Visiting Top Denver Farmer Markets

by Kasey Craig
2 comments
Denver farmer markets


Denver farmer markets are more than farm-fresh affordable foods, family activities and scrumptious baked goods; although, you will find plenty of those things. Denver farmer markets are weekly festivals with amazing, live entertainment and an eclectic crowd of locals. Most Denver markets are held throughout the summer, with some starting as early as May and ending as late as November.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Colorado Farm Fresh Directory lists every farmers market, roadside stand, and u-pick in the state. The list even identifies the farms that sell directly to the public. With about 100 farmers markets across Colorado and over 20 in the Denver metro area, choosing the best can be difficult, but we’ll bet you’ll enjoy them all.

Denver farmer markets

You’ll find fresh produce on sale at local Denver farmer markets.

Denver Farmer Markets

As the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, so does the work of the farmers whose organic produce enables people to interact directly with farmers and learn where their food comes from. Many of the farmers and ranchers are a part of the 110-year-old Rocky Mountain Farmers Union that provides educational programs and professional services to aid cooperative businesses.

Farmers markets in Colorado allows visitors and locals to buy local food, support local business and get social. If you look for and see the Colorado Proud logo, you are receiving high quality fresh products and helping Colorado’s economy and local farmers.

The History of the Farmers Market

The first U.S. Farmers Market was designed by city planners in Lancaster, Pennsylvania circa 1730. City planners designated a 120 square foot lot in the center of the town as a public market. Lancaster Central Market was born and over the years farmers markets have increased in popularity. Today there are over 8,000 markets operating throughout the United States.

Denver farmer markets

Denver, Colorado, Weekend farmers market in downtown.

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

The Cherry Creek Fresh Market is the largest farmers’ market in Denver. This Market is known by locals as the “Cadillac of farmers markets” and for good reason. The market has a mix of Colorado growers and unique gourmet food vendors that represent the best of the Rocky Mountain region.

Like many markets, it is a fun, festive outdoor shopping environment. However, there is much more than a market going on here; they have chef events, gardening tips from Master Gardeners and Master Composters, live music and more. There is always free parking during the market.

At the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, you will find elegant handmade soaps and lotions, early- morning coffee, jewel-toned jams, and loaves of freshly baked bread in abundance. All the incredible products available at this market are why “Denver A List” selected Cherry Creek Fresh Market as the Best Market of 2018.

More:  Saturdays, May 5 – October 27, 2018, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesdays, June 13 – September 26, 2018, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., E. 1st Ave and University Blvd.

Denver farmer markets

(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market

The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market takes place rain or shine around the notable Sullivan Fountain on the intersection of East Colfax and Columbine street. While visiting the market, you can see the glorious statues and architecture designs of City Park.

The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market is on its 20th season, offering the best selection of local growers complemented by fresh food merchants in an urban park setting. There is plenty of free parking, chefs, farmers, and artisans.

The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market is consistently in the top five markets each year on local lists. The market provides retail opportunities for Colorado family farmers and features everything you need for your garden and your kitchen to lead a healthy lifestyle.

More: Sundays, June 3–Oct. 28, 2018, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. E. Colfax Ave. and Columbine St.

Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market

In 2001, the Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market was only 10 vendors with a dream. This Market has become a weekly party with more than 100 booths of super-fresh produce and ready-to-eat treats.

Keep your eye out for the Ela Family Farms stand; they have the juiciest and freshest Colorado peaches. Pearl Street Farmers’ market offers fancy flowers, puffy pastries, and glorious “grown in Colorado” produce. There are so many vendors to choose from. Craving quesadillas or gourmet elk hot dogs? You can get your fix here.

The Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market has special events you don’t want to miss, such as the chili cook-off, car show, and Halloween parade. The last Sunday of the month there is also an upscale flea market featured there. This market is family-friendly, dog-friendly and an all-around great market.

More: Sundays, May 20- November 18, 2018, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl St., between Florida Ave. and Iowa Ave.

Denver farmer markets

(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)

Stapleton Fresh Market

The first day of the Stapleton Fresh Market for 2018 is on Father’s Day, making this the perfect place to spend the morning with Dad. The Stapleton Fresh Market takes place on the Founders’ Green on East 29th street and Roslyn Street. The smell of freshly cracked kettle corn and other delicious treats fills the air. This market is rain or shine.

The Stapleton Fresh Market has plenty of food booths with specialty meats, local organic produce and delicious baked goods. This market is right next to a picnic-ready grassy knoll that is the perfect spot for families to enjoy homegrown goodness all summer long.

More: Sundays, June 17 – October 14, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. E. 29th Ave. and Roslyn St.

Union Station Farmers’ Market

In the middle of The Mile-High City is the Union Station Farmers’ Market. The market has a spectacular list of local farmers and vendors; more than vegetables, fresh breads, artisan cheeses and meats, local Denver chefs put on demonstrations to give you inspiration on your haul of seasonal goodies.

You will not have a hard time finding what you’re looking for, not to mention what you didn’t know you needed. Available selections to you are baked goods, pasta, tacos, coffee, sauces, cheeses and meats. If you are market shopping with children, then you should head inside Union Station for a scoop of Little Man ice cream to help you cool off from the summer sun. Downtown Denver Union Station Farmers’ Market has plenty of parking options.

More: Saturdays, May 12 – October 20, 2018, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Denver Union Station 1701 Wynkoop St.

Denver farmer markets

(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)

Denver Farmer Markets

Whether you are visiting Denver, new to the city or have lived in the area for years, farmers market are one of the sweetest spots in town. There are plenty of local vendors, demonstrations and social opportunities available at most of the Denver farmer markets. There are markets nearly every day of the week, making it possible to check them all out.

Keep in mind that some markets are pet-friendly, with a leash, and others are not. To be eco-friendly, it’s suggested that you bring along several reusable grocery bags or picnic baskets for all your good finds.

Buying at the farmers market allows consumers to support local businesses and meet their neighbors. There are many reasons to support farmer markets, including farm fresh food and meeting the people who grow the food.

Denver farmer markets

(Photo by Nancy Zaffaro)

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2 comments

Becky Breshears July 21, 2018 - 6:47 am

I love farmers markets and always look for them wherever I go. Boise and Meridian have similar offerings in Idaho and I try to support them when I am home too! I love organic farming and sustainable vendors the most! Good for me and good for the environment. Thanks for the article!

Reply
Kasey Craig July 23, 2018 - 5:25 am

Hi Becky! Glad you loved the article! Supporting our local farmers markets is very important to our environment for sure!

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