Summer 2024 is here! It’s time to do all those things you love. Maybe it’s a walk on your favorite trail. Or perhaps you’d like a picnic or a quiet reading session at the local park. The mountains are always a good idea for spending some time in nature. And don’t forget those DIY projects waiting at home.
But of all the things summer has to offer, visiting the Colorado Springs Farmers Markets should be a top priority. There, you’ll find the freshest food and homemade goods.
No matter what your summer plans are, don’t miss out on the fun of the farmers market. Enjoy!
Summer in Colorado Springs
Summer in Colorado Springs is simply awesome. It’s hard to pick a favorite season when each has its own special charm. But summer? It’s something else. We all love to be outdoors, soaking up the sunshine. Whether it’s exploring the mountains or chilling by the lakes, there’s just something about summer in Colorado. The long, bright days and pleasantly cool nights are unbeatable.
It’s often said that “People visit Colorado for the winter, but stay for the summers” – we couldn’t agree more! We bet you’ve got your own summer favorites, too. Finding fresh local produce and Colorado-made items at the Farmer’s Markets in the Colorado Springs area is something we all look forward to every year.
We’re lucky to have amazing markets spread across the Pikes Peak Region. There’s a different market you could visit almost every day of the week, and it’s a great way to explore the town. Why not make it a fun summer goal? Try to visit all the farmer’s markets in town!
Why Farmer’s Markets Matter
Why not just hit up your local grocery store? Besides getting a chance to combine being outside and visiting different parts of town, it’s also incredibly valuable to support local farmers and other local merchants! Did you know that your dollars go further in our community’s economy when you shop and eat at locally owned businesses?
Another enjoyable part of the Colorado Springs Farmers Markets is the chance to meet friends and neighbors. Whether it’s just you or you bring the whole family. What a fantastic activity on a Saturday morning or since the kids are out of school…any ‘ole day of the week. You can hang out in your own neighborhood in town. Or enjoy visiting another area and its local parks, restaurants, and coffee shops before or after your time at the market.
Other Thoughts on the Value of Local Markets
Here are some thoughts from folks around the community about why a farmer’s market is a valuable part of our community. And why making time this summer to visit your local farmers’ market can be not only fun but incredibly important.
“Farmers markets help to connect rural and urban communities and thus are an invaluable piece of civic architecture. They are a vibrant spot for our neighborhoods, they signal the value that Coloradoans put on local food, help to keep these dollars in our state, and preserve our precious farmland. Moreover, having these markets helps community members who may have difficulty accessing fresh fruits and vegetables through programs like Double-UP food bucks, where every dollar becomes 2 when spent on meat, produce, etc. at these markets — this is not available at grocery stores.”
Michelle Larkins, Ph.D., Food & Environmental Sustainability Researcher, Colorado Springs Food Rescue
“Farmers market season is exciting because we get to experience the bounty of our local region. From the Pueblo chile to Rocky Ford melons, southern Colorado has rich and diverse agriculture. By buying local produce, you support family farms and strengthen our community. Palmer Land Trust partners with farmers to ensure our region has a vibrant local food base, resilient farming communities, and protected land and water resources.”
Rebecca Jewett, Executive Director,
Palmer Land Trust
“I like spending Saturday mornings at the market with my kids. They better understand where our food comes from and why it’s valuable. Meeting farmers and planning our meals based on what’s available keeps us grounded and in touch with the realities of our sustaining resources. It’s real life, real food, and real people. We need bits of that in our modern world. The farmer’s markets are gifts all over our city each summer for those who will go out and enjoy all offer!”
Niki Parks, Local Colorado Springs Resident,
Gleneagle
“Shopping at markets that sell locally sourced food provides a valuable outlet for farmers who are mostly smaller, family operations. Their fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other products retain the flavor and nutritional value lacking in supermarket products. Do something good for yourself, your family, and your community and buy locally produced foods.”
Matt Heimerich, Lower Arkansas Valley Conservation Director,
Palmer Land Trust
Go Meet A Farmer from a Colorado Farm!
So, get outside this summer (and into the fall at some markets!) and meet a farmer. Enjoy a slow Saturday morning picking out some Palisade peaches or finding that perfect Pueblo chile or scoop up some local honey from a Colorado Farm. Yum!! And at every market, you’ll find local and regional vendors offering other creative, unique products for your kitchen as well as your home in general. Right in your own neighborhood!
Colorado Springs Farmer’s Markets Schedule
Here’s a rundown of the local markets offered throughout the Pikes Peak Region. Some markets open around Memorial Day weekend. While others will be spreading throughout June. Some only go through the summer, while others will run through the fall. So, make sure to check the links, if provided, to get more details on dates and to stay in touch as markets will make last-minute changes for holidays, weather, etc. Hope you find your local, neighborhood market! Enjoy the adventure of another neighborhood’s market features as oftentimes, there are different local artisans and local businesses and some even have live music.
Monday Farmers Markets
Mining Museum Farm Stand Market, Western Museum of Mining – 225 North Gate Blvd., resumes June 19, 2024
Wednesday Farmers Markets
Farm & Art Market, Downtown, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum – 215 S. Tejon St., 3 – 7 pm, June 12th through October 9th, 2024
The Briargate Market, Briargate – 7610 N. Union Blvd., 9 – 2 pm, June 5th through September 25, 2024
Mining Museum Farm Stand Market, Western Museum of Mining – 225 North Gate Blvd., resumes June 19, 2024
Thursday Farmers Markets
Banning Lewis Ranch– 8833 Vista del Pico Blvd., 8833 Vista Del Pico Blvd., 4-7pm June 6 to August 1, 2024
Park Union– The Meanwhile Block at 108 West Cimarron St., 4:30pm – Dusk, June 20 – August 29, 2024
Friday Farmers Markets
Woodland Park Farmers Market, Henrietta Avenue at Center Street and Memorial Park, 8:00am-1:00pm, June through September
The UCCS Farmhouse has recently started hosting a Farmers Market on the 3rd. Friday of each month from June to September from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The market features a variety of vendors from their own students to local vendors as well as a handful of food trucks
Saturday Farmers Markets
Old Colorado City Farmers Market, OCC – Bancroft Park on West Colorado Avenue & 24th Street, 8 – 1 pm June 10 – October 14
Farm & Art Market, Margarita at Pine Creek – 7350 Pine Creek Road, 10-2 pm June 15th through October 12th 2024
Monument Hill Farmers Market, Monument – 66 S. Jefferson Street, 8 – 2 pm, May 25th-October 5th 2024
Backyard Market in Black Forest – 6845 Shoup Road from 9 am – 1 pm May 25 – October 5, 2024
Metcalf Park in Fountain – 618 E. Ohio Ave, Fountain from 8 am – 2 pm May 25 – September 28, 2024,
Sunday Farmers Markets
Cordera – 11894 Grandlawn Circle, Colorado Springs, June 2 to September 1st 2024 from 10am-2pm
Park Union (Downtown Colorado Springs) – The Meanwhile Block at 108 West Cimarron St., 10am-2pm
Other helpful links to get information on farmer’s markets in the Pikes Peak region as well as around the state.
- https://www.springsfarmersmarkets.com/
- https://www.colorado.com/co/food-wine-beer/farmorchardsfarmers-markets
Hope to see you out choosing tomatoes or picking up farm-fresh eggs or whatever you need to make a great summer meal. Happy shopping!