Your guide to metro Phoenix farmers markets open during the summer
Phoenicians aren’t the only ones that tend to hunker down during the summer months as the Valley’s farmers market season also goes into hibernation. For the most part.
The majority of Arizona’s farmers continue to do their jobs, coaxing and nurturing nature’s gifts through the brutal heat and unrelenting sunshine, and there are some markets that also plow through.
If you’re looking to shop the farmers market all year, here's a look at nine markets that stay open for some or all of the summer with modified hours.
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
Saturday, 7-10 a.m., June only.
This in-the-heart-of-downtown-Scottsdale market showcases more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Track down organic and pesticide-free produce, pork, beef, cheese and pantry staples like jams, spices and honey. Artisan breads, tamales and sweet treats from vendors the likes of The Toffee Merchant and Stone Grindz Chocolate are worth stocking up on before the market takes a break until the fall.
Details: 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. facebook.com/OldTownScottsdaleFarmersMarket.
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market
Saturday, 7-10 a.m., June-September.
This neighborhood gathering spot has been a weekly favorite for more than 30 years. Head here for local fruit and vegetables from beloved farms like Crooked Sky Farms and healthy snacks from Doctor Hummus. Also, peruse baked goods, hand-crafted items and jewelry while soaking up the family atmosphere thanks to the children's playground with play equipment, a fishing pond with ducks and geese and swimming pool at the adjacent park.
Details: 3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com.
Uptown Farmers Market
Saturday, 8-11 a.m., June-September.
At this expansive market, regulars rely on the collection of nearly 150 vendors featured in a shaded grass courtyard or indoors with cooling air conditioning for their summer produce, dairy, baked goods, snacks and accouterments for the kitchen and home. Make a salad with goods from Arizona Microgreens and Steadfast Farm, stock up with stuff to put on the grill from 6th Day Farms and Moon River Beef & Eggs, and fill your pantry with offerings from Sonoran Pasta Co., Absolutely Delightful Honey and Timoteo’s Spice Company. Answer immediate cravings at Ava’s Kettle Corn, Udder Delights, Chubby Cheeks Cookies and Augas Fabulosas. If plant-based eating is your jam, Aloha Keke’s vegan maladas, Fluffy Vegans’ snacks and Vegan Grilled Cheese’s handhelds have you covered. Jewelry, decor and handmade items are aplenty.
Details: 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. uptownmarketaz.com.
The best tacos in Phoenix: This Baja-style Mexican food cart at the farmers market named Top Taco
Downtown Chandler Market
Saturday, 7-10 a.m., June-September.
Dozens of Arizona farmers and gourmet food vendors are sprawled on the green belt at AJ Chandler Park. The lineup features fresh produce from Little Mallow Farms and Black Orchid Farms, and shelf-stable goods from vendors like Bad Dog Salsa, Awaken Joy Spice Company and Carefree Honey. Plan for your next gathering with bites from Stamper Cheese Company, Noble Bread or macarons — vegan and traditional — from Whysked. A variety of items for the bath, body and four-legged babies are also on hand.
Details: 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. downtownchandler.org/events/farmers-market.
Power Road Farmers Market
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., all year long.
Open daily year round, this family-owned produce and specialty farmers market has been a brick-and-mortar landing spot for more than 50 years. Score weekly specials on fresh foods like squash, green beans, melons of all colors and sizes, avocados and in-season berries. Shop for Arizona raw milk, chicken and duck eggs, and purchase hatch green chiles — fresh or roasted daily — by the pound or gunny sack. In-season summer honeys include mesquite, alfalfa/clover and wildflower, and swing by for made-in-Arizona gifts spanning salsa, jams, sauces and candy.
Details: 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480-497-0706, powerrdfarmersmarket.com.
Gilbert Farmers Market
Saturday, 7-11 a.m., May-September.
Find yourself at the iconic water tower in downtown Gilbert and you’ll be in the right place to look and linger over a hundred or so vendors flaunting local organic produce, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, coffee and tea, sauces, seasonings and non-food items. Agritopia Farm, Benny Blanco Tortillas, Blue Sky Organic Farm, Pinetop Olive Oil, See Salt and The Tamale Store are among the rotating vendors. Get immediate satisfaction at spots like Bergies Coffee, Homegrown Smoker and Waffle Love. Save room for the food trucks and bring home treats for your furry family members from Ruff Life Dog Bones or Happy Tails Barkery.
Details: 222 N. Ash St. Gilbert. gilbertmarket.com.
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
Saturday, 7:30-11:30 a.m., May-second Saturday in October.
Find yourself in the middle of everything at this popular farmers market offering something for nearly everyone. Snack on bites from Mobile Mini Pizzeria or Buenos Aires Empanadas, and stock up on dry goods from Arizona Pasta Pasta, VintageOats and Proof Bread. Vendors showing off their handmade wares ranging from clothing and jewelry to home and bath decor are worth taking a gander at.
Details: 720 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org.
Ahwatukee Farmers Market
Sunday, 8-11 a.m., June-September.
Located in the parking lot of the Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, this neighborhood market offers jewelry, clothing, soaps, artwork and seedlings to kick off your at-home garden, in addition to knife sharpening by Sharp ‘N’ It on the first Sunday of the month. Find probiotic elderberry dietary supplements at The Original Elderberry Company and sweet and savory jams at The Kitchen Witch. Quench your thirst and cool down from the inside out with sorbet from Lulu’s Sorbetto and lemonade from LemonLicious.
Details: 4700 E. Warner Road, Phoenix. facebook.com/AhwatukeeFarmersMarket.
Carefree Farmers Market
Friday, 8-11 a.m., June-September.
Local seasonal produce, flowers and fresh and dried herbs from nearby vendors are available alongside clothing, hats, artwork, goat’s milk soap and jewelry. Bring a cooler and pack it with meat, seafood and tamales to take home and save room for sweets-filled pink boxes from The Candy Queen, gluten-free granola from Kenz Krunch and jarred Arizona-grown goods from Sonoran Scavengers.
Details: 8 E. Sundial Circle, Carefree. instagram.com/carefreefarmersmarket.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Scottsdale farmers market and other Phoenix markets open for summer
