The Evergreen State is remarkably diverse in climate and its rich soils support 39,000 farms in the area. In fact, Washington’s farms reach record or near-record yields per acre in the U.S. for “commodities ranging from apples, potatoes and dry land wheat to pounds of milk per cow,” according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
One of the best ways to support these farmers is to frequent one of the many farmers markets the Seattle area has to offer. Although some of Seattle’s incredible farmers markets are open year-round, if you’re visiting the area in spring and summer you’ll get the best of Washington’s weather, views and recreation. Make the most out of your visit and see what our farmers have to offer while you explore the beauty of each unique Seattle neighborhood.
West Seattle Farmers Market
This year-round Sunday farmers market sits in the heart of the West Seattle Junction. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can enjoy dozens of vendors for a fun, community-driven atmosphere with a focus on incredible Washington-grown produce and locally sourced food. Although this market is a popular destination for South Seattle residents, it’s a short 10-minute drive to Alki Beach Park, Hamilton Viewpoint Park and more. A sunny Sunday welcomes you to shop locally at the market and take a relaxing walk with ample sea views as well as views of downtown Seattle across Elliott Bay.
Phinney Farmers Market
Phinney Ridge is a charming neighborhood north of downtown Seattle, near the Woodland Park Zoo and the popular Greenlake. From June through September, the surrounding communities take to the Phinney Market, which is open on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. This market features a mix of fresh produce and prepared food from local vendors. Shop around the market or take some food to go from one of Seattle’s favorite neighborhoods. If you’re just visiting, don’t forget to walk the beautiful perimeter of Greenlake Park or visit the many local restaurants, bars and parks in the neighborhood.
Magnolia Farmers Market
The Magnolia neighborhood is nestled between Ballard and Queen Anne toward Shilshole Bay. On Saturdays from June to mid-October, the Magnolia Farmers Market attracts an energetic crowd of food lovers and community members. The market is active from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore the well-known Discovery Park bordered by Shilshole Bay and boasting hundreds of acres of nature trails, paved roads, meadows, sandy beaches and more. This park is truly a dream on a sunny day.
Capitol Hill Farmers Market
All year long you can visit Capitol Hill’s farmers market on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. East Barbara Bailey Way is closed to traffic to make space for an abundance of vendors offering local food. Take your time walking through the market and fueling up for exploring Seattle’s destination for nightlife and shopping! The beautiful Volunteer Park sits north of the market and is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
Queen Anne Farmers Market
The Queen Anne Farmers Market sits in upper Queen Anne just a few blocks north of the renowned Kerry Park viewpoint. This friendly and inviting upbeat neighborhood gathers from June to October on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of food vendors, local beverage and beer companies and more! Do your grocery shopping or try a wide variety of prepared food for a fun weeknight dinner and entertainment.
University District Farmers Market
This year-round market is “Seattle’s largest food-only market” taking place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. With its proximity to the University of Washington — hence the name University District Farmers Market — this market is in the heart of a lively and close-knit community and features a wide variety of local food vendors and Washington farmers. Stroll through the market, grab a bite, explore the shops close by or visit the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on UW’s campus.
Ballard Farmers Market
The Ballard Farmers Market is on a historic street surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants. This market has a mix of prepared food vendors, farmers and produce, meats, cheeses and handcrafted goods such as ceramics. It sits in front of the Salmon Bay Waterway and if you head east you’ll reach the Shilshole Bay Marina and Golden Gardens Park, a popular location for leisure walking and general recreation with a long sandy beach, picnic tables and a meadow for relaxing.
Columbia City Farmers Market
Columbia City is a gem in the South Seattle area. This market boasts ample stands with organic fruits, vegetables and produce, as well as food vendors preparing dishes from cultures around the world. It’s near the south end of Lake Washington, Andrews Bay and the breathtaking Seward Park. The Columbia City Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., May to October, as well as second Saturdays from November to April, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
South Lake Union Saturday Market
The South Lake Union Market is bustling on Saturdays! It’s the perfect destination for a lively Seattle experience. It offers an array of food trucks offering colorful mouthwatering bites, a range of clothing vendors, live music and more! It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Denny Park, where you can relax in the shade or head north to stroll around Lake Union Park and explore the Museum of History and Industry.
Fremont Sunday Market
The Fremont Sunday Market is a must-see if you’re in the Seattle area! This market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and boasts handmade goods, antiques, vintage clothing and more in addition to its incredible selection of food trucks. It’s just a block away from the Burke-Gilman trail that can take you to many shops in the area, is near Gas Works Park with views of the city and South Lake Union and is a short distance north for a photo-op with the Fremont Troll.
Pike Place Market
The iconic Pike Place Market sits near the edge of Elliott Bay in downtown Seattle. This beloved market is open year-round and features hundreds of vendors offering locally sourced food, specialty items, artisan crafts and much more. Your Seattle experience is not complete without a stroll through this historic market — the first and largest in the city.
Each of these iconic Seattle neighborhoods offers its own beautiful views of Seattle and a perfect pit stop for food and entertainment while you explore what the city has to offer. There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring waterfront parks and sweeping mountainscape views. Washington’s hardworking farmers are essential and our farmers markets are an incredible way to support them and fuel your city adventures.
