It’s Farmers Market Season! This is the time of year when Colorado’s best growers and crafters bring their creations to be sold at various street markets within the city. You can find virtually anything, from the most gorgeous heirloom tomatoes to handmade spice blends and botanical beauty products. So grab your reusable tote and get ready to stock up on some delectable goodies at one of Denvers best farmers markets.
Top Denver Area Farmers Markets
Colorado Fresh Market at Cherry Creek
When: Saturdays (starting May 1) and Wednesdays (starting June 16)
Time: 9am to 2pm for Saturday, 9am to 1pm for Wednesdays
The Colorado Fresh Market is the largest in Denver. It features a huge selection of fruit and vegetable stands as well as an eclectic array of gourmet food vendors. Guests can also take advantage of specialty classes on subjects like gardening and composting. You can easily spend the day here perusing the stalls, sampling delicious food, and listening to live music. Bonus: parking is free on market days!
The Cherry Creek farmer’s market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Saturday market began on May 1 and will continue through October 30. Wednesday market days will begin June 16 and continue through September 29.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
When: Sundays beginning May 1
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Located just outside of historic Washington Park, the South Pearl Street Farmers Market is one of the longest running markets of the season. In an effort to bolster the local community, all vendors must be from Colorado or neighboring counties. You will find over 140 vendors selling home grown, raised, or crafted products ranging from Palisade peaches to homemade pickles. Live music is also played every market day by local artists.
The market on South Pearl Street began on May 1 and will continue every Sunday through November 3, from 9 am to 1 pm.
City Park Farmers Market
When: Saturdays beginning May 14
Time: 8 am to 1 pm
If you’re unable to get to a market during the week, the market at City Park is a great weekend option. You’ll find many of the same vendors as the South Pearl Street market, such as Denver Bone Broth and Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, along with dozens of other food, flower, and craft vendors.
City park has some great vegan food truck options, including delicious Asian-inspired comfort food at Wong Way Veg and creamy oat milk lattes from the Green Bus Cafe.
The City Park Farmers Market continues through October 29 and is open rain or shine.
Nick’s Garden Center and Farm Market
When: daily starting July 1
Time: Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm; Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm
If you’re looking for a family-friendly event filled with spectacular flowers, produce, and food, Nick’s Garden Center in Aurora is a must-visit. The center is open year-round, but the Farm Market begins in July.
Nick’s is famous for its peppers and, starting in August, batches are fresh-roasted on site seven days a week. The center holds a Chili Festival in September with live cooking demonstrations, Latin music, games, and a chili cookoff.
The fun continues well into October with Nick’s annual Fall Festival, when kids can go on mini rides, play games, and choose a pumpkin from one of several small patches. Giant prize-winning pumpkins are scattered throughout the center and make for great photo ops.
Support Growers and Artisans
Farmers Markets are not just fun, they are an important way to support our local farmers and creators. In particular, markets are a low-risk way for smaller growers and artisans to test their products and grow their business.
Farmers Markets also provide local communities with access to high quality, nutritious food that is often less expensive (and certainly more fresh) than at the grocery store. Even more important, vendors promote sustainable growing techniques and educate visitors regarding these practices free of charge.
So, next time you need something fresh and healthy for dinner, visit your local farmers market! You’ll be rewarded with both high quality produce and the knowledge that you are supporting your community.
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