Farmers markets across King County are at their most vibrant as we head into the last push of summer and then fall harvest season. August is prime time for vegetable variety and summer’s finest produce. Farmers Market Week, Aug. 6-12, is a great reason to get to a market and support local farmers and growers.
You’re never far from farm-fresh food in King County. Many markets offer SNAP/EBT matching through the SNAP Market Match program, and you can make the most of your visit by shopping early for greater selection.
Here’s a sample of what you can find at farmers markets in August: eggs, beets, broccoli, celery, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, fava beans, green beans, greens, green onions, onions, garlic, tomatoes, kale, lettuces, potatoes, radishes, zucchini, summer squash, apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, honey, and beautiful bouquets of flowers including summer favorites dahlias and sunflowers. We may start to see watermelon and cantaloupe later in the month, as well.
From North Bend to Des Moines, we’re spotlighting a few of the farmers markets close to wherever you live in King County. If you haven’t had the chance to get to a farmers market this summer, good news: most markets are open until October.
When you purchase produce at a farmers market, you can often talk with the producer to learn exactly where your food came from and how it was grown. You’re also supporting a sustainable regional food system that helps small family farms stay in business, protects land from development, and provides all of us with fresh, local food.
Here are a few of the 41 markets open this year:
Renton Farmers Market – great bites, and live music
Renton Farmers Market is held at the Renton Piazza in downtown Renton Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. during June to September. The park fills with a diverse group of vendors selling fresh produce and locally made artisan goods. Opened in 2002, Renton Farmers Market is one of the largest markets in King County and is conveniently close to public transportation in downtown Renton.
When we visited on opening day in June, we found beautiful bouquets, fresh strawberries, spring onions, a diverse array of produce, and a variety of food vendors selling prepared items. It’s a great place to get a late afternoon bite and sit at one of the picnic tables in the center of the Piazza to enjoy fresh food and live music.
Tukwila Village Farmers Market – fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant
The Tukwila Village Farmers Market is in its fifth season. Located next to the Tukwila Library, this market is open every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. from July to October. Some of the Tukwila Village Farmers market produce is grown by refugees and immigrants, such as Salaam Family Farm, Heu’s Blooms and Greens, Cultivate Farms, and Namuna. At this market you can find unique produce like lotus root, cilantro, Shiso, bok choy, beetroot, and more. They also offer SNAP/EBT matching through the SNAP Market Match program.
In addition to the market, free summer meals are served for children and their caregivers during the market time. Last summer Public Health Insider featured the Tukwila Village Farmers Market in their blog post: Fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant: a spotlight on farmers markers serving our immigrant and refugee communities.
Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market – Saturday morning bliss by the water
The Sound views from the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market alongside the marina can’t be beat. The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Sept. 30. Grab a cup of coffee and spend the morning shopping and visiting with vendors.
When we visited, flower stands were overflowing with peonies, and we found gems like shiitake mushrooms, rhubarb, and strawberries.
North Bend Farmers Market – farm fresh with a mountain backdrop
The mountain-front North Bend Farmers Market at Si View Park is open Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. through Sept. 7. This summertime tradition draws people from around the Snoqualmie Valley who are after the freshest fruits and veggies while enjoying a live band with the spectacular backdrop of Mt. Si.
Get there early for the fish tacos and leave with a basket of baked goods for tomorrow’s breakfast. North Bend Farmers Market offers payment options for participants eligible for EBT, WIC, and Senior FMNP.
Send us your favorite summer memories from your local farmers market:
Did we miss your favorite farmers market? Send us a picture, a snippet of what you got this week at the market, or a recipe that you created from the variety of summer produce you picked up and let us know why it’s special. We’ll feature it in on our social media.
Instagram – Tag @kingcountydnrp in an Instagram post, Instastory, Reel, or send us a message
Facebook – Send us a message to King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks on Facebook
Email – Send an email to marie.tweedy@kingcounty.gov