The South of the James Farmers Market

Facebook is part of how this market keeps shoppers current, with GrowRVA directing visitors to @SOJMarket for weekly vendor lists and event updates. The South of the James Farmers Market runs on Sundays in Forest Hill Park, bringing together locally grown food and handmade goods in an open-air, producer-only format. That producer-only standard means the focus stays on Virginia-made, Virginia-grown, and vendor-produced items rather than resale tables. In Richmond, it lands as a weekly market shaped by local farms, local food, and local arts under the GrowRVA umbrella.

Why it matters locally

GrowRVA ties this market directly to Richmond through its stated mission: connecting local farms, local food, and local arts with Richmond communities. That matters here because the South of the James market follows GrowRVA’s producer-only rules, requiring products to be handmade, homegrown, or homemade in Virginia by the vendor selling them. The market’s own description repeats that emphasis, describing an open-air setting where farmers and artisans sell locally grown and hand-made items.

The organization also frames its work around partnerships, sustainability, and healthy food options for Richmonders. At this market, those goals show up in a format that keeps the exchange close to the people making the food and goods, rather than separating shoppers from producers.

What you'll find there

The clearest through-line here is not a long category roster but the market’s producer-only mix: locally grown food alongside handmade goods in an open-air park setting. Expect the offerings to follow that made-by-the-vendor standard across both farm and artisan tables.

• -Find farmers selling locally grown items.
• -Browse artisans offering hand-made goods.
• -Shop products that must be handmade, homegrown, or homemade in Virginia by the vendor.

The current season is identified as the South of the James Summer Season 2025, held on Sundays from May through October.

Know before you go

No dogs are allowed, which is the detail most likely to change how you plan your visit. The market meets on Sundays from 10am to 1pm during the May-to-October season, so this is a short weekly window rather than an all-day market. It is held at Forest Hill Park, with visitor-facing location details tied to the Forest Hill area, including New Kent Avenue and 42nd Street and the market’s Forest Hill Park address listing.

GrowRVA also points shoppers to @SOJMarket on Facebook for weekly vendor lists and event updates, which is useful if you want a sense of who will be there before heading over. The market operates as an open-air, producer-only market, so the mix is built around vendors selling what they grow or make themselves.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP/EBT is accepted at the market, an important detail for shoppers planning a food-focused visit. GrowRVA’s broader mission also emphasizes healthy food options for all Richmonders, which aligns with keeping food access in the market’s weekly routine. Payment information is presented clearly for visitors, though the confirmed standout here is SNAP acceptance.