As one of the healthiest and greenest states in the nation, natural living is contagious here. As a result, farm fresh fruits and vegetables are closer than ever in Denver at a slew of summer seasonal and year-round farmers markets.
There was a time when we had to rely on big chain supermarkets to buy our fruits, vegetables, and livestock supplies. Unfortunately, most of the produce that we get at regular grocery stores is either grown with pesticides or shipped from far away. Moreover, farmers have to rely on middlemen to get their produce to these grocery stores, which cuts into their profits.
As culinary and health awareness has increased among consumers, so has the amount of local, fresh produce. Especially in green Colorado.
One of the most interesting concepts that emerged in the last decade is the farmer’s market. Colorado farmer’s markets are usually seasonal and sometimes permanent markets that are known for selling healthy and fresh farm produce. Since these markets allow farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without involving any distributors or retailers, they allow them to cut out the middleman. Likewise, consumers get access to seasonal fruits and vegetables easily.
These farmer’s markets are community-centric and many customers flock to them as a family day out, which also allows a lot of socialization and communal coherence too. Denver is home to many amazing farmer’s markets, where you can find fare from nearby farms at amazing prices. Some of these markets also offer handcrafted artisans that you might love to have in your home.
Here are some of the best farmer’s markets that you can find in the Denver region.
Highland Square Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday morning from mid May to mid October Highland Square comes alive. This simple and reliable market has dozens of vendors lining the street on West 32nd Avenue. Pick up fresh produce, made-to-order food and handmade crafts at the Highland Square Farmer’s Market,
- Address: Highland Square, West 32nd Avenue, Denver
- Season: Sundays from 9am to 1pm | May 19-October 13, 2024
- Website: visitdenverhighlands.com/highlands-farmers-market
Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market in Wheat Ridge
Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market runs all year round and offers an amazing variety of farm fresh produce and a few grocery items. You can also find individual artisans selling some unique and creative pieces.
If you are a crafting enthusiast yourself, maybe you can get a kiosk for yourself and make some money out of selling your handcrafted creations too. Four Seasons Farmer’s Market operates throughout the year in Wheat Ridge, as both an indoor and outdoor facility. It runs as an indoor market on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, while outdoor setup operates on weekdays. The live music and food stalls add an extra oomph to the whole atmosphere.
- Address: 7043 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
- Phone: 720-560-6648
- Season: Year-round
Slow Food Farmers Market at The Source in RiNo Denver
This is a collaboration between Slow Food and The Source and is primarily a seasonal weekend market. It runs from May 29th to October 30th on Sundays only. This is a theme-based farmer’s market where sellers strictly adhere to principles advocated by Slow Food and The Source.
The market sells only fresh, seasonal, and healthy produce that is environmentally sustainable and supports a healthier environment. The farmers from Colorado who sell at this market are only allowed to sell food that is produced by them and resellers are not allowed.
- Address: 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
- Phone: 720-443-1135
- Season: Saturdays, late May – late October
Mo’Betta Green Marketplace in Five Points
This is yet another value-driven market that enforces the idea of a sustainable food model. It also supports small businesses and provides opportunities for a lot of small-scale producers to earn money. Mo’Betta is located in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver.
It’s a seasonal farmer’s market, open on Saturday only. The atmosphere at the Mo’Betta Green Marketplace is lively with a DJ and goods sourced from all over.
- Address: 2401 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
- Phone: 303-293-0235
- Season: May to October
Heinie’s Market in Wheat Ridge
Heinie’s is one of the most popular and the oldest farmer’s market in Colorado and for all the right reasons. This is a family-owned indoor-outdoor facility that runs all year round. It has been known for selling farm fresh produce since the 1950s. Heinie’s is famous for selling the best quality fresh fruits, jams, and vegetables that are sourced directly from farmers with no involvement from middlemen.
- Address: 11801 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
- Phone: 303-425-9955
- Season: mid-June to early September, depending on the produce
Union Station Farmers Market
This is yet another seasonal market that operates seasonally and emphasizes growers-only produce. It encourages fresh produce from direct growers and local agriculture and aims at bringing farmers and consumers closer together. The Union Station Farmers Market is held on Saturdays from mid-May to mid-October, with live music at Union Station Plaza.
- Address: 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
- Phone: 303-910-2236
- Season: Saturdays, mid-May – mid-October
Old South Pearl Farmer’s Market in Denver
Old South Pearl is another highly popular farmer’s market in Colorado that has been operating successfully since 2001. It starts in May and will end in November and is operational only on Sundays.
Most Sunday shoppers are highly loyal to Old South Pearl and would not drive to any other farmer’s market for their supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables. The market started small but has now grown to over 100 vendors that have been providing many agro-based small businesses with an amazing platform to prosper. After you finish grocery shopping, head over to Wash Park for some strolling and people-watching.
- Address: Pearl Street & East Arkansas Avenue, Denver, CO 80210
- Phone: 303-734-0718
- Season: May until November
Main Street Markets in Arvada and Westminster
Main Street Markets offers one of the largest selections of farm and table produce. From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to butter, jam, honey, and a lot more. The Arvada market operates in collaboration with Local Food Campus, which is a joint network of producers, farmers, food growers, leaders, nonprofit organizations, etc. They run on summer Sundays from 9 am to 1:30 pm. On Saturdays head over to Westminster, for its popular farmer’s market.
- Address: 57th & Olde Wadsworth, Arvada, CO 80002
- Phone: 303-425-9955
- Season: Arvada – early June to late September
- Address: 98th & Sheridan (NW Corner), Westminster 80020
- Season: Westminster – early June to late September
Colorado Fresh Markets in Denver
Colorado Fresh Markets is known for its high-quality products and has the best of Colorado on offer. They have an educational aspect too. They have kiosks for food demonstrations, food preparation tips, gardening tips, and a lot more in a very festive environment. This great family outing opportunity. include live music, eateries, and many other activities that allow you to enjoy an amazing shopping experience with some fun and entertainment.
- Address: Cherry Creek Farmers Market – 3000 E 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80209
- Phone: 303-442-1837
- Season: May 4 – October 12, 2024 | 9 am – 2 pm
These markets encourage a closely knitted community of farmers, consumers, food leaders, chefs, gardeners, government, and other relevant non-profit organizations. They all believe in selling healthy fresh farm produce that is environment-friendly. Most of these farmer’s markets are strictly regulated for food quality, price, and value for money, which helps minimize the chance of fraud or subpar products.
Some farmer’s markets offer a full educational experience with guest appearances, chef demonstrations, tips to grow your produce, and healthy food preparation tips. While most farmer’s markets focus on beef, mutton, pork, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and table produce, a few of them also offer liquor and wineries. It’s a wonderful place to taste food made in Colorado, especially from delicious local ingredients.
All in all, they are a great way to build stronger relationships between consumers and farmers and allow farmers to earn a fair price for all their hard work.
Dozens of Colorado Farmers Markets
