Columbus RiverMarket

A regular fixture in Columbus, Georgia, Columbus RiverMarket gives shoppers the chance to buy fresh food directly from growers and producers who operate within the local agricultural economy.

Market hours are Saturdays, 9 AM - 12 PM, April - November. Hours and participating vendors may vary — verify before making the trip.

Columbus RiverMarket carries Vegetables and Fruits among its regular vendor offerings. Product variety changes week to week.

Columbus RiverMarket is part of a national network of farmers markets that have grown substantially over the past two decades. According to USDA data, the number of registered farmers markets in the United States has expanded significantly, reflecting growing consumer demand for local, transparent food sourcing. Columbus RiverMarket contributes to that network by giving Columbus-area growers and food producers a reliable, recurring venue for direct sales.

For consumers, the practical benefit of shopping at Columbus RiverMarket is freshness. Produce sold at a farmers market is typically harvested within 24 to 72 hours of sale — far less time than the average transit and distribution time for produce in conventional supply chains. That shorter journey from field to table has real implications for flavor, nutritional density, and shelf life at home. Strawberries bought at Columbus RiverMarket on a Saturday morning are simply a different product from strawberries that have traveled across the country in a refrigerated truck.

The economic impact of a market like Columbus RiverMarket is also worth noting. When you spend money at Columbus RiverMarket, most of that money stays within the Columbus area. Small farms and food businesses that sell direct-to-consumer do not depend on wholesale distribution margins, which means a larger percentage of each sale goes back to the producer — and back into the local economy. That is a meaningful difference from shopping at a national chain retailer.

Columbus RiverMarket reflects Columbus's commitment to local food systems, creating a marketplace where producers and consumers can build lasting relationships grounded in trust and quality.

Contact Columbus RiverMarket directly to learn about accepted payment methods, including whether SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.