Spring has officially sprung, which means it’s time to grab your favorite canvas bag or woven basket and start shopping local again.
When it comes to fresh, Colorado food, those of us along the Front Range have lots of options. Local farmers markets are stocked with plenty of farm-fresh produce, as well as delicious baked goods and specialty and prepared items. But there’s more to the farmers market scene than all that. The markets double as festive street fairs, many featuring music, live entertainment, and/or activities for kids.
Take some time this season to enjoy the wonderful markets listed below. Who knows? You might even decide to try a new market every week of the summer.
(Listed in order of opening date.)
Boulder Farmers Market (Saturdays)
Open: Starting April 6 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Nov. 23.
Things to know: Run by Boulder County Farmers Market, these markets make sure everything is truly local, and focus on produce, protein, plants, and dairy. Look for monthly artisan markets on the second Saturday of every month. No pets allowed.
Features: Weekly live music, kids’ crafts; first-taste-of-the-season product samplings; community gatherings.
Location: Near Central Park, on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder; bcfm.org
Longmont Farmers Market
Farm hand Michael Quirk fills a stand with tomatoes at the Black Cat Organic Farm stall at the Boulder Farmer’s Market on September 14, 2019 in Longmont. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Open: Starting April 6 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Nov. 23.
Things to know: Run by Boulder Country Farmers Market, the Longmont market is a local institution featuring over 120 local producers and artisans. Keep an eye out for monthly artisan markets on fourth Saturdays. No pets allowed.
Features: Plenty of parking; live music; kids’ crafts and play space.
Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont; bcfm.org
Boulder Farmers Market (Wednesdays)
Open: Starting May 1 on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., through Oct. 2.
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Things to know: Run by Boulder County Farmers Market, this is the smaller version of the weekend market, but there are still plenty of local farms, ranches and craftsmen to keep the kitchen stocked. No pets allowed.
Features: Weekly live music; new producer features; pop-up beer garden serving local brews.
Location: Near Central Park, on 13th Street between Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder; bcfm.org
Southwest Plaza
Open: Starting May 4 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Oct. 26.
Things to know: The oldest market in Denver. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years and accepts SNAP and EBT cards. This modestly sized market mixes farmers with local food makers and crafts vendors. Drop by early, April 6 to April 27, for a spring merchant market (artisans and vendors only; no farmers).
Features: Over 30 vendors weekly, including a handful of local farms (Mazzotti Farms and Greenhouses, Mumms Farms, and more).
Location: The southeast parking lot at Wadsworth Boulevard and West Bowles Avenue, Littleton; denverfarmersmarket.com
Cherry Creek (Saturdays)
Shoppers check out the popular Cherry Creek Farmers Market in 2016. (Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver Post)
Open: Starting May 4 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 12.
Things to know: Run by Colorado Fresh Markets, this is a popular, contemporary fresh food event located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. The market is open rain, snow or shine, and on all holidays. Free parking; get your ticket validated at the market. Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Features: Dozens of vendors selling everything from Colorado produce, including local cherries, fresh flowers, organic wagyu, artisan pastries, vegan and gluten-free products, street food stands and pet treats. Also, look for the pop-up boutiques and fashion trucks, live music and food trucks.
Location: New this year, the market will be on the east side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center, along South Steele Street near Macy’s; coloradofreshmarkets.com.
City Park Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 4 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 26.
Things to know: For its fourth season, key changes make it easier for patrons to shop for a full week of groceries. They’ve added vendors that sell staples like cheese and chicken while continuing to build variety in categories like produce and baked goods. The market features over 100 local vendors.
Features: The market’s chef demo program continues to expand, kicking off with Chef Paul Worthen of Potager on May 25. There’s plenty of parking available in the East High School parking lot. SNAP, WIC and Double Up Food Bucks.
Location: The market’s located near City Park, at City Park Esplanade, the quarter-mile promenade beginning at 2551 East Colfax Ave., running between Columbine Street and East 17th Avenue; cityparkfarmersmarket.com.
Highlands Ranch
Open: Starting May 5 on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Oct. 27.
Things to know: The oldest market in Denver. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years and accepts SNAP and EBT cards. This modestly sized market mixes farmers with local food makers and crafts vendors. Drop by early, April 7 to April 28, for a spring merchant market (artisans and vendors only; no farmers).
Features: More than 30 vendors weekly, featuring TruBucha Kombucha, Brad B Jammin Jam, and a variety of local farms (Martindale Farms, Forte Farms, and more).
Location: Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch; denverfarmersmarket.com.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
Sterling James, 1, helps to find the perfect tomato for his mother Fiona, not pictured, at the South Pearl Farmer’s market and flea market on May 26, 2019, in Denver. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Open: Starting May 5, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Nov. 10.
Things to know: The community-focused group Jarman and Co Events manages this busy market, providing not just produce, but an experience as well. Check out the online calendar of musical guests. The market is open rain, snow or shine, and on all holidays. It closes only for extreme weather conditions.
Features: Fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, prepared foods and more. Seats available for eating; dozens of vendors; multiple entrances.
Location: South Pearl Street between East Iowa and East Arkansas avenues; southpearlstreet.com/farmers-market.
Erie Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 9 on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., through Sep. 26. No market on Thursday, July 4.
Things to know: This dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and has plenty of room for the kids to run around. The market features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, cheese, coffee, and baked goods, among other specialty items.
Features: Growers sell Colorado-grown organic and pesticide-free vegetables, and orchard keepers bring organic and conventional fruit from Palisade. Expect a mixture of Colorado farms, handicrafts and ready-to-eat foods, and look for natural body care and on-site massage. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.
Location: Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt streets, Erie. realfarmersmarketco.com.
Louisville Farmers Market
Carrie Christiansen and her daughter, Riley, 7, leave the Louisville Farmers’ Market with a bunch of vegetables on Aug. 20, 2011. (Cliff Grassmick, Daily Camera)
Open: Starting May 11 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 19.
Things to know: This dog-friendly market is run by Real Farmers Market, and features a diverse line-up of vendors selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, coffee, baked goods, fresh salsas, pastas, natural body care, cheese and more.
Features: Check the vendor schedule online to make sure your favorite producers are there the week you’re visiting. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.
Location: 824 Front St., Louisville; realfarmersmarketco.com.
University Hills Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 11 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., until Oct. 26.
Things to know: Small market in the University Hills Plaza parking lot. Plenty of free parking available for shoppers. Kick things off early with a one-day-only spring pop-up market on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Features: Local produce, handmade goods, food trucks, prepared food, jewelry and more.
Location: University Hills Plaza, 2500 S. Colorado Blvd.; uhplaza.com.
Backyard Sessions at Stanley
Open: Starting May 12 on the second Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 8.
Things to know: Formerly known as the Stanley Summer Series, this popular event is getting a makeover for the 2024 season.
Features: Load up on local produce and visit and support Colorado artisans and makers. Live bands, music, dancing and plenty of activities for the kids, including jumpy castles, splash pads and mini-pools. Thanks to Stanley’s common consumption rules, you can grab a drink from one of the bars or breweries indoors and take it with you while you shop outside.
Location: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; stanleymarketplace.com/events.
Southlands Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 12 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the end of September.
Things to know: Run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.
Features: Expect a mixture of seasonal produce, locally made home and body products, and art from Colorado creatives.
Location: Town Square in Southlands Shopping Center, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, Aurora; thelocalcolorado.com.
Parker Farmers Market
Ele Ryan fills a cup with chile for a customer during the weekly farmers market in Parker on Oct. 6, 2013. (Denver Post file)
Open: Starting May 13 on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 31.
Things to know: Run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.
Features: You’ll find more than 100 vendors at this bustling market in historic downtown Parker. Come for local produce, meats and dairy, food trucks, artwork, home and body products and much more.
Location: 19565 Mainstreet, Parker; thelocalcolorado.com.
Highlands Square Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 19 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 13
Things to know: Jarman and Co Events manages this newer market. Check out the online calendar of musical guests.
Features: Colorado-grown produce, local meat, fresh flowers, baked goods, prepared food and live music. Swing by the market bar for a delicious concoction.
Location: At 32nd Avenue between Julian and Mead streets; highlandssquarefarmersmarket.com.
Festival Park Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 26 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Oct. 13.
Things to know: Located in downtown Castle Rock; run by The LOCAL Colorado, a multifaceted marketplace on a mission to connect Coloradans by making space for communities to engage with local producers and businesses.
Features: Expect a mixture of local produce, meats and artisan products.
Location: Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock; thelocalcolorado.com.
Evergreen Farmers Market
Open: Starting May 28 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Oct. 1.
Things to know: Run by Jump Ahead Events, the market relocated to El Rancho last year, and is now easy to reach from I-70. Lots of free parking right next to the market.
Features: Shop for produce, tamales, pasta, seafood, hummus, tabouli, bread and other baked goods, in addition to women’s clothing, health and wellness items, and CBD products. Lifestyle products and services offered, along with freshly cooked food.
Location: El Rancho, 29260 US-40, Evergreen; farmersmarketscolorado.com.
Urban Market at Union Station
Open: Five summer weekends, June 1 and 2, June 15 and 16, July 6 and 7, Aug. 10 and 11, and Aug. 17 and 18 from 12 to 6 p.m.
Things to know: New this year, Denver Union Station and the Downtown Denver Partnership are teaming up to host a series of unforgettable local markets on the Wynkoop Plaza.
Features: Expect to find a Colorado makers market with some fresh produce and food in the heart of downtown, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Special event: the Mile High Global Bazaar on June 29 and 30.
Location: Denver’s Union Station, at 17th Avenue and Wynkoop Street; unionstationfarmersmarket.com.
Rebel Marketplace
Open: Starting June 1 on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Aug. 31, with a special opening day event on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Things to know: This small but mighty market is put together by urban farmer James Grevious, and is entirely neighborhood-run, making it a true community market. Many of the goods you’ll find at Rebel Marketplace come from nearby urban farms and local creators.
Features: Hyper-local produce, handicrafts, prepared foods and baked goods. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted.
Location: Del Mar Park, at Peoria Street and East Sixth Avenue, Aurora; rebelmarketplace.com
Golden Farmers Market
Golden Acre Farm owner Jason Plotkin, above, arms full of white, golden and red beets, sells produce at Highland Farmers Market in Denver and to Regis University.
Open: Starting June 1 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 5.
Things to know: Established in 2002, the Golden Farmers Market is a cherished community event managed by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. At this busy, sizeable market shoppers can expect live entertainment and products from plenty of local artisans.
Features: Local vegetables, produce, fresh bread and pastries, prepared foods and local art. SNAP and Double Up benefits accepted, and there’s a special booth on the north side of the market to help people out.
Location: Golden Library’s west parking lot, 10th and Illinois streets, Golden; goldenfarmersmarket.org.
Arvada Farmers Market
Open: Starting June 2 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., through Sept. 29. Returns on Saturdays in December for a winter market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Things to know: A fun, moderately-sized market with a wide variety of specialty items. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth it, especially at the end of summer when Western Slope peaches are available.
Features: Produce, honey, fresh bread and pastries, dairy, pickled products, house plants, and artisan products including soaps, jewelry, and bath and body products. Enjoy prepared foods such as tamales, burritos and pierogi. You can walk around with libations in Olde Town Arvada.
Location: Olde Town Square, 5702 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; arvadafarmersmarket.com.
People + Produce at Belleview Station
Open: Starting June 2 on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 13.
Things to know: A newer farmers market series serving Southeast Denver, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village and DTC.
Features: A place where the South Denver community can shop for local produce, meat, fish, baked goods, dog treats and more. Over 50 vendors weekly, with a beer garden, live music, local performers, food and fashion trucks.
Location: Belleview Station, nestled into the corner of I-25 and East Belleview Avenue, DTC; belleviewstation.com.
Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
Open: Starting June 5 on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 28.
Things to know: A well-run market in far northeast Denver highlighting hyper-local producers.
Features: Look for a variety of products, including organic and locally-grown micro-greens, baked goods, European pastries, quiches, dairy products, honey, jams, jellies, hand-popped kettle corn, tea, coffee, handmade crafts, jewelry, and more. Free live music and family-friendly activities.
Location: On the south edge of Town Center Park, 4890 Argonne St.; gvrfarmersmarket.com.
Lakewood
Open: Starting June 15 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Sep. 28.
Things to know: Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years, and this is one of its smaller ones. Accepts SNAP and EBT cards.
Features: Expect an intimate shopping experience with around 15 vendors offering produce, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, clothing and art.
Location: Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood; denverfarmersmarket.com.
Castle Rock Farmers Market
Angel’s Share & Kitchen chef Mike McKillop, picks out Palisade Peaches from Mazzotti Farms at the Aspen Grove Farmers Market Sept 2, 2015. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Open: Starting June 15 on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. until Oct. 5.
Things to know: This venture has been going strong for over 30 years with the aim of strengthening the local food supply while bolstering a vibrant community of producers and shoppers. The market is set up in the upper parking lot.
Features: Lots of vegetables from farms and micro-farms; fresh fruit, including Palisade peaches; mushrooms; baked goods; local meat raised by Snow Creek Ranch Steaks, among others. There’s even emu oil from Emusement Acres.
Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock; originalcastlerockfarmersmarket.com.
Littleton Aspen Grove
Open: Starting June 19 on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sellout, through Sept. 25.
Things to know: Metro Denver Farmers’ Market has been running markets for 40 years, and this is one of its smaller ones. Accepts SNAP and EBT cards.
Features: Expect an intimate shopping experience with around 15 vendors offering produce, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, books, clothing and local art.
Location: Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton; denverfarmersmarket.com.
Central Park Farmers Market
Open: Starting June 23 on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 13.
Things to know: Jarman and Co Events manages this neighborhood market. Check out the online calendar of musical guests.
Features: Dozens of vendors selling farm produce, beverages, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Live music or a live DJ every day the market runs.
Location: Founders Green at Central Park, on Syracuse Street and 29th Avenue; centralparkfarmersmarket.com.