Exploring farmers markets in Pierce and Thurston Counties offers a vibrant opportunity to support local agriculture, discover fresh produce, and engage with the community. As spring approaches, these markets come alive with seasonal offerings and special events tailored to enhance your shopping experience.
Thurston County Highlights
Olympia Farmers Market: Celebrating its 50th season, the Olympia Farmers Market operates year-round Thursday through Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Senior Day is on Thursdays, offering special discounts for those 55 and older. The market features a diverse range of vendors providing local vegetables, Washington-grown fruit, prepared foods, and artisan crafts. You can almost always catch some live music at this market every Saturday.
Tumwater Farmers Market: Open the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 11am to 3pm June through September, this market operates at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School. This market showcases local farmers, gourmet prepared-food vendors, weekly featured artisans, and live music with special events throughout the season.
Yelm Farmers Market: Operating Saturdays from May through September at the Yelm Community Center, the market hosts over 20 vendors, including farmers, artisans, beekeepers, bakers, and more. It also features a thriving children’s program and special events, fostering a family-friendly atmosphere.
Tenino Farmers Market: This open-air market runs every Saturday, May through September. Shoppers can find fresh, locally-grown produce, plants, handcrafted products, music, workshops, and community outreach programs.
Pierce County Highlights
Lakewood Farmers Market: Held on Tuesdays at Fort Steilacoom Park, this market offers a variety of local produce and artisanal goods, providing a convenient midweek shopping option June through September. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stay after the market closes to enjoy Summer Nights at the Pavilion Concerts.
Sunrise Village Farmers Market: Also taking place on Tuesdays, this small market in Puyallup features local vendors and is a great spot to find fresh ingredients for your weekly meals.
Broadway Farmers Market: Celebrating its 35th year in 2025, this weekly Thursday market is abuzz with activity in the heart of downtown Tacoma.
Proctor Farmers Market: Established in 1994, this market happens Saturdays and is open year-round. It is intentionally a farmer and food-focused market, not an artisan/craft market, aligning with their mission to support local farmers.
Spring Event
Spring in the Northwest Market: Scheduled for March 29 and 30 from 10am to 4pm at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, this event features over 80 vendors of handcrafted items and food trucks offering a wide array of local products and culinary delights.
Visiting these farmers markets not only supports local farmers and artisans but also provides an engaging way to incorporate fresh, seasonal produce into your active lifestyle. Keep an eye on their official websites and social media pages for updates on special events, workshops, and seasonal offerings to make the most of your market experience.
BY HILLARY RYAN