One of the best perks of living in Seattle is the easy access to fresh produce, local ingredients, artisan goods, handcrafted floral bouquets, and more. No, we’re not talking about Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Today we are singing the praises of the many Seattle farmers markets!
Chances are you don’t have to leave your neighborhood to find a popular Seattle farmers market. If your neighborhood doesn’t have one, the closest farmers market is likely only a short bike ride or bus trip away. Seattle has a total of seven neighborhood farmers markets. Three of these—the U District, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle markets—are a weekly presence year-round. The rest are seasonal, so be sure to double-check the schedules that we have listed below for your convenience.
Of course, we would be amiss to not mention Seattle’s most famous farmers market: Pike Place Market! This downtown market is a year-round attraction for tourists and locals alike, and you can certainly find a huge variety of local goods and fresh produce there in addition to shopping and restaurants. However, for this round-up, we are focusing solely on Seattle’s seven neighborhood farmers markets. You’ll find fewer tourists and much more of a community feel at these neighborhood farmers markets.
These neighborhood farmers markets give Seattleites a chance to not only shop for fresh produce and support local farmers, but also to come together as a community, have fun as a family, and even learn helpful cooking tips. They’re also just plain fun! Many of the vendors at these Seattle farmers markets offer unique and hard-to-find wares that you won’t see at your average grocery store, such as apple pie moonshine, raw honey, lions mane mushrooms, and locally-made hot sauce. You can also shop for non-food items, such as flowers, artisan soaps, and yarn!
We compiled the schedules and locations of each of the seven Seattle farmers markets below. If you have more questions about details such as parking, market amenities, and more, you can visit the Seattle farmers markets website here.
Now grab your tote bags and read on for everything you need to know about the seven farmers markets in Seattle:
1. University District Farmers Market
When: Saturdays 9am-2pm, year-round
Where: University Way NE between 50th & 52nd
This year-round farmers market in the U District has been operating since 1993! It has over 80 vendors during peak season and is Seattle’s largest food-only market. You’ll find unique ingredients here as you shop shoulder-to-shoulder with professional chefs and Seattle foodies.
2. West Seattle Farmers Market
When: Sundays 10am-2pm, year-round
Where: California Ave SW & SW Alaska
This year-round Sunday market is nestled in the heart of West Seattle. You’ll find up to 70 vendors here during peak season, rain or shine!
3. Capitol Hill Farmers Market
When: Sundays 11am-3pm, year-round
Where: E Denny Way between Broadway & 10th Ave E (aka E Barbara Bailey Way)
After a fun night out bar-hopping or dancing in Capitol Hill, you’ll want to head to the lively neighborhood’s Sunday farmers market to recover. This year-round market describes itself as a “bustling, Instagramable scene.” Pick up fresh produce for the week and then head to brunch!
4. Columbia City Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Wednesdays (May 4-Oct 12, 2022), 3pm-7pm; second Saturdays (Nov-April), 10am-2pm
Where: 37th Ave S & S Edmunds St, just off Rainier Ave S.
This seasonal farmers market offers perhaps the most diverse selection of food and produce. The location is superb as well: it’s right by the Columbia City light rail station and is also adjacent to Columbia Park, where market shoppers often set up picnics. Make sure to take note of its two seasonal schedules.
5. Lake City Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Thursdays (June 16 – Oct 6, 2022), 3pm-7pm
Where: NE 125th & 28th NE, next to the Library off Lake City Way
You can do your Thursday evening grocery shopping at Lake City’s seasonal farmers market from June to October. Community partners often supply family-friendly activities that keep the kids happy while you stock up on local produce.
6. Phinney Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Fridays (June 3 – Sept 30, 2022), 3pm-7pm
Where: 6761 Phinney Ave N
This seasonal farmers market in the Phinney neighborhood is on Friday afternoons, making it a great way to kick off your summer weekends. You’ll find local produce, prepared foods, live music, and a next-door playground.
7. Magnolia Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Saturdays (June 4 – Oct 15, 2022), 10am-2pm
Where: W McGraw Street & 33rd Ave W in the Magnolia Village
This seasonal farmers market in Magnolia is almost 10 years old and has quickly grown into a lively gathering hub for the local community’s families and foodies. Don’t miss out on the 2022 Fall Harvest Market on November 19!