There’s a lot to love about summer: mountain hikes, patio happy hours, and—of course—perusing local goods at farmers’ markets. Luckily for us, Colorado is a hub for fresh produce and local, artisan-made products. Markets in Boulder County opened in early April, and more markets are popping up in the weeks ahead. 

Here are some of our favorite local farmers markets that make summer in Denver that much sweeter.

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Denver

City Park Farmers Market

Returning for its third year, the City Park Farmers Market has expanded from its inaugural roster of 70 vendors to more than 100. Along with its growing food selection, the market offers donation-based yoga classes, live music, and regular cooking demonstrations by local chefs.

Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m., May 13–October 28
Location: 2551 E. Colfax Ave.

Colorado Fresh Market

Whether you’re looking to stock your refrigerator with fresh produce, pick a bouquet of flowers for your sweetie, or uncover the perfect vintage find, the Colorado Fresh Market has you covered. Every Saturday morning, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center parking lot becomes a space for local vendors to showcase their goods. A second, Wednesday market opens June 14, and parking is free for both days.

Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m., May 6–November 4; Wednesdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 14–August 16
Location: 1st Avenue and University Boulevard

Farmers Market Central Park

Every Sunday from the start of summer until October, you can stroll through Farmers Market Central Park at Founders’ Green. You can find local produce, fresh baked goods, and gourmet food items, plus live music every week.

Hours: Sundays 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., June 25–October 8
Location: 7601 29th Ave.

Highland Square Farmers Market

Do your shopping while sipping on a mimosa (or your preferred a.m. drink) at the Highlands Square Farmers Market. With a live music rotation, a market bar, and—of course—locally grown foods, this market is a must for any Sunday funday. 

Hours: Sundays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 21–October 10
Location: 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard

Metro Denver Farmers’ Market

The oldest farmers’ market in town, the Metro Denver Farmers’ Market boasts five locations and a 40-year history. The Southwest Plaza market (Saturdays 8 a.m.–2 p.m.) opens May 6 and runs until October 28, and the Highlands Ranch market (Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) runs May 7 through October 29. The other two open in June: the Lakewood market (Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) on June 10 and the Littleton market (Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) on June 14.

Hours and locations: Saturdays 8 a.m.–2 p.m., May 6–October 28 at Southwest Plaza; Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., May 7–October 29 at 9288 Dorchester St. in Highlands Ranch; Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 10–September 30, at 9077 W. Alameda Ave.; Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 14–September 27, at 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr.

Real Farmers Market

Spend your morning shopping for organic veggies, artisan breads, and fresh salsas at the Real Farmers Market. But it’s not just local eats—this market also features vendors specializing in soy candles, handcrafted home goods, and herbal remedies. 

Hours and locations: Sundays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 13–October 14, at 824 Front St. in Louisville; Thursdays 5 p.m–8 p.m, May 11–September 14, at Briggs Street between Wells Street and Moffat Street in Erie

South Pearl Farmers Market

Pearl Street is a year-round hub for shopping in Denver, and there’s even more goodies throughout the summer and fall. The South Pearl Farmers Market stretches between the street’s 1400 and 1500 blocks and offers dozens of vendors and a handful of food trucks. Between the booths and the storefronts, it’s easy to spend a whole day browsing.

Hours: Sundays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 7–November 12
Location: South Pearl Street between Arkansas Avenue and Iowa Avenue

Union Station Farmers Market

Appropriately located just outside of Union Station, the Union Station Farmers Market was formerly put on by the Boulder County Farmers Market but is entering its second year with HobNob Events at its helm. Along with coffee, breads, and veggies, the market will also feature chefs serving food from their patios and giving demos. 

Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 3–September 16
Location: 1701 Wynkoop St.

University Hills Farmers Market

Returning to South Denver for its sixth year, the University Hills Farmers Market showcases growers, artisans, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs alike. Vendors include community organizations Denver Urban Gardens, High Line Canal Conservancy, and Compost Colorado.

Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 13–October 28
Location: 2500 S. Colorado Blvd.

Arvada

Arvada Farmers Market

Peaches, honey, cheeses, and cakes—it doesn’t get any sweeter than the Arvada Farmers Market. While you’re getting groceries, take the opportunity to check out the storefronts along Olde Wadsworth Boulevard. 

Hours: Sundays 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m., June 4–October 1
Location: 5702 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

Aurora

Southlands Farmers Market 

Every Saturday, the Southlands Shopping Center parking lot transforms into a space for seasonal produce, locally made home goods, food trucks, and art. The  Southlands Farmers Market its second year at its new location in the Town Square, right in front of the AMC Theatre.

Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m., May 13–September 30
Location: 6155 S. Main St., Aurora

Boulder

Boulder County Farmers Market

The Boulder County Farmers Market has brought fresh, local food to the community since 1987. Since starting out as “a few tables of produce loaded off the backs of pickup trucks,” as the website describes, the nonprofit has expanded to multiple markets and more than 150 vendors, including newcomers Grama Grass & Livestock, Rising Tiger, and Colorado Farmhouse Cheese Company. And with dates spanning from April to November, it has the longest market season in the state.

Hours and locations: Saturdays 8 a.m.–2 p.m., April 1–November 18 and Wednesdays 4 p.m.–8 p.m., May 3–October 4 at 13th Street between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard in Boulder; Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m., April 1–November 18 at 9595 Nelson Rd. in Longmont

Fort Collins

Fort Collins Farmers Market

Established by the Colorado Agricultural Marketing Cooperative in 1984, the Fort Collins Farmers Market is the oldest farmers’ market co-op in Colorado and showcases everything from fruits and jams to handmade crafts and pet treats.

Hours: Sundays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., May 7–November 12 and Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 14–September 27
Location: 1001 E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins

Larimer County Farmers’ Market

In 1975, a group of backyard gardeners decided to share their harvest with the Fort Collins community—thus, the Larimer County Farmers’ Market cropped up. Over the decades, the market has grown to feature around 100 vendors and is managed by the Colorado State University Extension staff. 

Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m., May 20–October 28
Location: 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins

Golden

Golden Farmers Market

With about 65 vendors, the Golden Farmers Market is the perfect excuse for a day trip out to Golden. Located in the west parking lot at the Golden Library, the market is within walking distance of downtown and beautiful Clear Creek.

Hours: Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m., June 3–October 7
Location: 1019 10th St., Golden

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