Off-Season Doesn’t Mean Off: Planning for the Seasons Ahead

As the outdoor market season winds down, many people assume things quiet down behind the scenes. In reality, the off-season is one of the busiest and most important times of year at Long Family Markets.

While the tents come down and the fields begin their winter rest, our work shifts to planning, listening, building partnerships, and laying the groundwork for what’s ahead. Every strong season starts long before Opening Day, and this winter is no exception.

What’s New for 2027

We’ve been busy shaping programs and policies that deepen engagement, celebrate education, and strengthen the connections between our markets, our farmers, and our community:

• A clearer local standard. Our standard is now local first, not local only. Participating businesses are generally located within 100 miles of the market, with limited exceptions for products our region can’t grow or produce. We’ve made this public so every shopper and business knows exactly what to expect.
• A bigger Chicken Hunt. Starting in 2027, the Chicken Hunt is open to kids 13 and under. Families, individuals, and businesses can also sponsor a weekly hunt in honor of a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or other meaningful celebration.
• Pollinator adoption. Our spring pollinator adoption program focuses on education, conservation, and supporting the ecosystems that make local agriculture possible.
• [Eat Fresh initiative: If this program is moving forward, describe it here. For example: “Planned for the heart of peak produce season, Eat Fresh will encourage families to cook, eat, and enjoy more local fruits and vegetables when abundance is at its highest.”]

Looking Ahead: Our Markets

We’re gearing up for the return of our weekly markets:

Stafford Farmers Market
Sundays, 8 AM – 1 PM
610 Slug Lot, 163 Staffordboro Blvd., Stafford
Opening Day is the first Sunday in April (or the following Sunday when it falls on Easter)

Woodbridge Farmers Market
Thursdays, 2 PM – 7 PM
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge
Opening in June

In the meantime, join us for our Winter Markets in Stafford on February 14 and March 14, 9 AM – 1 PM.

Each location brings its own rhythm and community, and our off-season work helps every market open strong and stay vibrant all season long.

Applications & Participation

Even during the winter months, we’re reviewing applications and planning our upcoming lineup. Applications are open for select product categories. If you’re a farmer, food producer, or artisan who believes in local, community-centered marketplaces, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our Become a Participating Business page to learn more and submit an information request.

The Work You Don’t Always See

From business coordination and program development to site planning, permits, sponsorship outreach, and community partnerships, the off-season is when ideas are refined and foundations are built.

Everything we do during these quieter months is guided by the same mission that defines our markets during peak season: to support local businesses, strengthen community connections, and create meaningful spaces where people gather with purpose.

Thank you for being part of the Long Family Markets story, all year long. We can’t wait to welcome you back when the tents go up again.