Farm-to-picnic blanket: 10 Seattle-area farmers markets plus nearby parks

Nothing says fall harvest like a trip to a Seattle-area farmers market. Shop locally grown produce, browse bountiful bouquets, and chat with the hardworking farmers at your favorite stands.

Here are some favorite Seattle-area farmers markets, plus options for vendors and nearby parks for a farm-to-picnic blanket feast. As always, keep these guidelines in mind:

Limit the size of your party and duration of your visit
On-site food consumption and pets are not allowed in most markets
Keep cash on hand for cash-only vendors
Bring your reusable bags (and picnicking utensils!)

Seattle:

Columbia City Farmers Market (Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; May 4th-October 12) (2nd Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. November – April)

Picnic Provisions: Grab piping hot pupusas (Salvadorean griddle cakes stuffed with tasty fillings) from Lily’s Salvadorean, followed by a sweet treat from Bluebird Ice Cream.

Picnic Spot: This market takes place in Columbia Park, but if it’s too busy, head to the northeast corner of nearby Rainier Playfield for a playground and picnic tables.

Take home: Go ahead, play with your food — brightly colored berries from Mariposa Farms make it fun to create art on your breakfast plate.

Queen Anne Farmers Market (Thursdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Starting June 2 to October 13) (Vendors may have changed for 2022, but you will still find a delectable array of farm fresh produce and treats to try)

Picnic Provisions: Indulge in luscious adobo-style pork belly and grits from Filipino-Southern fusion truck, Kiss My Grits. Top it off with a coconut cream or strawberry popsicle from Seattle Pops.

Picnic Spot: Spy epic Seattle views from Kerry Park and spend some time at Bayview-Kinnear playground just down the hill to burn off pre-bedtime energy.

Take home: Alvarez Organic Farms has a mind-blowing array of peppers in all colors, shapes and sizes. Take some home for a taste test!

Alvarez Peppers / photo courtesy of Seattle Farmers Market Association

Ballard Farmers Market (Sundays, 9 am. – 2 p.m.; Year-round)

Picnic Provisions: Pick up berries from Sidhu Farms, freshly made quesadillas from Patty Pan Cooperative, and crispy donuts from Market Minis.

Picnic Spot: While the fish ladder is still undergoing renovations, families can picnic in the botanical garden and watch boats cruise through the historic Ballard Locks.

Take home: Spruce up a weekday breakfast with bacon from Skagit River Ranch.

Picking up flowers at the Ballard Market / photo courtesy of Seattle Farmers Market Association

Eastside

Mercer Island Farmers Market (Sundays, 10 a.m – 2 p.m.; Starts June 5)

Picnic Provisions: My family has loved monthly dinners from Geni’s Ethiopian Corner since the start of the pandemic – try their lentils mesir wat with fresh injera (vegetarian and gluten free). Finish with buttery alfajores cookies from Oso Negro.

Picnic Spot: Head across the street to Mercerdale Park (playground currently under renovation) or take in water views at nearby Luther Burbank Park.

Take home: Pick up a jar of Cascade Natural Honey to liven up weekday morning yogurt.

Geni’s at Mercer Island Farmers Market (pre-COVID)

Redmond Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Starts May 7 to October 29)

Picnic Provisions: This early opening market is perfect for stocking up on trail food – sample a few flavors of Holmquist Hazelnuts and some Samish Bay Cheese.

Picnic Spot: Visit Evans Creek Preserve where you’ll find lots of fun tree stumps for the kids to climb while enjoying a snack break. Alternatively, head over to the lakeside beaches of Juanita Beach Park (where another market takes place on Friday afternoons) for some water fun.

Take home: Nothing beats a juicy late summer peach, like those from Martin Family Orchards. Take a few on your hike and keep the rest to savor through the week.

Evans Creek Preserve near the Redmond Farmers Market / photo courtesy of Natasha Dillinger

Kirkland Farmers Market (Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Starts June 1 to September 28)

Picnic Provisions: Try a delicious, made-from-scratch ham and cheese hot bite from Little Prague Bakery, then cool off with fan-fave Seattle Pops.

Picnic Spot: The market is ideally situated on the shores of Lake Washington in Marina Park. Wade in the water, people watch, and treat the ducks with your bakery crumbs.

Take home: Grab some fresh ravioli and sauce from La Pasta LLC and surprise your spouse with an impromptu, at-home date night.

Kirkland Farmers Market / photo: Allison Holm

South Side

Renton Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Starts June 1)

Picnic Provisions: Support women of color and immigrant chefs by sampling dishes from the Congo or Cambodia at rotating vendors from the popular new Spice Bridge food hall in Tukwila.

Picnic Spot: Explore the boardwalks, hang out at the beach and enjoy the new playground at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

Take home: Liven up afternoon snacks with Mystery Bay Farms goat cheese spread on crackers. And starting June 29th, families can also pick up grab and go kids activity packs for more summer fun.

Tacoma Farmers Market at Point Ruston (Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Starts June to September)

Picnic Provisions: Sunny days by the water call for easy eats — pick up a gooey grilled cheese from Griddler’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese, accented by a Green Hearts smoothie.

Picnic Spot: Walk down to Promenade Playground and enjoy playing on ferry-themed equipment with views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day.

Take home: Let kids choose their favorite berries in a 4-pack from Hayton Farms — a regular breakfast for my family includes yogurt topped with their extra sweet strawberries.

North Side

Edmonds Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Summer market starts May 7 to October 8)

Picnic Provisions: Sometimes you just need a simple sandwich — combine bread from Shambala Bakery (gluten-free) or Snohomish Bakery with some Salt Blade salami or Wilson Fish smoked salmon.

Picnic Spot: Head over to Edmonds City Park for a shady lawn with a playground, or visit Brackett’s Landing South to watch ferries dock and catch views of the Olympics.

Take home: Brighten up June gloom with flowers from Neng Garden and choose your favorite pasta primavera veggies from Frog Song Farm.

Ready to shop at the Edmonds Market / photo courtesy of Chrissy Sills

Everett Farmers Market (Sundays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Starts May 8 through October)

Picnic Provisions: There’s something about kettle corn that just screams outdoor markets. Pick up a bag at Whistle Stop Kettle Corn to go with burritos, or banana leaf tamales from CaribBean Cuisine.

Picnic Spot: Climb aboard all-abilities play structures (including a wheelchair-friendly We-Go-Round) and eat in a meadow full of picnic tables at Forest Park.

Take home: Get a head start on summer reading with an Adventures of Frank and Mustard book — catch the local legend pooch in a wheelchair beachside in Wheels and Waves.