By Michelle Talsma Everson for Phoenix.Org
A true win-win, farmers markets allow local vendors to sell their produce and other homegrown products while shoppers benefit from buying their food straight from the source.
Because Arizona’s climate allows us to plant and harvest almost every month of the year, you can find a variety of produce at open-air farmers’ markets year-round across the Valley. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites. Take your picks and enjoy!
Arizona Community Farmers Markets
Truly a network of farmers markets, the Arizona Community Farmers Markets can be found in Ahwatukee, Anthem, Carefree, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Sun City and Scottsdale. Each market offers seasonal produce, natural meat and dairy products, local foods, and more. There are bath and beauty products available at some of the markets as well. There are several locations across the Valley. Dates and times vary.
Phoenix Public Market
Photo by Devon Christopher Adams/flickr
A program of Community Food Connections (CFC), this centrally located community gathering place supports “small farmers and businesses that strengthen sustainable food systems and produce healthy products for the local community.”
Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004, open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday.
Gilbert Farmers Market (GFM)
Photo by Gilbert Farmers Market
Gilbert Farmers Markets (GFM) has almost 100 vendors in the spring, offering a wide variety of locally grown produce and foods in addition to arts and crafts. Food trucks and entertainment are present each week. There is also a big focus on educating the public about local food and giving guests opportunities to meet area farmers and producers in person.
Gilbert Farmers Market, 222 N. Ash St., Gilbert, AZ 85234, open Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 noon October through March, and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. April through September.
Momma’s Organic Market
Photo by Momma’s Organic Market
A West Valley favorite, Momma’s Organic Market features fresh produce and other food items, food trucks, gift ideas, and fun activities for the kids. The organization also hosts Food Truck Fridays (at a different location) and a weekly Community Supported Agriculture program that allows shoppers to pre-pay for produce in advance at a discounted price.
Momma’s Organic Market, 9744 W. Northern Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345, open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday.
The Power Ranch Farmers Market
Photo by flickr commons
The Power Ranch Farmers Market is a great mid-week stop for fresh food vendors, food trucks, local artisans, and more — all of which varies per week. “Ray’s Market believes people need to have a relationship with the people who provide [food], not just food products, but the total family fun environment,” according to the market’s website. If you can’t make the mid-week market, Ray’s Market also invites fresh food fans to visit its McClintock Fountains location Saturdays in Tempe.
Power Ranch Farmers Market, 3685 E. Autumn Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85297, open 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; McClintock Fountains, 1840 E. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284, open Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Central Farmers Market
Owned and operated by CrossRoads United Methodist Church, this farmers market is designed to provide healthy, fresh, local food to the community; support local farmers and vendors; provide food for the needy; and more. They also provide a venue for guest artists to show their work.
Central Farmers Market, 7901 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85020, open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
The Camelback Farmers Market
Photo by Michael U./Yelp Contributor
Designed to have a “European feel,” the Camelback Market is filled with some of the freshest local produce plus imported fruits and vegetables. There are also a wide variety of foods, drinks and gifts imported from the south of France.
Vincent’s Saturday Camelback Market, 3930 East Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Steadfast Farm at Agritopia, Farm Stand and Food Trucks
Photo by Steadfast Farm at Agritopia
Steadfast Farm at Agritopia is described as a “certified organic urban farm in the heart of Agritopia, growing produce for our local community.” The farm produces organic herbs, vegetables, fruits and grains that are available for purchase through either the Gilbert Farmers Market or the Agritopia Farm Stand.
Steadfast Farm at Agritopia, 3000 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296, open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Fountain Hills Farmers Market
Photo by Fountain Hills Farmers Market
With more than 20 vendors offering a variety of locally grown produce weekly, this is a can’t miss market experience. One unique aspect is that it’s held in conjunction with Art on the Avenue, making for a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive experience.
Fountain Hills Farmers Market, 16858 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., every Thursday
Clark Park Farmers Market
Clark Park Farmers Market, Photo by TeamworksPR
Hosted by the Tempe Community Action Agency and Tempe neighborhoods, this weekly market features local produce and a variety of other foods alongside arts and crafts. Proceeds benefit the Clark Park Garden.
Clark Park Farmers Market, 1730 S Roosevelt St., Tempe, AZ 85281, open 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday
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