared food items (e.g., meat, fish, cheese, baked goods) meet state and local health regulations.

    •    Gather any required documents (e.g., COI, health inspections) and photos to accompany your application.

    •    Non-Refundable Application Fee: $25 (cash, check, cashier’s check, or money order). No online payments are                accepted.

 

Step 3: Submit Your Application and Fee

Submit the completed application and fee by one of the following methods:

    •    Mail: Address to the market manager, P.O. Box 1963, Matthews, NC 28106.

    •    Email: Send to matthewsfarmersmarket@gmail.com (mail or deliver the application fee separately).

    •    In Person: Hand-deliver your application and fee to the volunteer at the Information Table in front of the                          Community House during market hours.

 

Note: Applications missing the $25 fee will be considered incomplete and will not be processed or retained.

 

Review Process & Timeline

 

After the application period closes, all submissions will be reviewed. Each application will undergo a thorough individual evaluation by the MCFM Board of Directors. This process takes time, as the Board carefully assesses each submission based on the quality and diversity of products, alignment with the mission of the market, booth availability, and commitment to community priorities. Application reviews are typically completed between late January and late February, with decisions announced in early March.

 

We look forward to learning about your business and exploring the potential for you to join our market community. If you have any questions, please email our market manager for further assistance. Thank you for considering the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market as your new marketplace!​