Farmer’s markets provide the perfect opportunity to connect with community members, admire creations from local artisans, purchase fresh produce and indulge in a number of unique homemade goodies and treats courtesy of local vendors. Best of all, they allow you to support small businesses in a fun, energetic environment. Here are nine of the best farmer’s markets in Arizona.
Arrowhead Farmers Market
Glendale
The Arrowhead Farmers Market is hosted every Saturday, year round—and from October through May, it takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arrowhead Towne Center, just outside of the Dillard’s store. The event is dog-friendly (as long as they have a leash) and boasts more than 60 vendors that change almost every week. At the Arrowhead Farmers Market, families can enjoy fresh produce, concessional-style snacks, unique food vendors, activities for the kids and creations from local artisans. Plus, admission is completely free. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/arrowheadfarmersmarket.
Uptown Farmers Market
Phoenix
The Uptown Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Phoenix Baptist Church. This Arizona farmer’s market not only features local fare, artisan-made crafts, fresh produce and unique goodies, it also boasts live demonstrations courtesy of top chefs from some of the Valley’s most beloved spots—like the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Provision Coffee, to name a few. The market acts as a gathering space for more than 200 local vendors. Plus, even if you aren’t able to make the in-person market, you can shop for goodies from frequent vendors online too. For more information, visit www.uptownmarketaz.com.
Gilbert Farmers Market
Gilbert
Taking place year-round (with the exception of a few dates around the holidays) just west of the iconic Water Tower is the Gilbert Farmers Market. The open-air market hosts more than 100 local vendors during the fall and spring on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. In addition to farm-fresh goods, guests can also enjoy food trucks, entertainment and games for the whole family. For more information, visit gilbertmarket.com.
Momma’s Organic Market
Various West Valley locations
Momma’s Organic Market has kicked off its 15th season on Oct. 1. The market will be serving West Valley residents at three locations: Saturday market takes place at Arrowhead Towne Center every Saturday October to April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday market is at Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shop near Westgate in Glendale every Sunday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and The Sun City Festival Farmer’s Market takes place at Sage Center in Buckeye, open in October and occurring every other Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April. All three markets, as well as its Food Truck Friday West events, are free for the entire family to attend, and leashed pets are welcome. For more information, visit GetLocalArizonaEvents.com.
Sun City Farmers Market
Peoria
Farmer’s markets are great spaces to connect with community members, enjoy the great outdoors and support local. And the Sun City Farmers Market boasts all of that and so much more! This market takes place every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Recreation Center of Sun City. The event features top vendors, bakeries and artisans in the West Valley, and provides a refreshingly different vibe than the typical Saturday morning farmer’s market. For more information, visit www.arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/sun-city-farmers-market.
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
Scottsdale
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, this Arizona farmer’s market connects the community and local growers, food producers and community groups through a fun and interactive event every Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted from October through the end of May, the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is in its 14th year and features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers—along with can’t-miss seasonal goodies like cider and apples. For more information, visit www.arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/old-town-scottsdale.
Downtown Chandler Market
Chandler
The Downtown Chandler Market is located at AJ Chandler Park on the green belt, and takes place every Saturday from October through May—9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event hosts a variety of vendors every week, including both frequent booths and new sellers. Visitors can purchase everything from fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, fresh-baked goodies, natural meats and even seafood. The family-friendly event also offers an extensive selection of local arts and crafts, so even the kiddos can look forward to this farmer’s market. For more information, visit downtownchandler.org/events/farmers-market.
Verrado Farmers Market
Buckeye
While this community farmer’s market doesn’t kick off until Nov. 6, once open it’s one of the most special spectacles in the Valley. Verrado Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Verrado Town Square. Beyond staple farmer’s market finds, the event also boasts goodies from local producers of organic and seasonal crops, plants and seeds. Opt for a trip to this Arizona farmer’s market rather than the neighborhood grocery store on your next outing! For more information, visit www.arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/verrado-farmers-market.
Sportsman’s Park Market
Glendale
The West Valley debuts a new farmer’s market on Nov. 19, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Sportsman’s Park Market will take place on The Great Lawn of Sportsman’s Park at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The market, which is free and open to the public, will be host more than 100 fresh food vendors, local products, a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, live local entertainment and activities for kids. The next market is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17. For more information, visit www.sportsmansparkmarket.com.