Since the relocation of Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell in May 2024, the creation of Lakeline Farmers Market in September 2024 and the expansion of NightMarket.fun to Cedar Park this October, organizers and vendors are seeing an influx of interest in local consumption.
“That’s one thing that’s really unique about farmers markets is that you get those individual one-on-one relationships with people, other vendors and customers that you don’t necessarily get when you go to the grocery store,” said Molly Pantalone, owner of Amber Oaks Ranch. “Especially when you’re talking to people that produce your food. It makes a big difference.”
The background
Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell first sprouted up at Lakeline Mall in 2010, making the move to the new Bell District for customers wanting a more pedestrian-friendly location, Executive Director Laura McDonald said. At their very first market, before moving to the mall 15 years ago, McDonald said they sold out of product in the first few hours.
“It was definitely proof of concept that people were eager and excited to support local farmers and ranchers,” McDonald said.
Lakeline Farmers Market moved into the Lakeline Mall space in September 2024, bringing together a new cohort of 34 local vendors to occupy the mall parking lot, offering customers accessible parking in a familiar location, according to market manager Emylee Boone.
The push for a space that mimics a traditional downtown for residents began in 2014 when the city adopted the Bell Boulevard Redevelopment Master Plan; construction on the initial landscape began in 2021 in partnership with RedLeaf development firm. The 54-acre development includes a dedicated market space for Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell.
Construction on the Bell District is expected to continue in 2026 with mixed-use residential and retail businesses.
A closer look
Weekly attendance at Texas Farmers’ Market at Bell has reportedly doubled since making the move to the Bell District, according to marketing manager Mallory Bush. Weekly attendance is now between 2,000-3,000, according to Ryan McCulloch, vice president of development at RedLeaf Properties.
In 2024, the market saw about $3.5 million in estimated local economic impact, across the estimated 100 vendors.
Lakeline Farmers Market attendance ranges from 450-800 people each week, Boone said.
What’s new
Cedar Park is also home to various food and artisan markets celebrating different cultures. Sazón Latin Food Market recently popped up at The Fieldhouse at The Crossover in September with music, drinks and food representing flavors from Central and South America and the Caribbean. The market is set to return Nov. 2.
NightMarket.fun is also hosting its first suburban night market Oct. 18 at Lakeline Park with activities, contests, giveaways, performances and 120 vendors. Its inaugural market was last May in Austin. This year, The Lunar Foundation collaborated with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the event.
The event will host over 40 street food vendors and food trucks, along with handcrafted goods from Always Sonny Candle Company, Mimi’s Origamis and Tak Tak. Vendors last year experienced a high number of sales, The Lunar Foundation co-Chair Andrew Lee said, noting that one vendor sold a $3,000 painting at the event.
“[Last year] a good number of our vendors sold out of their inventory,” Lee said. “Some of them had to run back to their store to grab more inventory to continue selling. We recognize that Cedar Park has like a 14% Asian population, so we want to also bring our market to them as well.”
Aida Valenzuela, owner of AHV Jewelry, began selling at the Lakeline Farmers Market in September 2024 and expanded to the Domain Farmers Market in March 2025. From January 2025 to early September, Valenzuela reported having around 700 customers at both markets, a nearly 550% increase from her reported 107 customers in 2024 from September through the end of the year.
Stay tuned
This fall Lakeline Farmers Market is offering more events to engage the community, such as dog meetups, plant swaps and homestead workshops. The market is looking to add new vendors each week, Boone said.
At the Bell District, continued construction is expected to attract more foot traffic to the area.
