Olney Farmers and Artists Market

The Olney Farmers and Artists Market is backed by Friends of the Olney Farmers and Artists Market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that invites donations to support the market and its work in the area. That mission sits alongside a market identity that has grown into an annual Olney fixture, with an 8th Annual market noted in its event calendar. Set on the grounds of the MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Thrift Shop at 2801 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, the market combines farmers-and-artists branding with a Sunday schedule that makes it a regular stop rather than an occasional festival.

Why it matters locally

Janet Terry, an Olney resident, is identified as the brainchild of the market, and her idea was presented to the Greater Olney Civic Association in July 2007 before growing into the organization that runs today. The nonprofit structure is part of the local story too: Friends of the Olney Farmers and Artists Market supports the market as a 501(c)(3), with tax-deductible donations welcomed to help the effort succeed in the area.

The market also ties itself to nearby institutions and service groups. Listed partners include Sandy Spring Museum, Manna Food Center, Our House, and growingSOUL. Janet Terry also spoke at the Olney Rotary Club about the market’s second annual Winter Market, showing that the project extends beyond the main outdoor season and keeps local artists, craftsmen, farmers, and musicians in view.

What you'll find there

The mix here leans hard into the market’s name: artists and craftspeople are not an afterthought, and prepared-food vendors appear alongside hands-on activities and community tents. The vendor mentions and event notes point to a market where food, craft, and family programming share space on the same Sunday morning.

• -Cupcakes Lounge appears in the market’s kids programming through Jennifer Brown’s cupcake decorating workshop for children.
• -Seaglass, Silver and Shells brings Cathy Lerario’s beach art instruction and supplies for kids’ projects.
• -Frankly ... Pizza is singled out as a favorite vendor on the market’s site.
• -Eat a Little Something’s is represented by Freddy Turim serving omelets.
• -A Little Pop of Color is listed as a craft market participant.
• -GiGi’s Quilts joins the craft lineup.
• -Gourds by Daphne is listed among the craft participants.
• -Knitting by Leah adds another handmade goods vendor to the roster.
• -Princess Shoppe focuses on American Girl doll clothes.
• -Sugar Lily Hairbows is part of the craft market group.
• -Therapeutic Jewels -- AccessAbility is also listed in the craft market.
• -Treez Beads rounds out the named craft participants.

Events add another layer to the Sunday visit. Kids in BIZ DAY featured activities for children, including a cupcake decorating workshop, beach art making, face painting, temporary tattoos, and coloring. The same date also included Sam Hull of Masters of Magic performing throughout the day.

On one summer Sunday, the market’s family thread came into especially sharp focus. Kids in BIZ DAY brought Jennifer Brown of Cupcakes Lounge for a cupcake decorating workshop from 11:00 to noon, while Cathy Lerario of Seaglass, Silver and Shells supplied instruction for children making beach art pieces. The Goddard School was listed as the community tent and also had a face painter during the day, with additional temporary tattoos and coloring noted in the same set of activities. Dawn Wagner, identified as the Children’s Tent director, and student volunteer Laura Harris were also named as leaders for unusual crafts. Rather than separating shopping from programming, this market’s materials show the two happening side by side on the same grounds.

Know before you go

Free public parking is available behind the MedStar Montgomery Hospital Thrift Shop, and the market asks drivers to enter off Prince Phillip Drive. That detail matters because the market sits at 2801 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, at the corner of Prince Phillip Drive and Route 108, on the grounds of the MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Thrift Shop.

Two other policies can shape a visit: no dogs are allowed, and no restrooms are listed among the visitor amenities. If you are hoping to return in another season, the market’s own materials also mention a Winter Market in addition to the main May-to-November run.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at the Olney Farmers and Artists Market. The market also notes clear payment information among its visitor details, which is useful at a lineup that mixes prepared food, craft sellers, and artists with the Sunday market setup.