By Molly O’Brien
There’s no time like the present to take in fresh air and even fresher goods at these top Valley farmers markets.
Phoenix Public Market
The Phoenix Public Market is open rain or shine year-round, located three blocks south of the Roosevelt/Central Light Rail Station in Downtown Phoenix. This family-friendly market has grown to consistently host 80-plus vendors each week. Grab an espresso at Blue House Coffee paired with a pastry at Bignet Babes to enjoy while browsing the fresh and local produce.
Saturdays (May to Sept.): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturdays (Oct. to April): 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mesa Farmers Market and Flea
Just outside of Historic Downtown Mesa, the Mesa Farmers Market and Flea at Pioneer Park provides an inviting environment for vendors, families and Fido friends alike (pets are allowed, as long as they’re on-leash). Visitors can experience the splash pad, a 9,000-sq.-ft. playground and basketball courts in addition to the extensive variety of fresh and healthy food fare.
Saturdays: (Oct. to May) 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturdays (June to Sept.) 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Downtown Chandler Farmers Market
This year-round market takes place Saturdays at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West with dozens of local vendors offering fresh produce, prepared food, beverages and unique handmade goods. Alongside the market at 10 a.m., local studio FLO Yoga & Cycle teaches a free 45-minute “Yoga in the Park” class open to all levels and ages.
Saturdays (Oct. to May): 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays (June to September): 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Uptown Farmers Market
The Uptown Farmers Market offers a warm and inviting space for community members, neighbors and local vendors to celebrate Arizona’s native foods and handcrafted goods. It even offers a signature “veggie valet” service in which guests purchase fruits and vegetables from any vendor to get them chopped, sliced and diced onsite, free of charge!
Bi-weekly, Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Farmers Market on High Street
The Farmers Market on High Street boasts a full block of vendors offering food and fun for all ages (and it’s dog-friendly too, provided that the dog is friendly). Farm-fresh produce, locally-sourced honey, fresh-baked breads and sweet treats, olive oils, sauces, fresh seafood, tamales, hummus, jewelry and artsy home décor are just a few of the available goodies.
Sundays (Oct. to June): 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Old Town Farmers Market
The lively Old Town Farmers Market in Scottsdale features local growers and specialty food producers with organic and pesticide-free commodities. Seasonal specialties include home-made cider, apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish, free range eggs, local cheeses, Amish friendship bread, jams and tamales.
Saturdays (Oct. to May): 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tempe Farmers Market
The Tempe Farmers Market is a year-round community grocery emporium, vegan deli, coffee shop and smoothie bar. Now open inside the space is the Dark Side bar which serves cocktails, beer and offers live music. The market carries Arizona-made products, produce and a grocery selection of locally baked bread, hummus, salsas/sauces and nut butters.
Open daily: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Gilbert Farmers Market
Located just west of the iconic Water Tower, the Gilbert Farmers Market offers local, chemical-free and organic produce from local farmers, as well as locally-made artisan products. The market has grown to host 60-plus vendors during the summertime and 100-plus vendors in the fall. It’s bike- and dog-friendly with a plethora of food trucks to choose from while you browse.
Saturdays (Oct. to March/April): 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Saturdays (April/May to Sept.): 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
