After more than a decade as the SLU Market, a long-running community gathering in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood is transitioning into a more traditional farmers market. The SLU Market, operated by Northwest Marketplaces, is partnering with the Seattle Farmers Market Association to relaunch as the South Lake Union Farmers Market on Saturday.
The updated market will debut on June 6 and run every Saturday through Thanksgiving, significantly extending its previous season, which operated from May through September. Organizers say the long-term goal is to transition to a year-round schedule as early as the 2027 season.
Located near The Spheres at 2100 6th Ave, the market will span two city blocks and host more than 100 booths. A key change is an expanded focus on agriculture: between 20 and 30 farmers from across Washington will participate, alongside food vendors, artisan producers, and local makers. Vendors will offer 100% Washington-grown products, including produce, meat, seafood, dairy, and prepared foods.
The expansion reflects growing demand in South Lake Union for consistent access to locally sourced food and a centralized community space. The model draws inspiration from established markets in the region, including year-round operations pioneered elsewhere in Seattle.
To support vendors during the transition, organizers are launching a first-year initiative called the Day One Community Farm Fund. The program will use corporate and philanthropic contributions to purchase surplus food from market vendors each week. These goods will then be distributed within the community through nonprofit partners.
Accessibility is also a focus of the relaunch. Visitors will have access to free parking in nearby buildings owned by Amazon, aiming to make the market easier to attend for a broader range of shoppers.
Organizers say the revamped market is intended to strengthen local agriculture, support small businesses, and expand community engagement in South Lake Union.
For more info, you can check out the market website.
