One of the many joys of summer is farmers’ markets. While many have already been enjoying the harvest available at local farmers’ markets, here’s our roundup, which, although not a comprehensive list of all the farmers’ markets in and around Denver, aims to guide you on where to go or a new one to explore. Whether you are planning a dinner party for family and friends or for a party of two, farmers’ markets offer colorful stalls brimming with fruits, vegetables and handmade artisan breads, jams and other goods. It is the perfect way to discover new flavors and ingredients to inspire your summer dining menu.
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Boulder County Farmers’ Market
Where: 13th Street between Arapahoe Ave. & Canyon Blvd., Boulder
When: May 7 – Oct. 8; Wednesday 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Lowdown: Boulder and a farmers’ market are a natural pairing. Plan to make it a day where you can stop at the Boulder County Farmers Market before or after to pick up a few items that pack well and can be enjoyed once you find a spot to lay out your blanket and either enjoy a meditative moment in nature or a dreamy night picnic with your significant other.
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City Park Farmers’ Market
Where: City Park Esplanade (E. Colfax and Columbine St.)
When: May 3rd – October 25; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lowdown: We’re sure shopping for all your fresh veggies and fruit will make you hungry. Don’t worry, because the City Park Farmers Market has you covered with prepared food as well. Savory Saigon, serving up delicious Vietnamese Food and Crepes, is just one of the food vendors you will find.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Where: Cherry Creek Shopping Center, East Side (on Steele St. next to Macy’s)
When: May 3 to October 11; Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Lowdown: Cherry Creek Shopping Center is showing why it has been the OG of popular shopping destinations. When you see or hear about the various opportunities to experience incredible dining, culture and art, it’s no surprise that they would hold the Cherry Creek Fresh Market in a prime location that offers walkability and a hint of romanticization of life.
Golden Farmers’ Market
Where: 1019 10th St., Golden
When: May 31 – October 4; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lowdown: Wrapping up our round-up is the Golden Farmers Market. While summer holiday celebrations have passed, grilling hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, steak and seafood are still go-to main menu courses. If you love potato and cucumber salad, there is a harvest awaiting you at the Golden Farmers Market.
Green Valley Ranch Farmers’ Market
Where: Green Valley Ranch Town Center Park; 4890 Argonne Way, Aurora
When: August 20, 27; Wednesday 5 – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: In addition to artisan breads, farmers’ markets are great places to find jams, chutneys, salsa and other cottage maker-approved goods that will be a perfect addition to your bridal shower brunch, a lazy breakfast in bed, or a Sunday family breakfast. Visit the Green Valley Ranch Farmer’s Market to gather the ingredients needed for the following breakfast menu idea.
While the thought of an oven and the hot summer heat leave some of us longing for a cool drink enjoyed poolside, the farmers’ market is the perfect alternative if baking fresh bread for your summer backyard evening dinner with friends is your idea of cool cooking. Farmers’ markets make enjoying Artisan-baked breads more accessible to people. A French baguette can provide a variety of options. French toast topped with fresh berries you picked up from the market, or toasty goodness paired with the corn, tomato, bell pepper, shrimp and feta salad you made using the fresh corn on the cob you grilled before cutting it off and adding it to the bowl. The summer creations you prepare using ingredients from your local farmers’ markets can be as vast as your imagination.
Metro Denver Farmers’ Market – Lakewood
Where: Mile Hi Church, 9077 W Alameda Ave., Lakewood. Visit its website for all other locations, dates and times.
When: June 14 – October 4; Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Lowdown: One thing we cannot forget that makes shopping at your local farmers’ market great is the sense of community that you experience, regardless of which one you visit. The Metro Denver Farmers Market is one of those markets that brings the community together. Since some neighborhoods are considered food deserts, farmers’ markets provide an excellent way for families to purchase healthy food options at an affordable price.
Real Farmers’ Market – Erie
Where: Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie
When: May 15 to September 18; Thursday 5 – 8 p.m.
The Lowdown: Northern Colorado offers a variety of fresh produce options, whether you visit local apple orchards or make the Real Farmers Market your one-stop shop for picking up favorites like honey, fresh sauces and condiments, coffee, eggs, meats and more. When you buy local, you’re supporting Colorado’s farms and businesses. Not only will you find farm-fresh ingredients at the Real Farmers Market, you will also find local baked goods, natural body care and more.
Rebel Marketplace
Where: Multiple locations, visit its website here
When: June 21 – October 18; Times vary by location
The Lowdown: Rebel Marketplace is all about community and helping local farmers, artisans and small business owners sell its goods and gain awareness. James Grevious is the owner/founder of The Rebel Marketplace.
Farmers’ Markets are a great place to find ingredients to put a fresh twist on some of your classic, and dare we say, gourmet, sandwiches like the BLT. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, microgreens, chutneys and jams are all great ways to create a flavorful lunch option, whether you’re headed to the park to hear music or clocking in at work. Pair some fresh fruit and you have a winning combo.
Southlands Farmers’ Market
Where: 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
When: Every Saturday up to September 27; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lowdown: Southlands Mall is not only a destination for shopping and finding the latest fashion trends, but it is also a place where residents within and beyond Aurora can come to enjoy summer fun with the whole family. From evenings filled with music, learning about local wines or finding fresh fruits and vegetables to accompany the steak, chicken, fish or tofu you are grilling up. The Southlands Farmer’s Market is another fantastic summer event that the community looks forward to.
University Hills Farmer’s Market
Where: 2999 S. Colorado Blvd.
When: May 10th – October 25; Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lowdown: Next up is the University Hills Farmers Market. If you are someone who loves peach cobbler year-round, then look no further than University Hills Farmers Market to find Palisade peaches to make a fresh summer cobbler. Additionally, they will make a great addition to your crisp and cool summer sangria for your girls’ backyard patio night. Come out and enjoy live music as you shop. Visit its website to find the location of a market near you.
Urban Market at Union Station
Where: Denver Union Station Plaza; 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
When: August 16 and 17 – October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26; 12 – 6 p.m.
The Lowdown: Who said you can’t experience suburban living in the city? The Urban Market at Union Station breaks that myth with its farmers’ market, which makes life in the city even more appealing.