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Denver Farmers’ Markets: A Summer Guide to Fresh Produce and Local Artisans
With summer just around the corner, Denver residents are gearing up for farmers’ market season. Locally grown produce, quality artisanal goods, live music, and exciting cuisine are brought to these markets by farmers, producers, and artists from across the state. Shopping at a farmers market not only helps support local businesses, but it also provides a healthier avenue for securing fresh produce that hasn’t lost nutrients. The environmental impact is also decreased, as the produce hasn’t had to travel long distances via plane, train, or truck to reach the end consumer. More often than not, it’s from the farmer right down the street.
How Farmers’ Markets Support the Local Economy
Farmers’ markets are more than just a place to buy fresh produce and locally grown products; they’re a way to give back to the local economy and support small, family-run businesses. Increased foot traffic at local farmers’ markets can also boost customers for nearby local businesses, such as the South Pearl Street market, where many shoppers check out brick-and-mortar storefronts as well. While purchasing produce and artisan products at a local market isn’t always the cheapest option, the tradeoff between freshly picked fruits and veggies and produce transported 1,000+ miles is significant. Transported produce increases the carbon footprint and decreases nutritional value, as exposure to light and air after being picked can result in a loss of vitamins and minerals.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Where: Cherry Creek Shopping Center @ East 1st Avenue and University Boulevard
When: Wednesdays 9-1 from June 12th through August 14th & Saturdays 9-2 from May 4th through November 2nd
The Wednesday Cherry Creek Fresh Market offers a little bit of everything for locals seeking a midweek produce haul. The Saturday market, referred to as “the big one,” features a high-quality variety of Colorado growers and unique vendors. Organized by Colorado Fresh Markets (CFM), it has been running for over 25 years. The market hosts locally acclaimed chefs, pro-gardeners, and live music, and supports non-profits such as the Dandelion Project and Hunger Free Colorado. The bustling marketplace is set in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the state’s top shopping and tourist destination, offering colorful fresh blooms, locally grown produce, artisanal products, and delicious homemade cuisine.
Pro Tip: During market hours, parking at Cherry Creek is free.
Evergreen Farmers’ Market
Where: Church of the Cross @ 28253 Meadow Drive
When: Tuesdays 10-2 from June through September
The Evergreen Farmers’ Market has been a staple since 2000 and is hosted rain or shine. This mountain market sells local produce and seasonal products. Organizers Loredana and Jay have been involved with local markets for over two decades. While shopping locally isn’t always the least expensive option, it’s a sustainable method for supporting the local economy and giving back to farmers and growers. The market is pet-friendly and encourages shoppers to bring their pups. Evergreen residents and Denverites will find locally sourced produce picked less than two days before reaching consumers, preserving nutrients and the agricultural landscape of Colorado.
Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
Where: Green Valley Ranch Town Center Park @ 4890 Argonne Street
When: Wednesdays 5-8 from June 5th through August 28th
The Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market focuses on different sustainability topics each week, educating locals on how to support sustainable practices. The market features live music from local artists and family-friendly activities. Products range from organic microgreens to homemade baked goods, fresh dairy, honey, jams, jellies, tea, and coffee. Vendors include Longmont Dairy Farm, one of the two remaining farms in Colorado selling milk directly to customers, and The Thrift Shop Gardner, with a “design your own” planter station. New in 2023, The Baked Cottage offers homemade baked goods.
Pro Tip: GVR Community Events hosts the market along with movies in the park, holiday tree lighting, and the unity festival.
Metro Denver Farmers Market
Where: 7301 South Santa Fe Drive
When: Wednesdays 10-2 from June 19th through September 25th
The Metro Denver Farmers Market also hosts markets on Sundays at Highlands Ranch from May through October and Saturdays at Southwest Plaza and Lakewood. The Littleton market at Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center features fresh produce, handmade soap, scarves, baked goods, and handwoven baskets. The market began over 40 years ago in downtown Denver and now accepts EBT cards, providing all Denverites the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies. Vendors include Rocky Mountain Rice Company, Domenico Farms, Snow Creek Ranch, and Martindale Farms.
Pro Tip: The market’s website offers fresh recipes for creative ideas using locally grown produce.
Boulder County Farmers Market
Where: 13th Street (between Arapahoe Avenue & Canyon Boulevard)
When: Wednesdays 4-8 from May 1st through October 2nd & Saturdays 8-2 from April 6th through November 16th
The Boulder County Farmers Market provides weekday and weekend shopping experiences and a thriving online marketplace for Boulder, Longmont, and Lafayette residents. Since 1987, the market has grown to over 150 vendors dedicated to providing nourishing food from Colorado. The market advocates for equitable food access and supports local agriculture. As a producer-only market, all products are grown or raised by the vendors, ensuring local economic support.
Pro Tip: No pets are allowed at this market.
City Park Farmers Market
Where: City Park Esplanade @ 2551 East Colfax Avenue
When: Saturdays 8-1 from May 11th through October 26th
The City Park Farmers Market doubles as a compost market, with all disposable goods compostable for free. This sustainable practice reduces waste and packaging pollution. Shoppers can find fresh, in-season produce from over 60 Colorado-based vendors, including Wild Wick Farm, Monroe Organic Farms, Centennial Cuts, Hearth Baker, 3rd Bird Kombucha, and Urban Roots. The market features live music, local coffee, and chef demos, creating a bustling and inspiring Saturday morning atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for vendor and music updates, recipes, and farm visit blog posts.
Union Station Farmers Market
Where: Denver Union Station Plaza @ 1701 Wynkoop Street
When: Saturdays 9-1 from June 1st through September 14th
The Union Station Farmers Market is organized by Boulder County Farmers Markets, a nonprofit operating since the late 1980s. Founded in 2016, it has become a community favorite, featuring local chefs shopping, serving food, and participating in demonstrations. The market boasts over 40 farmers, ranchers, and vendors offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, coffee, condiments, and baked goods. It’s a popular meeting spot for friends, family, and neighbors supporting local businesses.
Pro Tip: Join a free fitness class at 8 AM before the market opens for a healthy start to your day.
South Pearl Farmers Market
Where: 1527 South Pearl Street
When: Sundays 9-1 from May 5th through November 10th
The South Pearl Farmers Market stretches between South Pearl Street’s 1400 and 1500 blocks. With dozens of vendors, food trucks, and local merchants, it offers a full day of browsing. Managed by HobNob Events, the market supports and enhances the local community with high-quality experiences. Vendors include Blanchard Family Wines, Cream City Market, Five Freedoms Dairy, Future Foods, Mile High Pie Company, and The Bread Box. All products are grown, raised, or produced in Colorado or bordering state counties, ensuring local economic impact and fresh food.
Pro Tip: The market is open rain, snow, or shine and only canceled during extreme conditions. Enjoy live music from local artists like Herman Gauche, Hank Williams, MicroGrass, and The New Ben Franklins.
Conclusion
Denver's farmers' markets offer a vibrant and sustainable way to enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods while supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, exploring these markets provides a unique and healthy shopping experience, fostering community connections and environmental stewardship.
With summer just around the corner, Denver residents are gearing up for farmers’ market season. Locally grown produce, quality artisanal goods, live music, and exciting cuisine are brought to these markets by farmers, producers, and artists from across the state. Shopping at a farmers market not only helps support local businesses, but it also provides a healthier avenue for securing fresh produce that hasn’t lost nutrients. The environmental impact is also decreased, as the produce hasn’t had to travel long distances via plane, train, or truck to reach the end consumer. More often than not, it’s from the farmer right down the street.
How Farmers’ Markets Support the Local Economy
Farmers’ markets are more than just a place to buy fresh produce and locally grown products; they’re a way to give back to the local economy and support small, family-run businesses. Increased foot traffic at local farmers’ markets can also boost customers for nearby local businesses, such as the South Pearl Street market, where many shoppers check out brick-and-mortar storefronts as well. While purchasing produce and artisan products at a local market isn’t always the cheapest option, the tradeoff between freshly picked fruits and veggies and produce transported 1,000+ miles is significant. Transported produce increases the carbon footprint and decreases nutritional value, as exposure to light and air after being picked can result in a loss of vitamins and minerals.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Where: Cherry Creek Shopping Center @ East 1st Avenue and University Boulevard
When: Wednesdays 9-1 from June 12th through August 14th & Saturdays 9-2 from May 4th through November 2nd
The Wednesday Cherry Creek Fresh Market offers a little bit of everything for locals seeking a midweek produce haul. The Saturday market, referred to as “the big one,” features a high-quality variety of Colorado growers and unique vendors. Organized by Colorado Fresh Markets (CFM), it has been running for over 25 years. The market hosts locally acclaimed chefs, pro-gardeners, and live music, and supports non-profits such as the Dandelion Project and Hunger Free Colorado. The bustling marketplace is set in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the state’s top shopping and tourist destination, offering colorful fresh blooms, locally grown produce, artisanal products, and delicious homemade cuisine.
Pro Tip: During market hours, parking at Cherry Creek is free.
Evergreen Farmers’ Market
Where: Church of the Cross @ 28253 Meadow Drive
When: Tuesdays 10-2 from June through September
The Evergreen Farmers’ Market has been a staple since 2000 and is hosted rain or shine. This mountain market sells local produce and seasonal products. Organizers Loredana and Jay have been involved with local markets for over two decades. While shopping locally isn’t always the least expensive option, it’s a sustainable method for supporting the local economy and giving back to farmers and growers. The market is pet-friendly and encourages shoppers to bring their pups. Evergreen residents and Denverites will find locally sourced produce picked less than two days before reaching consumers, preserving nutrients and the agricultural landscape of Colorado.
Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
Where: Green Valley Ranch Town Center Park @ 4890 Argonne Street
When: Wednesdays 5-8 from June 5th through August 28th
The Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market focuses on different sustainability topics each week, educating locals on how to support sustainable practices. The market features live music from local artists and family-friendly activities. Products range from organic microgreens to homemade baked goods, fresh dairy, honey, jams, jellies, tea, and coffee. Vendors include Longmont Dairy Farm, one of the two remaining farms in Colorado selling milk directly to customers, and The Thrift Shop Gardner, with a “design your own” planter station. New in 2023, The Baked Cottage offers homemade baked goods.
Pro Tip: GVR Community Events hosts the market along with movies in the park, holiday tree lighting, and the unity festival.
Metro Denver Farmers Market
Where: 7301 South Santa Fe Drive
When: Wednesdays 10-2 from June 19th through September 25th
The Metro Denver Farmers Market also hosts markets on Sundays at Highlands Ranch from May through October and Saturdays at Southwest Plaza and Lakewood. The Littleton market at Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center features fresh produce, handmade soap, scarves, baked goods, and handwoven baskets. The market began over 40 years ago in downtown Denver and now accepts EBT cards, providing all Denverites the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies. Vendors include Rocky Mountain Rice Company, Domenico Farms, Snow Creek Ranch, and Martindale Farms.
Pro Tip: The market’s website offers fresh recipes for creative ideas using locally grown produce.
Boulder County Farmers Market
Where: 13th Street (between Arapahoe Avenue & Canyon Boulevard)
When: Wednesdays 4-8 from May 1st through October 2nd & Saturdays 8-2 from April 6th through November 16th
The Boulder County Farmers Market provides weekday and weekend shopping experiences and a thriving online marketplace for Boulder, Longmont, and Lafayette residents. Since 1987, the market has grown to over 150 vendors dedicated to providing nourishing food from Colorado. The market advocates for equitable food access and supports local agriculture. As a producer-only market, all products are grown or raised by the vendors, ensuring local economic support.
Pro Tip: No pets are allowed at this market.
City Park Farmers Market
Where: City Park Esplanade @ 2551 East Colfax Avenue
When: Saturdays 8-1 from May 11th through October 26th
The City Park Farmers Market doubles as a compost market, with all disposable goods compostable for free. This sustainable practice reduces waste and packaging pollution. Shoppers can find fresh, in-season produce from over 60 Colorado-based vendors, including Wild Wick Farm, Monroe Organic Farms, Centennial Cuts, Hearth Baker, 3rd Bird Kombucha, and Urban Roots. The market features live music, local coffee, and chef demos, creating a bustling and inspiring Saturday morning atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for vendor and music updates, recipes, and farm visit blog posts.
Union Station Farmers Market
Where: Denver Union Station Plaza @ 1701 Wynkoop Street
When: Saturdays 9-1 from June 1st through September 14th
The Union Station Farmers Market is organized by Boulder County Farmers Markets, a nonprofit operating since the late 1980s. Founded in 2016, it has become a community favorite, featuring local chefs shopping, serving food, and participating in demonstrations. The market boasts over 40 farmers, ranchers, and vendors offering fresh produce, meat, dairy, coffee, condiments, and baked goods. It’s a popular meeting spot for friends, family, and neighbors supporting local businesses.
Pro Tip: Join a free fitness class at 8 AM before the market opens for a healthy start to your day.
South Pearl Farmers Market
Where: 1527 South Pearl Street
When: Sundays 9-1 from May 5th through November 10th
The South Pearl Farmers Market stretches between South Pearl Street’s 1400 and 1500 blocks. With dozens of vendors, food trucks, and local merchants, it offers a full day of browsing. Managed by HobNob Events, the market supports and enhances the local community with high-quality experiences. Vendors include Blanchard Family Wines, Cream City Market, Five Freedoms Dairy, Future Foods, Mile High Pie Company, and The Bread Box. All products are grown, raised, or produced in Colorado or bordering state counties, ensuring local economic impact and fresh food.
Pro Tip: The market is open rain, snow, or shine and only canceled during extreme conditions. Enjoy live music from local artists like Herman Gauche, Hank Williams, MicroGrass, and The New Ben Franklins.
Conclusion
Denver's farmers' markets offer a vibrant and sustainable way to enjoy fresh produce and artisanal goods while supporting local businesses. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, exploring these markets provides a unique and healthy shopping experience, fostering community connections and environmental stewardship.
