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 4 – October 26, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. & Wednesdays, June 19 – September 25, 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!

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market
When: Sundays, May 12 – October 27, 9 am – 1 pm
E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St.
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.

Highland United Neighbors Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, June 1 – October 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 1500 Boulder St., Denver
This market in Northwest Denver is easily accessible from downtown, Sloans Lake, Sunny Side and the Highlands. The Farmers Market is on the 1500 block of Boulder St., in front of well-known local restaurants Vita, Lola and Linger.

The Market at Belmar
When: Sundays, June 2 – August 15, 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!
 
South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market
When: Sundays, May 19 – November 3, 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.

Littleton Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, May 4 – September, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: 8501 West Bowles Ave., 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, gardening tips, a chair massage, adopt a pet and get veterinarian advice.

Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market
When: Sundasy, 10 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.