Seattle’s farmers’ markets are a major draw for those who live here, and those just visiting. If you’re someone who enjoys spending a summer Saturday morning scoping out a bounty of farm-fresh produce, tote bag in hand, then this article is for you.
While the iconic Pike Place market springs to mind, it’s far from the only farmers' market in Seattle. Whether you’re visiting a new year-round market or hitting a seasonal pop-up, shopping at a farmers’ market supports local farms and small businesses while promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to shop.
After a day spent shopping, why not check out our other articles featuring some of the best things to do in Seattle? You’ll be glad you did.
Year-Round Farmers’ Markets in Seattle
Peak freshness, all year long, rain or shine. Visit these Seattle markets year-round and stock up on the season’s best of Seattle produce.
University District Farmers’ Market
Located in Seattle’s popular University District, the University District Farmers’ Market is open one day a week. This Saturday farmers’ market in Seattle opens its doors from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Founded in 1993, the University District Farmers’ Market is renowned for being Seattle’s largest and oldest farm-and-food only option. By the time Saturday rolls around, it’s a fairly popular destination. Locals and visitors flock to it to enjoy the public market's vast selection of local produce, artisanal goods, and weekly community programs. While you’re in the area, consider checking out some Seattle hidden gems to round out your day.
Capitol Hill Farmers’ Market
Capitol Hill Farmers’ Market is more than just a public market. It’s a meeting ground for people in the community to come together, stock up on local products and seasonal produce, and break bread with local vendors.
Located by Cal Anderson Park, the market is open year-round on Sundays between 11 AM and 3 PM. You can pretty much fill your pantry here: From fresh pasta, home-baked goods, floral arrangements and—you guessed it, fresh fruits and veggies—Capitol Hill Farmers’ Market has everything you need. And after stocking up on fresh goods, why not stroll through one of the best parks in Seattle to enjoy your finds with a view?
West Seattle Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM, no matter the weather, the West Seattle Junction becomes a hub of community and fresh food. What was once a market in a parking lot has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, the West Seattle Farmers Market is buzzing with people from all walks of life. The one thing they share is their love of fresh local produce.
Ballard Farmers Market
Visit Ballard Farmers’ Market if supporting local is how you prefer to shop. The market, located between Vernon Place and 22nd Ave, is the only one in town that sells exclusively grown-in-Seattle produce. And it’s been dedicated to doing just that since first opening over two decades ago in 2000.
Beyond that, you’ll be greeted by a variety of vendors selling artisanal goods and prepared foods. Ballard Farmers’ Market takes holidays seriously: from costume contests on Halloween to Drag showcases during Pride Month, this is not your average farmers’ market.
Hungry? You're in luck. Ballard Farmers’ Market is home to some of Seattle’s tastiest food stalls, so you can satisfy your cravings while you stock up on farm-fresh fruit and veg.
Fremont Sunday Market
Fremont Sunday Market is ready to fill your tote bags with real food and local produce. Now in two locations: on 34th Street during warmer months and beneath the covered Fremont Bridge during winter, this iconic market is a favorite among Seattleites.
Every Sunday between 10 AM and 4 PM, people head to Fremont Sunday Market to pile up on farm-fresh produce, antiques, and more.
While here, grab a bite at the open-air food court for some fresh alfresco dining. We promise you won’t be plagued by the Sunday Scaries here.
Seasonal Farmers Markets in Seattle
Not all Seattle Farmers’ Markets operate year-round. From spring to the end of fall, check out these markets for your weekly dose of fresh goods.
Columbia City Farmers’ Market
Columbia City Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from 3 PM to 7 PM from May to October. It’s also open every second Saturday from November to April. Located in one of the city’s most diverse areas means visitors here can find an assortment of fruits and veggies that may be more difficult to come by elsewhere. But besides its bounty of tasty produce, this market partners with local food banks to help increase access to healthy foods. It’s well worth a visit.
Lake City Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday from 3 PM to 7PM in June to September, the Lake City Farmers’ Market welcomes families to enjoy fresh, local food in a community-oriented location.
With additional harvest markets in the fall, this market extends the season’s bounty, making it a favorite for those who like to shop for quality produce and take part in some family-friendly activities, too.
Looking to get some early holiday shopping done? The market usually hosts a pre-holiday Harvest Market on the first Saturday in November from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Elevate your Seattle Stay!
Ready for a whimsical twist to your Seattle visit? Make the most of your day with high-flying Cirque du Soleil acts and vibrant shows!
Phinney Farmers’ Market
On Friday afternoon, folks from the Phinney Ridge and Greenwood communities head to Phinney Farmers’ Market. Open between 3PM to 7PM, this market is a must-visit for anyone angling for fresh produce and good vibes.
Held in the parking lot of the Phinney Neighborhood Assocation, this market is a great place for the whole family. Alongside the local vendors, you’ll get to browse artisanal goods and live music too.
There’s a pre-holiday Harvest Market here held at the end of November, so a great place to visit if you’re looking to stock up on wholesome goodies for Thanksgiving and other holiday feasts.
Magnolia Farmers’ Market
Nestled in one of Seattle’s charming neighborhoods—the Magnolia Village—the Magnolia Farmers’ Market peaks from June to October. The quaint market is open every Saturday morning between 10 AM and 2 PM and features a variety of local food vendors from Washington state and beyond.
If you’re looking to use fresh ingredients, the Magnolia Village is definitely a spot to visit to stock up on your week’s supply of fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, meats, and more, look no further than the Magnolia Village market.
Iconic Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle–or list of its very best farmers’ markets—would be complete without mentioning the iconic Pike Place Market. This beloved Seattle landmark is more than just a destination for tourists. It’s an important part of the city’s culture, history, and market community. It isn’t called “the soul of Seattle” for nothing.
Pike Place Market’s History and Significance
Originally established in 1907, Pike Place Market is the original farmers’ market in Seattle. Today, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating public markets across the country. This storied Seattle institution welcomes an estimated 10 million people annually.
While Pike Place is one of the city’s most popular destinations, buzzing with activity from opening to last call, that wasn’t always the case. In the 1960s, the market almost closed for good due to staff shortage. Many of the vendors at the market were Japanese American. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order, forcing 120,000 Japanese of to be sent to incarceration camps, signalling a dark time in American history. As a result,
But an activist and architect named Victor Steinbrueck founded an organization called Friends of the Market, campaigned to make a seven-acre district around the area, effectively saving the landmark from being converted into real estate developments.
In 2017, the MarketFront expansion created additional open-air space for even more vendors and restaurants to serve the community. It also offered public plaza views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
If you’re planning a visit, we recommend blocking off at least an afternoon to tour the site. With over 500 vendors, shops, restaurants, and bars, you’re sure to find plenty to do and see here. Better come hungry.
Did you know? Pike Place Market was created to bridge the gap between farmers’ and consumers, offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. At the time, this was a revolutionary concept, ultimately changing the way farmers’ markets operate to this day.
Magic in the Market: Seasonal Events at Pike Place
Every year during Black Friday weekend, Pike Place holds its annual Magic in the Market event, transforming Pike Place Market into a Winter Wonderland.
From seasonal shopping experiences to local crafts and cultural events, Pike Place Market offers something magical for everyone, making it a beloved local tradition that connects generations of Seattleites and visitors alike.
Not only will Santa be there, but there will be plenty of festive activities and family-friendly fun to take part in. Grab a tree or holiday wreath, and make sure to have a hot chocolate and visit the local vendors. It’s the perfect place to kick-off the holiday season.
This isn’t the only family-friendly event on the market’s calendar. Check out Pike Place Market’s program to see what other activities and events are happening the next time you’re in the area.
Unique Offerings at Seattle Farmers’ Markets
Visiting a Seattle farmers’ market is about so much more than crossing items off your grocery list (though you can expect to find then eat plenty of fresh, local produce to fill your shopping cart). These vibrant markets are a great way yo celebrate community, creativity, and connection and offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Diverse Vendor Offerings
Look around, you never know what trinkets and treats you might uncover. Seattle’s farmers’ markets a treasure trove of artisan goods, stunning fresh flowers, and delicious prepared foods are.
Whether you’re shopping to grab a unique handmade gift for a friend, picking up a bouquet of seasonal blooms, or just looking for the freshest ingredients to prepare that recipe you saw on TikTok, you’re going to be amazed by the vast selection of the Seattle vendors.
Live Music and Entertainment
By the community, for the community. Many Seattle farmers' markets are great gathering places for their neighborhoods. These are great places to check out local musicians and buskers or take part in activities that the kids can enjoy. The role of a farmers’ market is to serve its community in myriad ways. It’s an experience that’s as much about entertainment as it is shopping.
Community Programs and Food Access Initiatives
In addition to providing a bountiful supply of fresh food, many Seattle farmers’ markets are dedicated to fostering the community and supporting local farmers’ and small businesses.
Some of Seattle’s most popular markets, in fact, have partnerships with local initiatives like Food Access, Helping Harvest, and the Good Farmer Fund by Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets. Together, they work to increase food accessibility and uplift local growers. It’s just another way that choosing to shop at a farmers’ market supports the community at large.
Ready, set, shop!
Choosing to shop at a farmers’ market benefits you in many ways. Whether you prefer the action of a major attraction like Pike Place or prefer to shop at an independent farmers’ market, purchasing directly from the vendors themselves benefits both buyer and seller.
First, instead of shopping at a mega grocery chain, you can actually come face-to-face with the folks who grow and harvest your food. Farm-fresh produce is a whole lot tastier, too: instead of sitting for weeks in a freezer or storage, you get to enjoy fresh goods.
Seeing one of our shows in Seattle can work up an appetite. Why not make a day of it? After enjoying a Cirque du Soleil production, head to a nearby market, grab some fresh grub for supper, and whip up a delicious meal. Sounds like a memorable day to us.