Throughout the years, Seattle and its surrounding cities have become hubs for farmers markets. These outdoor community events, often held during summertime, are great opportunities for tourists and locals alike to enjoy the outdoors, explore the city, and to support local farmers, vendors, and restaurants.
From summer markets to year round events, Puget Sound has no shortage of vibrant local markets to explore. Below are ten of the best farmers markets in and around Seattle, their locations and dates, and things to do at each market.
Fremont Sunday Market
Location: Fremont, Seattle; Dates: Every Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM, Year Round
Known as one of the longest running year round markets in Seattle, the Fremont Sunday Market has been in business for 32 years. The market is open every Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM regardless of the weather and boasts a whopping 125 vendors.
The Fremont Sunday Market includes local food trucks, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing, furniture, and collectibles. During the fall, the market downsizes slightly to 85 vendors and moves underneath the Fremont Bridge. A live DJ also makes appearances during the market’s fall season.
South Lake Union Saturday Market
Location: South Lake Union, Seattle; Dates: Every Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM, May 6 to September 30
With over 65 booths and vendors, the South Lake Union Saturday Market is the largest street market in downtown Seattle. Open during the summer, the market is home to local craftsmen, food trucks, vintage clothing, and more.
The South Lake Union Saturday Market also hosts pop-up events within the market itself and has live DJs in Denny Park, which is located directly next door to the market. Visitors can use the nearby park as a place to rest while shopping or to eat a meal from one of the many local food purveyors and trucks.
University District Farmers Market
Location: University District, Seattle; Dates: Every Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM, Year Round
Within the hustle and bustle of the lively University District in Seattle is a year round farmers market known as the largest and oldest farm-and-food-only market. Founded and opened in 1993, the University District Farmers Market hosts long-time farmers and food artisans, some of which have been participating in the market since its first opening.
With over 80 booths open during the market’s peak season, the University District Farmers Market combines community with history, bringing local food and produce to the eclectic and unique college neighborhood every Saturday throughout the year.
West Seattle Farmers Market
Location: West Seattle Junction; Dates: Every Sunday 10 AM – 2 PM, Year Round
Nestled in the heart of the West Seattle Junction, the West Seattle Farmers Market is a year round farmers market that is open every Sunday regardless of the weather. With two whole blocks of vendors, including food, crafts, and produce, the West Seattle Farmers Market has become a Sunday favorite for local families.
The West Seattle Farmers Market is a great place for locals and tourists alike to get a taste of the wealth of produce and food that Washington state has to offer. From locally made popsicles, cookies, and Kombucha to family farms, wineries, and creameries, this market is a great spot for foodies in particular.
Capitol Hill Farmers Market
Location: Capitol Hill, Seattle; Dates: Every Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM and Tuesday 3 PM – 7 PM, Year Round
Capitol Hill is best known for its fun and its year round farmers market is no exception. In addition to local food and produce, the market has colorful photo ops and is a great way for friends to get together. The Capitol Hill Farmers Market is open all year every Sunday and Tuesday, regardless of the weather.
Both locals and tourists can easily walk to the market, which is located right in the heart of Capitol Hill, while also taking in the unique restaurants, bars, shops, and more that Capitol Hill has become home to. It is also conveniently near multiple transit systems, including the bus and streetcar transportation lines.
Queen Anne Farmers Market
Location: Queen Anne, Seattle; Dates: Every Thursday 3 PM – 7:30 PM, June 1 to October 12
This market is the only independent farmers market in Seattle. It is also one of the few farmers markets in the area open later into the evening, from 3 PM to 7 PM. Their market has an all-food themed roster of vendors that hosts local farmers and food artisans.
In addition to their vendors, the market also has a live DJ, chef demos, and children’s activities. During their off season, they host special events for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Winter Solstice. They also have a spring preview in May before they open for the season.
Issaquah Farmers Market
Location: Issaquah; Dates: Every Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM, May 6 to September 30
One of the best farmers markets outside of Seattle is nestled in Issaquah. This smaller but vibrant market is themed around connecting customers with fresh and local products, including produce, baked goods, and local artists.
The Issaquah Farmers Market has live music inside of its gazebo, which has seating conveniently in front of it for customers to rest or to enjoy local concessions. The market also has food trucks and concession stands, including Mexican, Mediterranean, and Chinese food.
Redmond Saturday Market
Location: Redmond; Dates: Every Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM, May 13 to October 28
Originally housed next to the Redmond Town Center, the Redmond Saturday Market has relocated next door to the Willows Run Golf Complex. The ever expanding open air market has been in business since 1976. Today it is the host for local farmers, growers, artisans, food producers, and small restaurants.
In addition to some of the freshest produce available, customers can also find beautiful plants and handmade bouquets. Read to eat food, including meals, snacks, drinks, and desserts, can also be found. Customers can find anything from handmade soap and pottery to locally made jams, cheeses, and baked goods.
Kirkland Wednesday Market
Location: Marina Park, Kirkland; Dates: Every Wednesday 3 PM – 7 PM, June 7 to September 27
This market is one of the few that is open during the week, making it a nice place to relax in the middle of the work week. Located on the picturesque Kirkland Waterfront, the Kirkland Wednesday Market is a place to sample local goods and to find unique small businesses.
The market hosts local family farms and orchards, as well as beekeepers, creameries, wineries, and coffee roasters. The market also has plant nurseries, florists, and even mushroom growers. Customers can also find a variety of local bakeries and restaurants, including BBQ, Chinese dumplings, Mexican snacks, and Hawaiian shaved ice.
Bellevue Farmers Market
Location: Downtown Bellevue; Dates: Every Thursday 3 PM – 7 PM, May 18 to October 19
One of the other few weekday farmers markets is located just outside of the center of downtown Bellevue, making it easy to access and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the work week. The Bellevue Farmers Market is a mix of produce, fresh meats, artisan goods, and tasty food.
The market operates as a non-profit that is dedicated to supporting the local economy, as well as small businesses. It also supports other non-profits like Hopelink, which helps low-income families have access to better quality food. They have also expanded to a second location in the Spring District Plaza in Bellevue, which operates on the same schedule in addition to new vendors and live music.
