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Bottom Line

News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

Experience Seattle’s Year-round Farmers Markets

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Are you a Seattleite who loves farmers markets? With these year-round markets you can enjoy the fresh produce you love all year long!

The Neighborhood Farmers Market Association (NFMA) offers two year-round markets in the U-District and West Seattle.  With many great food choices, both the U-District and West Seattle farmers markets are sure to offer that one item to make your meal stand out from the rest. The U-District market offers a plethora of other happenings that take place while you shop; live music, cooking demos, and other events can be found here on their events page. The West Seattle market also offers live music, activities for the kids to do while you do some shopping, and gardening and composting help during the summer months.

The Seattle Farmers Market Association (SFMA) also offers a year-round market in Ballard. With a variety of local produce and foods, the Ballard farmers market is open every Sunday rain, shine, or snow. This market also has performers, but they come on their own accord and are not hired by the market. For those who wish to perform, check out the information desk at the market.

For those waiting for the markets in your own neighborhood to resume for the season, there are plenty of markets opening in May. You can find information about the NFMA markets upcoming spring openings here and the SFMA upcoming spring openings here.

Support your local farmers at these locations:

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
Saturdays, 9am – 2pm
Year-round
Corner of 50th and University Way NE

WEST SEATTLE
Sundays, 10am – 2pm
Year-round
California Ave SW & SW Alaska

BALLARD
Sundays, 10am – 3pm
Year-round
Between Vernon Place NW and 22nd Avenue NW

The NFMA is a community-based, 501c3 non-profit organization that operates seven farmer/food only markets in Seattle neighborhoods. The NFMA’s mission is to support and strengthen Washington’s small farms and farming families, as well as the communities they serve.

The SFMA is a Washington state registered non-profit operating European-style farmers markets in neighborhoods throughout Seattle.

Market Bites at U-Heights – U-District Farmers Market

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“Market Bites at U-Heights” is a new concept food court that takes place every Saturday outdoors at University Heights Center Plaza (right next door to the University District Farmers Market).

Every week, market shoppers can enjoy fresh hand-crafted meals and snacks made from market-fresh local ingredients.  While dining in the plaza’s open picnic area, folks can also enjoy free concerts, the kid’s playground, and special do-it-yourself craft booths. 

Market Bites involves various vendors, including Rolling Fire Pizza, Lone Pierogi, Juice Peddler, CitiZen, Half Pint Ice Cream, Tandoozy, Patty Pan, and House of the Sun. The goods range from gluten-free pizza crust to bicycle-powered smoothie blenders to vegetarian burger options.

Market Bites at U-Heights takes place outdoors every Saturday in the open plaza at University Heights Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  University Heights Center and the U-District Farmers Market are located on the corner of University Way (the Ave) and NE 50th.  

For more information, check out the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance website.