There are few trips you can take that include giving back to the local community, while simultaneously having an amazing time. Well, a visit to one of the dozens of farmers markets in Seattle will let you do just that.
Ever since Seattle’s first farmers market, Pike Place Market, opened in 1907, the residents and visitors to the area have enjoyed meeting the producers of produce and products. And with recent trends advocating the benefits of buying locally grown, high-quality food, the farmers markets are only bound to grow larger each year.
No matter what time of year you visit, or where you book a hotel room in Seattle,, there’s a farmers market (or two or three) you need to visit.
Year-round farmers markets
Source: Flickr
Pike Place Market
Open 7 days a week, 363 days a year (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
As the oldest and most famous farmers market in Seattle, Pike Place Market is a must-stop for all visitors. Wander through the expansive 9-acre Market Historic District and sample the best in local produce, meats, fish, cheese, breads, wines, and so much more. Your eyes will get a feast, too, with the waterfront views of Elliott Bay to enjoy while you mingle with the farmers and producers.
Source: Flickr
Ballard Farmers Market
Sundays, Year-Round
Widely regarded by locals as the favorite Sunday Market, Ballard Farmers Market has graced Seattle with its European-style and sustainable market since 1990. The freshest produce, grass-fed beef, pastured chickens, and more environmental and creature conscious products fill the lanes in front of knowledgeable farmers, who are eager to share their craft and expertise with you. What’s even better is the live music that fills the air from a handful of street musicians that keep the vibe distinctly Seattle.
Source: Facebook
U-District Farmers Market
Saturdays, Year-Round
The U-District, or University District, farmers market is renowned as a member of the top 10 farmers markets in the entire nation. You can find the market at the corner of 50th and University Way, or “The Ave” as it’s known to the locals. Alongside the farmers market fare you’d expect, like fruits and vegetables, the market also offers home crafts and crafted brews! Stop by in the wintertime for a make-your-own wreath tutorial or just sample some of the favorite seasonal ales.
Source: Flickr
Broadway Neighborhood Farmers Market
Sundays, Year-Round
If you’re looking for unique and delicious artisanal foods and beverages, you need to stop by the Broadway Neighborhood Farmers Market. Get your hands on a Grilled Veggie Quesadilla or Beef and Pork Tamale from Patty Pan Grill, and wash it down with one of their delicious Ginger-Mint Iced Tea. Or if you’re looking to cool off on a summer day, you need to try a Six Strawberries Ice-Pop. With flavors ranging from the safe, like strawberry, to adventurous, like PB & J and Matcha Green Tea.
Source: Flickr
West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market
Sundays, Year-Round
If you’re on Seattle’s west-side, a detour through the neighborhood farmers market is a must. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bigger selection of farm-fresh flowers, fruits, and veggies, anywhere in the city. Taste some delicious blueberries from Mount Baker Berry Company, or try their new “Raw Blueberry Blossom and Mountain Wildflower” honey. To go with that honey, pick up some of Honest Biscuits, fresh-made with all local ingredients, they’re the perfect match!
Seasonal farmers markets
Source: Facebook
Columbia City Neighborhood Farmers Market
Wednesdays, May 1st through October 15th
Meat and seafood lovers will rejoice with a visit to the Columbia City Neighborhood Farmers Market. Check out the Olsen Farms booth for naturally and sustainably grown specialty potatoes and 100% grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork. If fish is more to your liking, Loki Fish, Co., is a family owned and operated fishing business. The family’s two boats, the Loki and the Njord, sail the waters off of Alaska and Seattle, carefully catching and handling incredible salmon. All of which is brought straight to you at the market.
Source: Flickr
Lake City Neighborhood Farmers Market
Thursdays, June 12th through October 2nd
If the thought of cooking gives you anxiety, not to worry! The Lake City Farmers Market has a plethora of scrumptious, ready-to-eat “market bites” to choose from. Grab a traditional slice of wood-fired pizza from Mondello Ristorante Italiano, or try one of their classic pasta dishes. Anything you choose will transport your taste buds from Seattle to Sicily. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, check out Tribal Tastes Afghan Delicious, which has been serving the Seattle area with traditional Afghan food since 2013. Give the Mantoo (Afghan-style dumplings with ground beef and dry mint sauce) or Afghanistan’s most popular dish, Kabuli Pallow (lamb shank and brown rice with raisins and carrots) a taste and you’ll be hooked in no time.
Source: Facebook
Phinney Neighborhood Farmers Market
Fridays, June 1st through October 10th
A perfect Friday evening awaits you at the Phinney Farmers Market. While Phinney is one of Seattle’s smaller neighborhood markets, it doesn’t disappoint on flavors. Get your hands on a delicious gluten-free vegan cookie or sweet treat from Brown Sugar Baking Company, we won’t tell anyone if you spoil your dinner! Even though you’ll probably want to save room for Tandoozy, Seattle’s only Tandoori food stand. Fresh naan, perfectly simmered tikka masala, and mouthwatering mango chutney will please even the most discerning palates.
Source: Facebook
Magnolia Neighborhood Farmers Market
Saturdays, June 7th through October 11th
The Magnolia Neighborhood Farmers Market will take you on a trip through days gone by with old-school food and hospitality. The Old School Treats vendor is a perfect example of that, with traditional recipes. Some of Old School Treats’ recipes have been handed down from generation to generation, and some come from the owner’s Grandmother’s cookbook! All of that nostalgia will certainly require a beverage, and there’s no better place to get one at this farmers market than Wilridge Winery. Founded in 1988, Wilridge Winery is the oldest continuously operated winery in all of Seattle! Pick up a bottle and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Source: Flickr
Queen Anne Farmers Market
Thursdays, June 5th through October 16th
The Queen Anne Farmers Market is the only farmers market in Seattle that’s independent, non-profit, and build by the community for the community. You’ll only find delicious food here, no crafts or products, that’s been carefully tended by farm vendors and local food producers. As you explore the delicacies of the market, your ears will enjoy a diverse roster of live music, and there are even children’s activities for the little ones in your party. For a real mission-driven farmers market experience, you need to visit Queen Anne Farmers Market.
