Freezing temperatures force San Antonio farmers’ markets to close, impacting small businesses

January 26, 2026 - 20:14

A bitter blast of freezing temperatures over the weekend brought farmers' markets across San Antonio to an unexpected standstill. The closures, enacted for safety, severed a vital financial lifeline for numerous small businesses and local producers who depend on the bustling weekend foot traffic.

For many vendors, these markets represent their primary storefront and a crucial channel for selling fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and prepared foods. The loss of a full weekend's sales creates immediate financial pressure, impacting their ability to cover costs and sustain operations. Unlike larger retail establishments, these small-scale operators often lack the resources to easily absorb such sudden losses.

The closures also disappointed regular customers who rely on the markets for weekly groceries and community connection. Organizers emphasized that the decision was made with public safety as the top priority, citing hazardous conditions for both shoppers and vendors setting up outdoors. While markets are expected to resume with improved weather, the incident highlights the vulnerability of local food systems and small businesses to extreme weather disruptions. The community is encouraged to support their favorite vendors through alternative means as temperatures recover.