Find the Taste of Fall at These 8 Arizona Farmers Markets
Mouth of the South Salsa at the Heirloom Farmer’s Market in Rillito Park. You can enjoy the farmers markets even with masks and social distancing!
Have you ever noticed that food just tastes better when it’s local? There is something different about that steak from the local butcher shop and that milk from the dairy down the way. Fresh, seasonally grown produce really does make a difference in the way your recipes and meals taste. And, when you replace a few ingredients with those made and grown in Arizona, you’re supporting your local food community during a time when they need it the most.
“Did you know for every $100 you spend locally $43 of that stays in the community vs. only $13 when you shop at a big box store?”
Not only does the community benefit, but your wallet does too. With prices rising dramatically in supermarkets, the prices at farmers markets remain steady, which means shopping at your weekly market makes more “cents.” Maybe even bring a reusable tote to keep all your fresh goods in!
Cooler weather is inching on the horizon, and markets across the state are reopening - so swing by a market near you today and show the love to your local farmers and producers who’ve missed you as well. Many of the markets have COVID-19 safety measures such as requiring masks and socially distanced stands in place, so you will be safe while you shop. They have also increased the number of handwashing stations and limited entrances. Additionally, many markets now offer an online option for those who don’t feel safe going in person but still want farm fresh food!
Looking to find a Market near you? Check out our Market Directory by clicking the link below:
Check out these Brand New Markets that Just Opened
Some options from Pasta Pasta! You can find most ingredients at farmers markets!
Surprise: Sterling Grove Farmers Market
Located at 17193 West Montpelier Street, the Sterling Grove Farmers Market is now open to the public! They operate from 10am to 2pm each Sunday from September 2020 through May 2021. At Sterling Grove, you can get your fresh produce from places like Abby Lee Farms and the D. Sanchez Nursery. While you’re at it, grab some beef from the Araviapa Canyon Ranch stand and some spices from Timoteo Spice Co. It’s easy with so many fresh options in one place. You can see the full list of vendors on Sterling Groves’ website.
Glendale: Arrowhead Farmers Market
Open year round, the Arrowhead Farmers Market has moved to its fall hours! Open from 9am to 2pm, you have all Saturday afternoon to explore the delicious local offerings. Friendly, leashed dogs are also allowed, and it’s always fun to see how many puppies you can pet. Arrowhead not only has dozens of options for food vendors, artisans, and fresh produce but they also have activities for the kids and young at heart! After you pick up some sweets from Switch Beignets and milk from Green Pastures Raw Milk Dairy, you can get a glitter tattoo or ride the Little Toot Barrel Train. There is always something for everyone at the Arrowhead Market.
Cornville: Windmill Park Farmers Market
Windmill Park Farmers Market is well named as it is set in a beautiful park that makes the browsing experience even more pleasant! As you stroll through the park and the market, you will find farm-to-table produce, lamb, vegan cheese, and delicious sounding cacao treats and baked goods. This market is a great option for those who struggle with the early morning farmers markets or weekends; it’s open on Monday from 2pm-6pm! Like all farmers markets you will also find great non-food items like homemade aprons. Check out their Facebook page to see a list of their vendors.
And Don’t Forget These Local Favorites
Cod from Alaskan Pride Seafoods. Buying meat at farmers markets is a great way to support different communities.
Phoenix: Uptown Farmers Market
The city of Phoenix is lucky to have a good selection of farmers markets to choose from. The members of the LFA team that live in the city are grateful for the fresh options available to them so easily! The Uptown Farmers Market is a large market located at the North Phoenix Baptist Church (5757 North Central Ave.) and is open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm. Starting on October 7, they will also have a Wednesday market held at the same time. To make it even more accessible, the uptown market has launched an online version where you can select curbside pickup or delivery. You can order by Wednesday for Saturday pickup or delivery.
Superior: Farm to Fantastic Farmers Market
The Farm to Fantastic Farmers Market returns October 10th to the Superior Food Court! This market is open every Saturday morning from 9am to noon. This market is not open year round and will close on December 19th, 2020. This market features Cottage Food jams and jellies, baked sweets, food themed art, and kitchen and gardening textiles. You can also order your goodies online for Saturday pick-up. The ordering process asks you to check out their offerings listed on their Facebook page on Wednesday, place your order by Thursday at 6pm, confirm your order on Friday, and pick up on Saturday!
Sedona: Sedona Farmers Market
The Sedona Community Farmers Market is starting up their winter season hours! They will be open every Sunday from 11am to 3pm from October 25 through May 2, 2021. To keep people safe, the market has also created a specific entrance and exit, requires face masks, and they ask that you leave your pets at home. The Sedona Market has a ton to offer from traditional offerings like produce, herbs, meat, and dairy products, as well as items like homeopathic tinctures, plant starts, chair massage therapy, and the Master Gardeners of U of A Agricultural Extension of Yavapai County offer their gardening expertise!
Dream Cheeze is a vegan option! There are all sorts of unique and delicious finds at farmers markets!
Green Valley: Heirloom Farmers Market
Heirloom Farmer Market has 5 locations, and their Green Valley location opens on October 7th! This market is the area’s longest running and largest marketplace. The market is open every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm from October to April. The market is full of artisan goods, jewelry, and southwest flavor. You can pick up Sonoran Hot Dogs, Mediterranean and authentic German cuisine at their food court. They usually have live music, and we look forward to having it return! The other Heirloom Farmers Markets are located in Udall Park, Oro Valley, Rincon Valley, and Rillito Park -- you can find them on their website.
Peoria: Night Market
Another great option for those who can’t get to a morning or weekend market, the Peoria Night Market is on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm. They open on October 7. This night market boasts a huge list of food vendors like Taormina Gourmet International Foods, Baked and Boujee, and Tree Huggin Bakers. They also have specialty vendors like The Herbology Shop and Massage Envy. It’s a great place to go out for dinner when you don’t want to cook or to go on a fun night out. You can check out their website for more information.
Farmers Markets are a great alternative to traditional stores and they want to make it easy and affordable for people to get fresh food. Many of the Farmers Markets listed here and in the directory accept SNAP/EBT/DUFB and some will even match what you spend.
Buying local food that tastes better, saves you money, and helps the community? What are you waiting for?