It’s hard to beat summers in the South Sound, and farmers markets are just one wonderful side effect of this beautiful season. Beginning as early as April and running as late as December, local vendors bring fresh produce, handmade goods and tasty fare out nearly every day of the week during the Pacific Northwest’s sweetest season. Farmers markets offer a fun rain-or-shine experience for all ages that is equal parts commerce and community.
Farmers markets are community gathering places, open-air venues with all the ambiance of European markets and all the wholesome fun of a street fair. These free events are designed to introduce people to local businesses, farmers and artisans to promote agriculture and community vitality. Events like these nurture small businesses, promote sustainable lifestyle options, and keep local dollars in our community.
More than a dozen farmers markets assemble this time of year — a heavy concentration of which are centrally located in and around Tacoma. Every venue, however, has its own unique charm and appeal.
Puyallup Farmers Market features an abundance of locally grown goods as well as artisan crafts.
6. Orting Valley Farmers Market
From June to September, find fresh produce from local vendors at the Orting Valley Farmers Market.
Surrounded by pastoral farmlands and located at North Park along the Orting Trail, Orting Valley Farmers Market (Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., June to September) offers up a distinctly rural experience. A small town with a big view, this market offers quick access to the salmon-bearing Puyallup and Carbon Rivers, dramatic views of Mount Rainier, one of the region’s best biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, playground, restaurants, shops, and a quaint area to discover. In addition to 40 vendors, the organization also offers all kinds of free entertainment, demonstrations and activities, children’s programing, fantastic food and more. A concert series at the market will bring blues, jazz, rock music and more to shoppers and visitors all season long. At the Independence Day Celebration, look forward to the annual Clash of the Pie Tins apple pie contest, Cherry Pit Spitting Competition, Water Balloon Toss, Zucchini Car Races, and more. A full schedule of events is available on the market homepage as well as on Facebook.
7. Steilacoom Farmers Market
Enjoy quality vendors as well as stunning views at the farmers market in Steilacoom.
If you haven’t made your way to one yet, set a course for a farmers market in your neighborhood and beyond. Bring yourself, bring the family, and bring a big basket, because the produce, street food and handmade crafts cross the South Sound are ripe for the plucking now through the summer season.