Your Ultimate Guide to Farmers Markets in Colorado's Front Range 🌻🍅

Introduction 🌱

Farmers markets are one of my favorite ways to support local agriculture, small businesses, and make healthier choices. There’s just something special about walking through a market, connecting with the people who grow your food, and knowing you’re investing in your community. Here in Colorado, we’re lucky to have an incredible variety of farmers markets throughout the Front Range, each offering its own unique charm and abundance of fresh, seasonal produce, local goods, and artisan products. But as much as I love farmers markets, it’s important to shop smart – not all vendors are selling local or organic products, and it’s up to us as consumers to ask the right questions and make informed choices.

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Farmers Markets in the Front Range 🥕

Here’s a guide to some of the most popular farmers markets in the Front Range, organized by region. Whether you’re in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, or a smaller community, there’s a market for everyone! Check out the details below for locations, hours, and what makes each market special.

Denver Metro Area 🌆

• Denver Union Station Farmers Market

  • Location: Union Station Plaza, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver

  • Hours: May 31; June 7; July 5, 19 and 26; Aug. 9 and 16; Oct. 11, 18 and 25, 2025; noon to 6 p.m.

  • Highlights: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this market features local produce, baked goods, and artisan products, all set against the backdrop of Denver’s iconic Union Station.

• South Pearl Street Farmers Market

  • Location: 1500–1900 block of S. Pearl St., Denver

  • Hours: Sundays, 9 AM–1 PM, May–November

  • Highlights: A bustling market with a neighborhood feel, featuring local produce, live music, food trucks, and handmade goods.

• Cherry Creek Farmers Market

  • Location: Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 1st Ave. and University Blvd., Denver

  • Hours: Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM, May–November

  • Highlights: One of the largest markets in Denver, offering a wide variety of produce, specialty foods, and prepared meals with plenty of parking available.

Boulder County 🏔️

• Boulder Farmers Market

  • Location: 13th St. between Arapahoe Ave. and Canyon Blvd., Boulder

  • Hours: Saturdays, 8 AM–2 PM, April–November; Wednesdays, 4 PM–8 PM, May–October

  • Highlights: A beloved market with a focus on locally grown, organic produce, plus food trucks, live music, and a beer garden.

• Longmont Farmers Market

  • Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont

  • Hours: Saturdays, 8 AM–1 PM, April–November

  • Highlights: A smaller, family-friendly market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and local meats.

Fort Collins Area 🌳

• Fort Collins Farmers Market

  • Location: Harmony and Lemay Ave., Fort Collins

  • Hours: Sundays, 10 AM–2 PM, May–November

  • Highlights: A casual, community-focused market offering a variety of produce, flowers, and handmade goods.

• Drake Road Farmers Market

  • Location: 802 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins

  • Hours: Saturdays, 10 AM–1 PM, April–October

  • Highlights: Known for its friendly atmosphere, this market offers fresh food and crafts in a relaxed setting.

Colorado Springs 🌄

• Old Colorado City Farmers Market

  • Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs

  • Hours: Saturdays, 7 AM–1 PM, June–October

  • Highlights: A charming market in a historic part of town, featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan products.

• Colorado Farm and Art Market

  • Location: Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs

  • Hours: Wednesdays, 3 PM–7 PM, June–October; Sundays, 9 AM–1 PM, July–October

  • Highlights: A unique market showcasing local produce, handmade crafts, and art from regional creators.

Smaller Cities and Communities 🌾

• Loveland Farmers Market

  • Location: Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland

  • Hours: Sundays, 9 AM–1:30 PM, June–September

  • Highlights: A community-focused market with fresh produce, local honey, and live entertainment.

• Greeley Farmers Market

  • Location: 902 7th Ave., Greeley

  • Hours: Saturdays, 8 AM–12 PM, May–October

  • Highlights: Features local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and live music.

• Estes Park Farmers Market

  • Location: Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park

  • Hours: Thursdays, 8 AM–1 PM, June–September

  • Highlights: A quaint market offering fresh produce, meats, and unique handmade items, all with breathtaking mountain views.

The Importance of Talking to Vendors 🗣️

One of the best parts of shopping at farmers markets is the opportunity to connect directly with the people who grow your food—but it’s important to remember that not all vendors are selling local or organic products. Some vendors may source their produce from out of state or sell conventionally grown goods that might not align with your values.

Here are a few questions I always ask vendors:

• Where does your produce come from?

• Is it grown locally? If not, where is it sourced?

• Do you use pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers?

• Is your produce organic or grown using organic practices, even if it’s not certified?

These questions not only ensure you’re supporting local farmers and getting the freshest food possible, but they also help build relationships. Vendors often love sharing their farming practices, seasonal insights, and even recipe ideas. Those conversations make your farmers market experience so much richer!

The Reality of Non-Local and Non-Organic Vendors 🚜

While farmers markets are often thought of as a direct connection to local and organic produce, some vendors are resellers. This means they purchase produce from other sources—sometimes from hundreds or even thousands of miles away—and sell it at the market.

Here’s how to spot non-local or non-organic vendors:

• Tropical produce like bananas or avocados (which don’t grow locally in Colorado).

• Fruits and vegetables that are overly uniform and perfect-looking.

• Vendors who can’t answer specific questions about farming practices.

Also, keep in mind that many small farmers can’t afford organic certification, even if they follow organic or sustainable practices. Asking about their growing methods can often tell you far more than a certification ever could. Supporting truly local farmers helps reduce your carbon footprint, supports the local economy, and promotes sustainable agriculture.

A Note About Bringing Your Dogs 🐾

As much as we love our furry friends, farmers markets aren’t always the best place for them. Many markets, like the Boulder Farmers Market and South Pearl Street Farmers Market, don’t allow dogs due to health and safety regulations. Even at markets that do, summer temperatures can create additional risks. Markets are often hosted on streets or asphalt, which can get dangerously hot and burn your dog’s paw pads. Combine that with the risk of overheating, and it’s best to leave your pup at home while you shop. Trust me, you’ll both be happier!

Tips for Shopping Smart at Farmers Markets 🛍️

• Arrive early for the best selection of produce.

• Bring reusable bags to reduce waste. Bonus: bring a cooler for perishable items!

• Carry cash for faster transactions with vendors.

• Be open to seasonal or unfamiliar produce to discover something new.

• Learn to spot "in-season" produce to ensure it’s fresh and local.

• Plan meals around what’s available to reduce waste and save money.

Conclusion ❤️

Farmers markets are truly a gift to our communities, offering fresh food, local connections, and a chance to support the hardworking farmers and artisans around us. I’d love to hear about your favorite farmers market experiences! What’s your go-to market? Is there a seasonal veggie or fruit you can’t resist? Or maybe a recipe you’ve created inspired by your market haul? Share your stories by replying to this email or sending me a DM on Instagram—I can’t wait to hear from you!

Let’s inspire each other to shop smarter and support our local farmers! 🌟

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