By: Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
The Raleigh Women’s Market returned to downtown Raleigh this month, transforming Moore Square into a place for women-owned businesses, artists and performers from across the Triangle. Held last Sunday afternoon, the event coincided with International Women's Day and was part of the broader celebrations of Women's History Month.
The market featured a curated selection of women-owned and women-led small businesses. Visitors browsed handcrafted goods, artwork and other unique products created by female entrepreneurs while enjoying an atmosphere designed to celebrate women supporting women. In addition to shopping, the event included live performances by female musicians, giving the afternoon a soundtrack of local talent.
Food was also part of the draw, with women-owned food trucks serving a range of dishes to marketgoers throughout the day. Among them were Shawerma Bowl, a Jordanian Mediterranean food truck that serves chicken shawerma, lamb gyro and vegan falafel bowls. Other spots offered fresh halal shawarma and gyros, and Queen Quisines, and fried hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, wings, fries and loaded fries.
The 2nd Annual Raleigh Women’s Market was founded by Bethany Carpenter four years ago in Wilmington, North Carolina. Since moving to the capital city in 2024, it has quickly grown—reflecting the increasing demand for spaces that promote local creators while allowing them to connect directly with their communities.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about other programs taking place across the Triangle during Women’s History Month, linking the market to a broader network of events recognizing women’s achievements and contributions, such as the children’s event on rocket science at the Southeast Raleigh library and the 2nd Annual International Women’s Day Expo in Cary.
