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 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 10 neighborhood farmers markets!
Four of these—the U District, Capitol Hill, Ballard, 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 10 neighborhood farmers markets. You’ll find fewer tourists plus a community feel at these neighborhood farmers markets.
We compiled the schedules and locations of all 10 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 and the Seattle Farmers Market Association website.
Now grab your tote bags and read on for everything you need to know about the 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. Ballard Farmers Market
When: Sundays 9am-2pm, year-round
Where: Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue
The Ballard Farmers Market opened in 2000, making it the first year-round neighborhood farmers market selling produce exclusively from Washington state farmers. We love walking among the crowds on the historic cobblestone streets in Ballard on Sundays, rain or shine.
5. Madrona Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Fridays 3pm-7pm, May through October
Where: in the parking lot of the Madrona Grocery Outlet
You’ll find a wide variety of seasonal produce and artisan foods at the Madrona Farmers Market from May through October. Their opening day for the 2023 season is May 12.
6. Wallingford Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Wednesdays 3pm-7pm, May through September
Where: Meridian Park at the corner of Meridian Avenue N and N 50th Street
You can shop for produce, use the playground, and enjoy fresh, hot food in Meridian Park when you visit the Wallingford Farmers Market. This market was awarded “Best Farmers Market” in 2013 by the Washington State Farmers Markets Association (WSFMA). They open for the 2023 season on May 24.
7. Columbia City Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Wednesdays May through October, 3pm-7pm; and second Saturdays November through 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. For 2023, they’ll be open May 3 through October 11 before switching to their winter schedule.
8. Lake City Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Thursdays, 3pm-7pm (June through October)
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. Their 2023 season runs from June 8 through October 5.
9. Phinney Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Fridays, 3pm-7pm (June through September)
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. Their 2023 season runs from June 2 through September 29.
10. Magnolia Farmers Market (seasonal)
When: Saturdays, 10am-2pm (June through October)
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. Their 2023 season runs through June 3 through October 14, plus a harvest market on November 18.