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SUMMER 🌞 PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE: Local Farmers' Markets

Duvall - Issaquah - North Bend - Sammamish -Carnation

By Snoqualmie Valley Macaroni KID November 1, 2023

Don’t you love it when the season for farmer’s markets rolls around? Who doesn’t look forward to meeting the growers and producers of the fresh foods we enjoy the most – and the free samples, live music, crafts, and kid’s activities! Here’s the rundown of the markets taking place in our region this year.

Frequenting local farmers' markets is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the summer. It also provides a lot of interesting things to see and products to buy and enjoy. You can feel better about knowing that your purchases will help your local economy and community. 

There are many great reasons to shop at your local farmers' market. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • It's an excellent family activity. Get the family together and enjoy the local shopping experience. Vendors are great educators and you just may learn something!
  • Save money! Buying from local farmers eliminates the middleman and any shipping costs.
  • Enjoy fresh produce. There is a very good chance that the fruit/veggies you buy from the farmer were picked a day or two ago! You won't find that option in a supermarket.
  • Relish in the outdoors. Most markets are "open-air" venues which means you get to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer (hopefully it's blue skies and sunshine)!
  • Support nearby producers and farm families. Family farmers have become increasingly rare as agribusiness farms are taking over. Market profits go straight into growers' pockets which helps to keep small farms alive. A very good thing!

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SATURDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS
HELPFUL TIPS

SATURDAYS

ISSAQUAH FARMER’S MARKET 

When: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m May - September 

Where: Pickering Barn

What: Visit the Issaquah Farmer’s Market for a fresh experience. The market hosts 4,500 shoppers on a busy summer Saturday, so this market is no snooze fest. Shoppers will find a long list of edibles, collectibles, and entertainment including fruits and vegetables, baked goods, food trucks, fresh flowers, multiple performance artists, crafts, and more.

More information: Link to website and Facebook page


REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET:  

When: Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m May through October.  

Where: on Leary Way  

What: Expect plenty of fun for the whole family at the Eastside’s oldest farmer’s market. Listen to live bands every Saturday. Find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans. Zany zucchini races, hula dancers, free make n' take crafts for kids, celebrating veterans, Kids Day, and pet parades are just some of the fun in store for this season! Check the events calendar for details.

More information: Link to website and Facebook

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TUESDAYS

CARNATION FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Tuesdays from 3-7 pm May through September 

Where: Red Barn @ Tolt MacDonald Park

What: Fun for family and friends, the Sammamish Farmer’s market offers farm fresh produce, plant starts, dairy, and grass-fed beef, along with products from local beekeepers, crafts, prepared foods, and more! Check the market events calendar for weekly entertainment offerings. 

More information: Link to website or FB page

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WEDNESDAYS

SAMMAMISH FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m May through September 

Where: Sammamish Commons

What: Fun for family and friends, the Sammamish Farmer’s market offers farm fresh produce, plant starts, dairy and grass-fed beef, along with products from local beekeepers, crafts, prepared foods and more! Check the market events calendar for weekly entertainment offerings. 

More information: Link to website or FB page


KIRKLAND FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m May through September 

Where: Marina Park

WhatSample local and artisanal goods and specialties from fresh crisp apples, to sweet berries, and delectable baked goods and more.

More information: Link to website or Instagram page

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THURSDAYS

NORTH BEND FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Thursdays 4-8 pm June -September

Where: Si View Park

What: Taste the freshness. Meet local farmers, and find a fantastic selection of seasonal, locally-grown items. Vendors offer fresh produce, berries, honey, flowers, botanicals, baked goods, delicious prepared foods, unique handcrafted goods, and more. Bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy the summer sounds with the music in the park series. Live entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. each week.

More information: Link to website or Instagram page


DUVALL FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, May through October if weather permits 

Where: Taylor Landing

What: The Duvall Farmer’s Market presents live performances each week for “Music at the Market.” Grab some meat pies or pizza for dinner and some flourless goodies or Georgia’s baked goods for dessert! Discover beautiful fresh flowers and plant starts for the garden. Then, pick up some farm-fresh produce, cheese, butter, or meats to take home. Kids will find fun hands-on crafts and more at the children’s booth.

More Info: Website  Facebook 


BELLEVUE FARMER’S MARKET: 

When: Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, May 18 through October 19 if weather permits 

Where: Bellevue Presbyterian Church

What:  market day is composed of its own unique mix of vendors offering seasonal fruits & vegetables, cut flowers, fresh meats, one-of-a-kind artisan goods, and tasty cuisine. All BFM vendors grow and make the products they sell, and we are proud to say everything sold at our market comes from within the great state of Washington. The market regularly features fun activities for kids, live music, and community programs. If you haven’t visited our market yet, the best place to start is our Market Information booth where we’re ready to give you the lay of the land! 

More Info: Website  Facebook 

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HELPFUL FARMER'S MARKET TIPS

A visit to the local farmer’s market is a fun outing that you can repeat every week through the summer months. No two visits will be exactly the same. Here are a few things to remember while visiting your local farmer’s market with kids in tow:

  • Bring cash, as some vendors still don’t accept credit cards, and it saves on the related service fees.
  • Be sure to bring along a shopping tote or reusable bag to haul your treasures home, as you will quickly run out of hands willing and able to carry them.
  • Bring along a blanket or folding chairs if you plan to stay and eat or watch the live entertainment.
  • Set up a meeting place in case you and your kids are separated. Distractions are plenty in these markets, and it’s far too easy to lose track of who’s where.
  • Samples are the norm, so if food allergies are a concern be sure to inquire about ingredients and/or additives before tasting and coach restraint.
  • Remind your children not to touch the fresh produce and/or baked goods on display. Some farmers prefer to select and bag your produce for you, to minimize damage to other produce on display.
  • Most markets prefer that you leave your furry friends at home.
  • Last of all, have fun! The vendors at these events are nearly always friendly and eager to teach others about their products and livelihoods. This is an excellent opportunity for young ones to learn more about where fresh foods come from. They may even be inspired to start a similar business in the future.

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Like this Guide? Macaroni KID Snoqualmie Valley - Issaquah - Sammamish is full of useful local information like this PLUS tons of kid-friendly events on our events calendar.   

Plus you can stay in the know of all the local family fun by subscribing to our FREE weekly e-newsletter!

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SPONSORED by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co.

SPONSORED by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co.

A big thanks to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Macy & Co. for sponsoring this guide!


*** PLEASE CHECK THE FARMERS MARKET WEBSITE BEFORE ATTENDING ***