Your guide to the region's 130+ farmers markets

The way some Pirates fans feel about opening day, and more Steelers fans feel about the home opener, and kids feel about opening presents, I feel about today.

It's opening day of the Market Square Farmers Market!

As someone who works Downtown, and who loves farmers markets, I almost never miss a visit to this Thursday lunchtime market, which, I was excited to learn, is going to be even bigger this season, with as many as 25 vendors every week. I can't wait to meet the new ones and, moreso, to see my old friends from Sand Hill Berries and Little Athens and the other vendors I miss visiting -- for lunch, perhaps for some flowers to take back to the office, and certainly some produce and other goodies to take home and cook and eat.

Some of the vendors I also see at other markets I regularly frequent, including "my" market: The Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market on Wednesday nights.

I really can't wait for that one to open (not until June 6). If you love farmers markets, too -- and I know there are many, many of you -- you can't wait for when yours does, either. (I can tell you that also opening today are the Bloomfield Citiparks, Green Tree, Pleasant Hills and Washington Main Street markets.)

You might also be itching to find new farmers markets to visit near you -- or farther away.

Well, read on.

Below, you'll find our annual list of more than 125 farmers markets and farm stands in the region -- the most up-to-date and comprehensive such list around.

It's so big, we'll probably publish it on paper only once this season.

But don't worry: We'll keep it posted and updated as always at post-gazette.com/food, where you also can find an interactive map on which you can search markets by location and day.

Most markets don't have much local produce yet, but at the earliest ones, opening now, you'll find spring greens and flowers and other plants, and, if you're lucky, the first rhubarb and peas and asparagus.

Happily, farmers market season in these parts stretches to Thanksgiving, and the Food & Flavor section will be writing about them all season long.

This week, look at some recipes you could try after a successful trip to a farmers market. Watch for more recipes as other local produce comes into season (word is, strawberries are going to be way early and over before you know it).

Meanwhile, I'll see you at the markets!

(If we've missed your market, let us know and we'll add it: food@post-gazette.com)

Ambridge Farmers Market, St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 624 Park Road off Route 65. 4 to 7 p.m. Thurs. May 3 to Nov. 15; also open Nov. 20.

Beaver Farmers Market, courthouse lot, 4th and Market sts. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 5 to Dec. 22.

New location: Beaver Falls Farmers Market, 1008 5th Ave. across from War Memorial Park. 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. May 7 to Nov. 19.

Beechview (Citiparks) Farmers Market, temporarily in the lot at Beechview and Broadway aves. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thurs. June 21 to Sept. 20.

Bellevue Farmers Market, Hawley Ave. between Lincoln Ave. and Citizen Way. 3 to 7 p.m. Weds. May 23 to Oct. 24.

Bethel Park Farmers Market, Bethel Park Community Center Playground, 5151 Park Ave. 3 to 7 p.m. Tues. to Oct. 2.

Bloomfield (Citiparks) Farmers Market, Immaculate Conception school, Cedarville St. and Friendship Ave. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thurs. May 17 to Nov. 15.

Bridgeville Farmers Market, 431 Washington Pike (behind Northwest Savings Bank). 4 to 7 p.m. Tues. June 19 to Sept. 25.

NEW: Bridgewater Farmers Market, at Bridge and Market sts. 4 to 7 p.m. Weds. May 30 to Nov. 14. Wednesdays, 4 to 7pm, May 30 to Nov 14.

Butler Farmers Market, Chestnut, Race, and Shore sts. 7:30 a.m. to noon Sat., and 2 to 6 p.m. Mon. and Weds. May 12 at least through Oct.

Carrick (Citiparks) Farmers Market, Carrick Shopping Center, 2100 Brownsville Road and Parkfield St. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Weds. June 20 to Nov. 21.

Charleroi Farmers Market, Market House in 400 block of McKean Ave. 3 to 6 p.m. Thurs. July 12 into Oct.

Coraopolis Farmers Market, Presbyterian Church, Broadway St. and Fifth Ave. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mon. June 18 through Oct.

Cranberry Farmers Market, behind municipal building on Rochester Road, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Fri.; lot behind fire station on Mashuda Dr., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. June 8 through Oct.

Derry: Keystone Farmers Market, 1150 Keystone Park Road off State Route 981 at Keystone State Park. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun. July 15 through Sept.

New location: Dormont Farmers Market, lot at W. Liberty and Alabama aves. 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. June 25 into Oct.

Downtown: (Citiparks) farmers market, City-County Building, 400 Grant St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri. to Nov. 2.

Downtown: Market Square Farmers Market, Forbes Ave. and Market Pl. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thurs. May 17 to Nov. 8. Live music noon to 2 p.m.

Downtown: Flower Fair (plus plants and produce), U.S. Steel Tower Plaza, Grant St. at Sixth Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fri. May 11 through at least Sept.

East Liberty (Citiparks) Farmers Market, 5800 Penn Circle West. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mon. May 14 to Nov. 19.

NEW: East Liberty: Bakery Square Sunday Marketplace, 6425 Penn Ave. Noon to 4 p.m. Sun. June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and poss. Oct.

East Liberty: Farmers Market Cooperative, 344 N. Sheridan Ave., next to Home Depot. 5 a.m. to noon Sat. year-round.

New location: Emsworth Farmers Market, Ohio River Blvd. and Walliston Ave. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 12 through Oct.

Etna Farmers Market, across from borough building at 437 Butler St. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Thurs. June 7 through mid-Oct. etnalive.org.

Export Farmers Market, Kennedy Ave. at Italy Rd. 4 to 7 p.m. Tues. June 5 through Sept.

Forest Hills Farmers Market, Forest Hills Presbyterian Church lot on Ardmore Blvd. 4 to 7 p.m. Fri. June 1 through Oct.

Fox Chapel Farmers Market, Shady Side Academy Senior School, 423 Fox Chapel Road. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Weds. June 13 to Oct. 24.

Frazer Farmers Market, Pittsburgh Mills, JCPenney's lot. 3 to 7 p.m. Thurs. June 7 through Oct.

Greensburg: Downtown Farmers Market, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N. Main St. 3 to 6 p.m. Tues. May 8 into Nov.

Greensburg: Farmers Market at Lynch Field, Route 819. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May into Nov.

Green Tree Farmers Market in the Park, Green Tree Park, Greentree Road. 4 to 7 p.m. Thurs. May 17 (until 7:30 p.m. starting in July) through Oct. greentreeboro.com.

New location: Harmony Farmers Market, town square at Mercer and Main sts. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thurs. June 7 through Sept.

NEW: Hickory Farmers and Country Market, Route 50 at Route 18. Noon to 7 p.m. Tues. and 9 to 3 p.m. Sat. May 12 to Oct. 20.

Irwin: Logan Family Farms Farmers Market, 101 Eisaman Rd. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. May through Oct.

NEW: Jeannette Circles Initiative Farm Market, Magee Ave. lot. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thurs. July at least through Sept. (closed July 26).

Latrobe Farmers Market, Latrobe Memorial Stadium lot, noon to 4 p.m. Tues. June 5 to Oct. 23 (closed July 3).

Lawrenceville Farmers Market, Goodwill lot, 118 52nd St. 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sat. June 2 through Oct.

Ligonier Country Market, Springer Road and W. Main St. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. May 26 to Oct. 6. ligoniercountrymarket.com.

Lower Burrell: City Hall lot, 2800 Bethel St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. June 16 through Oct. 13.

Mars Farmers Market, 225 Crowe Ave. in Woodland Valley Church lot across from post office. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May 5 through Sept.

McDonald Trail Station Farmers Market, on the Panhandle Trail at 160 S. McDonald St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. early July to at least mid Sept.

NEW: McKees Rocks: Father Ryan Arts Center Farm Stand, 420 Chartiers Ave. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weds. June 6 through Sept. 6.

New location: Monroeville Lions Farmers Market, Monroeville Community Park, 2399 Tilbrook Rd. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May 12 to Nov. 17. monroevillefarmersmarket.com.

Monongahela Farmers Market, Chess Park, Main and 7th sts. 3 to 6 p.m. Fri. June 8 to mid Oct.

Mt. Lebanon Uptown Farmers Market, 710-740 Washington Road. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May 12 to Oct. 20. http://themtlebanonuptownfarmersmarket.yolasite.com.

Mt. Lebanon Lions Farmers Market, United Lutheran Church lot, 975 Washington Road. 4 to 7 p.m. Weds. June 6 to Oct. 24. mtlebanonlionsfarmersmarket.com.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, lot behind Levin furniture at Smithfield and St. Clair sts. 1 to 5 p.m. Weds. July 11 to Oct. 10.

New Brighton Farmers Market, lot at 5th Ave. and 12th St. 4 to 7 p.m. Tues. June 19 through Oct.

New Stanton Turnpike Plaza Farmers Market, Pennsylvania Turnpike West Mile 77.6. Dawn to dusk daily. April 27 to Nov. 25.

North Huntingdon: Farm Market Association of Central Westmoreland at Teddy's Restaurant, 8695 Route 30. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. July into Oct.

North Side (Citiparks) Farmers Market, E. Ohio St. and Cedar Ave. across from Allegheny General Hospital. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fri. May 18 to Nov. 16.

Oakland: Farmers at Phipps, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens lawn at Schenley Dr. 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Weds. June 6 through Oct. Certified organic and naturally grown produce.

Oakland Farmers Market, Sennot St. between Atwood St. and Meyran Ave. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Fri. June 29 to Nov. 9.

Olde Town Grove City Farmers Market, in Park lot between 118 and 138 S. Broad St. 3 to 6 p.m. Thurs. June 7 through Oct. oldetowngrovecity.com.

Pleasant Hills Lions Farmers Market, Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church, Caryl Drive lot. 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs. May 17 to Oct. 18. http://pleasanthillsfarmersmarket.com.

NEW: Ross Farmers Market, John's Lutheran Church, 920 Perry Highway. 3 to 7 p.m. Weds. May 2 through Oct.

Sarver: Buffalo Church Farmers Market, 678 Sarver Road. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat. Aug. 25.

Saxonburg Farmers Market, VFW at 572 Main St. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues. June 12 into Oct. saxonburgfarmersmarket.com.

Scott Farmers Market, Scott Park on Lindsay Road. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mon. June 4 to Sept. 24.

Sewickley: St. James Farmers Market, St. James Parish lot, 200 Walnut St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. April through Nov.

Slippery Rock Community Farmers Market, Rock Falls Park, Route 173. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. May 5 through Oct.

South Fayette/Cecil: Original Farmers Night Market, Route 50, 5 miles west of Bridgeville exit of I-79, at Route 978. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fri. in May; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mon., Weds. and Fri. June through Oct.; 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mon., Weds., Fri. in Nov.

New location: South Side (Citiparks) Farmers Market, back at Carson and 18th sts. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tues. May 15 to Nov. 20.

Strip District: Farmers@Firehouse, 2216 Penn Ave. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 12 to Nov. 17. Mostly organic and naturally grown produce, local meat and poultry. Chef demos weekly. Sponsored by Slow Food Pittsburgh. farmersatfirehouse.com.

Strip District: Pittsburgh Public Market, 2100 Smallman St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (some vendors until 6 p.m.) Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. pittsburghpublicmarket.org.

Tarentum Farmers Market, First United Presbyterian Church lot at E. 10th Ave. and Lock St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weds. June 13 through Oct. tarentumfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

Upper St. Clair Farmers Market, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Road (Route 19). 4 to 7 p.m. Thurs. May 31 through Sept.

Vandergrift Farmers Market, Columbia Ave. between Sherman and Grant aves. 3 to 6:30 p.m. Thurs. June 14 to Oct. 18. vandergriftfarmersmarket.weebly.com.

Verona Farmers Market, 736 E. Railroad Ave. 2 to 6 p.m. Thurs. June 14 to Oct. 11.

Washington: Main Street Farmers Market, municipal lot, 139 S. Main St. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thurs. May 17 through Oct. Live music.

Washington: Washington Crown Center Farmers Market, 1500 W. Chestnut St. Noon to 8 p.m. or sellout daily. July 1 through Sept.

West View Market, 456 Perry Highway behind West View Savings Bank. 4 to 7 p.m. Tues. May 8 through Oct.

Whitehall Farmers Market, Caste Village Shopping Center at Baptist and Grove roads. 3 to 7 p.m. Mon. June 4 to Sept. 24.

Wilkinsburg Farmers Market, behind the South Avenue Methodist Church, 733 South Ave. 3 to 6 p.m. Thurs. June 14 to Nov. 8.

Armstrong County: Kittanning Farmers Market, behind Northwest Savings Bank, 22 Franklin Village Mall. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Weds. and Sat. Mid-June (when strawberries are in) into Nov.

Blair County: Hollidaysburg Farm and Craft Market, Montgomery St. at Allegheny St. next to the Diamond. 4 to 7 p.m. Tues. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri. July 10 through Oct.

Cambria County: Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market, Central Park on Main St. and Gazebo Pl. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri. May 11 (full market June 8) through Oct.

Cambria County: West End Johnstown Farmers Market, lot at 401 Broad St. 3 to 6 p.m. Tues. June 12 through Oct. 23.

Centre County: State College Downtown Farmers Market on Locust Lane between College and Beaver aves. 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fri. May 4 to Nov. 16 (closed July 13). statecollegefarmers.com.

Clarion County: Clarion County Farmers Market, courthouse lot at Main St. and Fifth Ave. 8:30 a.m. to noon Sat. May 12 through Oct.

Clearfield County: Downtown DuBois Farmers Market, Brady St. at W. Long Ave. 8 to 11 a.m. Sat. July 7 through Oct.

Crawford County: Cochranton Farmers Market, inside Cochranton Co-op, 136 W. Pine St. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. year-round.

Crawford County: Meadville Market House outdoor market, 910 Market St. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 12 through Nov. Second Saturday Community Market on the 2nd Sats. May though Sept. includes arts & crafts, entertainment and more. (Market House is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. year-round.)

Crawford County: Titusville Farmers Market, lot by City Hall at 107 N. Franklin St. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues. and Sat. June through Oct.

Erie County: Corry Farm Market, E. Park Place, City Park. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri. June 22 through Oct.

Erie County: Girard Farmers Market, in front of borough office, 34 Main St. West. 9 a.m. to noon every other Sat. July at least through Sept.

Erie County: South East Erie Farmers Market, E. 38th St. at Pine Ave. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat. July 7 through Oct.

Fayette County: Brownsville Farmers Market, lot at Brownsville Ave. at Market St. 4 to 7 p.m. Weds. July 4 through Sept.

Fayette County: Connellsville Farmers and Artists Market, Crawford Ave. at Meadow Lane. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. July 7 to Sept. 22.

Fayette County: Laurel Mall Farmers Market, 115 Laurel Dr. off Route 119. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. May through at least Oct.

Fayette County: Masontown Market in the Park, German-Masontown Park. 4 to 7 p.m. Fri. July 6 through Sept.

New location: Fayette County: Ohiopyle Country Farm Market, Main and Negley sts. 2 to 6 p.m. Sat. May 26 through Aug.

Fayette County: Perryopolis Flea Market Farmers Market, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun. June 3 to Nov. 4. http://perryopolisfleamarket.com/farmersmarket.html.

Fayette County: Scottdale. Rite Aid lot at Broadway St. and Pioneer Way. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fri. July 6 to Sept. 21.

Fayette County: Uniontown Farmers Market, W. Peter and Beeson sts. at Storey Square. 4 to 7 p.m. Thurs. July 5 to Sept. 20.

Forest County: Tionesta Farmers Market, courthouse lawn at Elm and May sts. 4 to 7 p.m. Fri. June 1 through Oct.

Greene County: Greensboro Farmers Market, gazebo across from 525 Front St. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. May 5 to Oct. 13.

NEW: Greene County: Waynesburg Greene Growers Farmers Market, Vesco's Yamaha, 100 Elm Dr. 3 to 6 p.m. Tues. May 15 to Oct. 15. All food must be produced within a 25-mile radius.

Greene County: Waynesburg Farmers MarkeT, near courthouse at 10 E. High St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weds. May 16 to Oct. 10.

Huntingdon County: Huntingdon Farmers Market, 7th and Penn sts. in Portstown Park. Noon to 5 p.m. Thurs. June through Oct. 1.

Indiana County: Indiana Farmers Market, 8th and Church sts. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Weds. and 9 a.m. to noon Sat. June 2 to Oct. 13.

Lawrence County: Ellwood City Farmers Market, temporarily at Vinny's Pizza lot, Factory Ave. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. June 2 to at least Oct. 13. Live music 9 to 11 a.m. ellwoodcityfarmersmarket.com.

Lawrence County: New Castle Farmers Market, town mall at 100 S. Jefferson St. 7 a.m. to about 1 p.m. Fri. July 20 through Oct.

Lawrence County: New Castle Farmers Market at the Riverwalk, E. Washington and East sts. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. July 14 through Oct.

Lawrence County: New Wilmington Farmers Market, Jameson lot on Market Street. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. July through Sept. nwfarmersmarket.org.

Lawrence County: Pulaski Flea and Farmers Market, 8417 Mercer St. (Route 551). 6 a.m. to "whenever" (about 1 p.m.). Thurs. April to Nov. 15.

Mercer County: Farrell Farmers Market, lot at Wallis Ave. and Federal St. 7 a.m. to noon Tues. and Fri. July 6 to at least Oct.

Mercer County: Downtown Sharon Farmers Market, S. Water Ave. and Connelly Blvd. 7 a.m. to noon (or sellout) Weds. and Sat. July at least through Oct.

Ohio: East Palestine Farmers Market, E. Main and S. Market sts. 3 to 8 p.m. Thurs. July through Oct. (hours decline late in season).

Ohio: Ohio Valley Farmers Market Bellaire, municipal lot at 32nd and Union sts. 9 a.m. to noon Sat. June 9 through Oct. ovfarmersmarket.org.

New location: Ohio: Ohio Valley Farmers Market Belmont, Bel-Morr Shur Fast, 66440 Belmont-Morristown Rd. 3 to 6 p.m. Tues. June 12 through Oct. ovfarmersmarket.org.

New location: Ohio: Steubenville Farmers Market, S. 3rd St. at Market. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thurs. June 14 through Oct.

Somerset County: Somerset County Farmers Market, Georgian Place, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 26 through Oct. Also 3 to 6 p.m. Weds. June 13 to Oct. 10; indoors, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. Nov. 3 to Nov. 17.

Somerset County: Springs Farmers Market, 1711 Springs Rd. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 26 to Sept. 15.

Venango County: Franklin Farmers Market, 12th St. between Liberty and Elk sts. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weds. and Sat. (the bigger day) May 5 through at least Oct. 6 (farmers can set up year-round).

Venango County: Oil City Farmers Market, Central Ave. between Front and First sts. Noon to 5 p.m. Mon. and Thurs. June 4 through Oct.

Warren County: Warren Farmers Market, 2nd Ave. between Market and Liberty sts. 8 a.m. to noon Sat. June 16 through Oct. warrenag.org/farmermarket.htm.

West Virginia: Follansbee Farmers Market, town square near 872 Main St. 4 to 6 p.m. Weds., every other week, July 18 through Oct. (alternates with Wellsburg).

West Virginia: Morgantown Farmers Market, temporarily at Fayette and Chestnut sts. 8:30 a.m. to noon Sat. May 5 to Nov. 3. morgantownfarmers.org.

New location: West Virginia: Weirton Farmers Market. Goodwill lot at Penco Rd. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mon., July 9 through Oct. Also, at the Weirton Event Center, 3322 East St. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thurs, July 12 through Oct.

NEW: West Virginia: Wellsburg Farmers Market, at Unity Apartments on Route 2 near 27th St. 4 to 6. Weds., every other week, July 25 through Oct. (alternates with Follansbee).

The farm stands of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank open June 13 and run to Nov. 15 (Rainbow Kitchen to Sept. 26).

Wednesday farm stands

Carnegie United Methodist Church, 415 Washington Ave. Noon to 6 p.m.

Millvale, 400 Grant Ave. in rear lot. 2:30 to 6 p.m.

Mon Yough Community Services, 500 Market St. at 5th Ave., McKeesport. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Rainbow Kitchen, 345 E. Eighth Ave. in Citizens Bank lot, Homestead. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Seton Brookline, Elizabeth Seton Center lot at 1900 Pioneer Ave. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Turtle Creek Valley, 519 Penn Ave. in front of the WVHSC building. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday farm stands

New location: Addison Terrace, 2075 Bentley Dr. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Charles Street, 2801 N. Charles St. at Fowler Park, North Side. 2 to 6 p.m.

Clairton, Lifespan Senior Center at 530 Miller Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Hazelwood, 4915 Second Ave. in Dairy Mart lot. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hill House, 1835 Centre Ave., Hill District. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Homewood-Brushton YMCA, 7140 Bennett St. 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Lawrenceville, Stephen Foster Center at 286 Main St. 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

More: 412-460-3663, ext. 216 or VLish@pittsburghfoodbank.org.