See Why these Nine Colorado Farmers Markets are a Must See This Summer

Phot courtesy of Vail Farmers Market

In Colorado, farmers markets are more than just open-air organic artisanal grocery stores. They’re social gatherings, lazy mornings in the sun, maker storefronts, live-music venues and learning centers that celebrate the bounties of the summer as well. July and August are when they are at their peak, so there’s no better time to sample the best of the state and plan a summer menu of earthy Colorado goods with ingredients from local markets. Grab your produce baskets and wide-brimmed hats and be prepared to wander in wonder of bountiful Colorado culinary finds.

Alamosa Farmers Market

San Luis Valley dairy and meat producers offer home-crafted cheeses and grass-fed beef, lamb and yak. Nibble samples from valley growers and score Colorado recipes and tips at free cooking demos. The open-air roasted chiles are a must-try.
alamosafarmersmarket.org

Locally grown flowers in full bloom at the Telluride Farmer’s Market | Photo courtesy of Telluride Farmer’s Market

Boulder Farmers Market

The popular Boulder market (with a sister market in Longmont) boasts the longest season in Colorado, running from April to mid-November. Find out-of-the-ordinary goods such as specialty chocolate, goat milk and crayfish, along with a full food court and acoustic entertainment. Don’t miss Masa Seed Foundation, which focuses on growing bio-regional seed banks for local and national distribution.
bcfm.org

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

Denver’s largest farmers market offers a colorful mix of beautiful flowers from local farmers, local produce, artisan products and delicious cuisine, plus all the high-end shopping your heart (and wallet) can handle. Many food businesses and food-related causes have started here, so if you’re looking for the next best gourmet treat, chances are you’ll find it at this market!
coloradofreshmarkets.com

Fresh from the farm, white and red radishes are a summertime favorite at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market | Photo courtesy of South Pearl St Farmer’s Market

Colorado Springs Farmer’s Markets

Colorado Springs Farmer’s Markets runs more than a dozen summer markets, from the Backyard Market to Monument to Woodland Park, all filled with fine artisan goods as well as organic produce, infused vinegars, pet treats and wellness products.
springsfarmersmarkets.com

Crested Butte Farmers Market

In addition to wild-caught fish, ciders, wines and massages, this mountain market brings visitors a genuine field-to-fork experience with a seasonal harvest supper. The meal is sourced entirely from local foods, down to the table salt. If you can’t experience the harvest supper, make sure to bring some goodies home from Laz Ewe 2 Bar Goat Dairy, like its yak cheese.
cbfarmersmarket.org

Photo courtesy of Bjorn’s Colorado Honey

Dillon Farmers Market

Located in Town Park, this lakeside bazaar features artistic glass jewelry, handmade pottery, boutique soaps, cheeses, pastries and a full line- up of live music to boot. Grab a fresh-squeezed lemonade and some walnut cranberry bread, then explore Lake Dillon on a historical boat tour with departures from Dillon Marina.
townofdillon.com

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

This highly curated neighborhood market has a loyal following of vendors and visitors that all add to the unique personality of this community. In addition to juicy late-summer Western Slope peaches and apples, baked treats, kombuchas, cacti and food truck offerings that make your mouth water, each Sunday brings live music as well as special events including a pet fair, flea market, chille cook-off and Halloween parade.
southpearlstreet.com

Photo courtesy of Fireworks Finishing Butters

Telluride Farmers Market

Telluride keeps the jovial vibe alive at its Friday market with free music and presentations on the Gondola Plaza, along with pottery, clothing and woodcraft vendors. The market’s goal is to not only provide the community with high-quality, locally produced food and artisan craft, but also create a space where customers come face-to-face with the hardworking producers and crafters.
thetelluridefarmersmarket.com

Vail Farmers Market and Art Show

The largest farmers market in Colorado offers 148 tents packed with garden goodies, regional fare, international cuisines, art, wellness products and home goods. Add the live music, huge roasted turkey legs, Mexican street corn and kids play areas, and the Sunday market resembles a (very stylish) county fair.
vailfarmersmarket.com