guides

Tacoma & South Sound Farmers Markets'

YEAR-ROUND FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE:

By Macaroni KID Tacoma & South Sound May 30, 2023

Don’t you love it when the season for farmer’s markets rolls around? Who doesn’t look forward to meeting the growers and producers of the fresh foods we enjoy the most – and the free samples, live music, crafts and kid’s activities! Here’s the rundown of the markets taking place in our region this year.

Frequenting local farmers' markets is a fun way to get outside and enjoy the summer. It also provides a lot of interesting things to see and products to buy and enjoy. You can feel better about knowing that your purchases will help your local economy and community. 

There are many great reasons to shop at your local farmers' market. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • It's an excellent family activity. Get the family together and enjoy the local shopping experience. Vendors are great educators and you just may learn something!
  • Save money! Buying from local farmers eliminates the middleman and any shipping costs.
  • Enjoy fresh produce. There is a very good chance that the fruit/veggies you buy from the farmer were picked a day or two ago! You won't find that option in a supermarket.
  • Relish in the outdoors. Most markets are "open-air" venues which mean you get to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer (hopefully it's blue skies and sunshine)!
  • Support nearby producers and farm families. Family farmers have become increasingly rare as agribusiness farms are taking over. Market profits go straight into growers' pockets which helps to keep small farms alive. A very good thing!

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SATURDAYS | SUNDAYS | MONDAYS | TUESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS | THURSDAYS | FRIDAYS
TACOMA |  PROCTOR | RUSTON | AUBURN | BUCKLEY | FEDERAL WAY
FIFE | KENT | PUYALLUP | SUMNER
 HELPFUL TIPS | WORTH THE DRIVE

ORGANIZED BY DAY of WEEK


SATURDAYS

PROCTOR DISTRICT FARMERS' MARKET

March 4th through December 16th

Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

PUYALLUP FARMERS MARKET

April through October 

Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
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SUNDAYS 

RUSTON FARMERS MARKET
June 4 – September 24

Every Sunday 10am – 2pm 

Held in the Grand Plaza

AUBURN FARMERS MARKET

 June - September 

Sundays from 10am -3 pm

DUNE FARMERS MARKET

June – August 

Sundays 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except 7/2 and 8/6)
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MONDAYS

NO MARKETS
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TUESDAYS

MULTI-CARE ROSE GARDEN FARMERS MARKET

August 1 – August 29 

Tuesdays from 11-1 pm
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WEDNESDAYS

NO MARKETS
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THURSDAYS

BROADWAY FARMERS MARKET

925 Broadway, Tacoma, WA

May 4- Oct 26

Thursdays, 10 am – 2 pm

FIFE FARMERS MARKET

June through September 

Thursdays 3-7

Website
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FRIDAYS

EASTSIDE FARMERS MARKET

June 1-August 31

Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. 
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ORGANIZED BY AREA

TACOMA

Broadway Farmers Market 

May – October

Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Website

Eastside Farmers Market

June  – August 

Fridays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. 

Website

MultiCare Market

August 1 – August 29 

Tuesdays from 11-1 pm

Website

Dune Farmer's Market

June-August

Sundays from 11- 4 pm

Website
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SURROUNDING AREAS

PROCTOR

Proctor Market

March – December

Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   

Winter Market 

January - March

10-1

Website
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RUSTON

Point Ruston Farmers Market

June - September 

Sundays  10-2

Website
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AUBURN 

Auburn Farmers Market

June - September 

Sundays  10-3

Website
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BUCKLEY

Coming Soon!
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FEDERAL WAY

Coming Soon!
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FIFE

Fife Farmers Market

June through September 

Thursdays 3-7

Website
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KENT

Coming Soon!
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PUYALLUP

Puyallup Farmers Market

April through October 

Saturdays 9:00- 2:00

Website
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SUMNER 

Coming Soon!

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Have an event you want to promote? Email us @ annmariem@macaronikid.com
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HELPFUL FARMER'S MARKET TIPS

A visit to the local farmer’s market is a fun outing that you can repeat every week through the summer months. No two visits will be exactly the same. Here are a few things to remember while visiting your local farmer’s market with kids in tow:

  • Bring cash, as some vendors still don’t accept credit cards, and it saves on the related service fees.
  • Be sure to bring along a shopping tote or reusable bag to haul your treasures home, as you will quickly run out of hands willing and able to carry.
  • Bring along a blanket or folding chairs if you plan to stay and eat or watch the live entertainment.
  • Set up a meeting place in case you and your kids are separated. Distractions are aplenty at these markets, and it’s far too easy to lose track of who’s where.
  • Samples are the norm, so if food allergies are a concern be sure to inquire about ingredients and/or additives before tasting and coach restraint.
  • Remind your children not to touch the fresh produce and/or baked goods on display. Some farmers prefer to select and bag your produce for you, to minimize damage to other produce on display.
  • Most markets prefer that you leave your furry friends at home.
  • Lastly,  have fun! The vendors at these events are nearly always friendly and eager to teach others about their products and livelihoods. This is an excellent opportunity for young ones to learn more about where fresh foods come from. They may even be inspired to start a similar business in the future.
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WORTH THE DRIVE 


Snoqualmie Valley Markets
Gig Harbor & Mason County Markets


Check out the Tacoma Farmers Markets HERE

Check out the Proctor Farmers Market HERE

Check out the Puyallup Market HERE