Best of Olympia 2020: Olympia Farmers Market

Readers' Pick: Best Market, Best Family-Friendly Music Venue

By Missy Bouchat on February 20, 2020

As spring time creeps slowly upon us, it's the time of year we all crave to be outside breathing the fresh air, feeling the warm sunshine upon our faces, and eating local fresh produce straight from the farms. Options are abundant for farmers markets within the Puget Sound Area, but the Best of Olympia voters have spoken: Olympia Farmers Market is the best, and with good reason. This year-round market will satisfy all your produce and artisan needs, is a fun day out for the whole family, and you don't have to wait until spring time to visit.

The Olympia Farmers Market is one of the few markets that stays open year round. Every Saturday through March you can shop from over 60 vendors, grab your fresh fruit and veggies, sample local wines, pick up pasture raised beef, fresh baked goods, jams and spreads, and so much more. You can also enter to win goodies, grab a free hot beverage, and stick around for live music. It's no wonder this market was also voted Best Family-Friendly Music Venue.

Beginning April 2, the market will be open Thursday through Sunday for its High Season until the end of October (when it will then shift to its holiday season). With new seasons brings new produce options, as well as a full lineup of musical performances, activities and vendors.

With so much to do and so many options, it's no wonder so many locals frequent the Olympia Farmers Market. Some favorite vendors include Alamere Herbs and Botanical, Lynch Creek Farm, Johnson Berry Farm, Pigman's Produce Patch, Skipping Stone Garden, MycoUprrhizal Mushrooms and over 40 more. Be sure to also check out the many artisan booths including Left Bank Pastry, OlyKraut, Mel O'Soup, Wynoochee River Winery, Andi Clarke Jewelry, Ginger Street Glass Studio and again, so many more.

Once you've wrapped up your shopping and worked up an appetite, you can indulge in one of the many food truck options, from delicious German delicacies at Madeline's Bavarian Wurst to breakfast any time of day at Heyday Café.

You don't have to wait around for the warm weather to return to enjoy this Olympia staple. Every Saturday until the end of March, head to downtown Olympia at the northern most end of Capitol Way, where you'll find plenty of free two-hour parking. Whether you are looking to pick up fresh produce, browse hand-made pottery, or refill your coffee stash, you won't be disappointed with the options and activities available at the Olympia Farmers Market.

OLYMPIA FARMERS MARKET, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, through March; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday-Sunday, April-October, 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, 360.352.9096, olympiafarmersmarket.com