Denver Farmers’ Markets: Fun, Fresh and Local
Summer is here – and that means that it is officially Farmers’ Market season in Denver! The many markets spread throughout the Mile High City aren’t just about locally grown farm-fresh produce, delicious baked goods and good-to-the-last bite prepared foods – though you’ll find more than enough of those things. Each Denver Farmers Market is a festive, weekly street fair, with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a vibrant crowd of locals. Take some time this spring and summer to enjoy these great Denver Farmers’ Markets.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
When: Saturdays, May – October, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays, June – September, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: E. First Ave & University Blvd., Denver
Consistently named by locals as their favorite farmers’ market, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market is devoted to Colorado producers. Shopping here helps local family farmers stay in business, preserves quality local food sources for Colorado while using fewer resources, and most importantly, provides you with access to the freshest and most nutritious produce available. Get some just-popped kettle corn or a fresh-made tamale, mingle with the crowd and start shopping!
More Info: www.coloradofreshmarkets.com
City Park Esplanade Fresh Market
When: Sundays, May – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St., Denver
The lush, green expanse of City Park is the perfect spot for a good old-fashioned Farmers’ Market. The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market boasts the same vendors as Saturday’s Cherry Creek’s Fresh Market, but is usually a little less crowded. It’s also a perfect spot for a picnic – just grab some fresh fruit, some bread and cheese and find a nice spot in the sun.
More Info: www.coloradofreshmarkets.com
Highland United Neighbors Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, June – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 1500 Boulder St., Denver
New for 2009, this will be the only market in Northwest Denver and is easily accessible from downtown, Sloans Lake, Sunny Side and the Highlands. The Highlands is a neighborhood that is committed to supporting local businesses and leading sustainable lifestyles, so residents have been eagerly awaiting their very own market. The Farmers Market will be on the 1500 block of Boulder St., in front of well-known local restaurants Vita, Lola and Shangri-La.
More Info: www.hobnobevents.com/calendar.html
The Market at Belmar
When: Sundays, June – September, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Alaska Dr. and Teller St., just east of Alameda Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood
This European-inspired marketplace is a great way to spend your Sunday morning or afternoon. For the best fresh picked basil pestos, marinated Italian cheeses and balsamic vinaigrettes this side of Tuscany, head to Loredana’s Pesto. Morton’s Orchard offers Colorado vine-ripened organic fruit—the peaches are to die for. And if the sight of all that food makes you ravenous, pick up an order Sister’s Pantry’s Asian Dumplings with soy lime and cilantro. Or show up early for the fantastic pancake breakfast!
More info: www.belmarcolorado.com
Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
When: Sundays, June – October, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl St., between Florida Ave. and Iowa Ave., Denver
Super-fresh produce, ready-to-eat treats, artisan cheeses and just-out-of-oven baked goods – this is what a Farmers’ Market is all about! The quaint Old South Pearl neighborhood hosts this splendid Farmers’ Market every Sunday in the summertime. The irresistible smell of freshly roasted chilies will lead you over to Pope Farms’ booth. If you’re looking for tips on what to do with your haul, show up around noon for the weekly “Nibble At Noon” chef demonstration featuring recipes, cooking tips and more.
More info: www.oldsouthpearlstreet.com
Golden Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, June – October, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.,
Where: 10th St. and Illinois St., (Parking lot just west of the library on 10th), Golden
Golden’s farmers’ market is more like a weekly block party, than a traditional outdoor market – though there’s plenty of food to buy here. The market features live music and free horse-drawn carriage rides through Historic Golden each week. Garden décor, specialty treats, flowers and plants, and hard to find items fill up many of the booths. Come early, get yourself a breakfast burrito and get down to business—vendors often sell out of their wares well before closing time.
More info: www.goldencochamber.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=30
Littleton Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, mid-June – September, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: On S. Nevada Street between Main Street and Powers Avenue, Littleton
In addition to filling your fridge and pantry with fresh produce and baked goods, at the Littleton Farmers’ Market you’ll enjoy a vibrant community spirit and fun atmosphere. A typical Saturday at the market includes a hospitality tent with information about Historic Downtown Littleton, special kids activities, live music, a gourmet cooking demonstration by acclaimed Chef Michael Long of Opus Restaurant, gardening tips, a chair massage, adopt a pet and get veterinarian advice.
More Info: www.downtownlittleton.com/FarmersMarket.htm
Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., May – October
Where: Wadsworth Blvd. and Bowles Ave., Highlands Ranch
Made up almost entirely of farmers and producers from the areas surrounding Denver, this is a fun, fresh market that is worth the drive to Highlands Ranch. Fill all of your fruits and veggie needs and then explore some of the other, more unique booths, like Body By Lynne, featuring natural bath and body products, or Taste of Denmark, with danishes, strudels, tarts and coffee cake.
More Info: www.denverfarmersmarket.com
Tiri's Garden Farmers Market
When: Daily, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: At the corner of 15th St. & California, Denver
Inspired by Michelle Obama’s organic vegetable garden at the South Lawn of the White House, Tiri’s Garden, which opened in July 2009, occupies 8,000 square feet in the heart of the urban center of the City of Denver. Located in a former parking lot and literally surrounded by concrete, the vegetable garden is an organic oasis in Downtown Denver. Every participating vendor will donate a portion of their proceeds to Concerts For Kids, who will donate that money to Denver Public Schools Foundation's A to Z Fund, a program that provides funding for students to further their learning experiences through literary trips and after school activities.
More Info: www.concertsforkids.org
Discover more great Denver spring/summer activities and events at www.Denver365.com.