Downtown Farmers Market

Discover one of the longest-running and largest farmers markets of its kind in the country. There’s a mix of vendors from more than 100 farms and ranches from within 250 miles of Salt Lake City, plus nearly 150 local artists during the season.

Written By Austen Diamond

Downtown-Farmers-Market-3_Pioneer-Park_Diamond-Austen_Visit-Salt-Lake_2018
Salt Lake City   |  Austen Diamond/Visit Salt Lake

A pair of weathered, calloused hands places a pound of red, ripe heirloom tomatoes in your shopping bag, and with a smile that showcases a lifetime of working under Utah’s sun, the farmer says, “Thank you very much.”

Your shopping list of local produce, meats, and cheeses is nearly checked off as you stroll down the lanes of the Downtown Farmers Market. The early morning cold has burned off, and the sun hits your back as your attention draws to the glorious smells of coffee and pastries. This is your version of heaven.

Such is a typical Saturday morning at Pioneer Park, which has played host to the Downtown Farmers Market since 1992, when it was launched by the Downtown Alliance.

Now, it’s one of the longest-running and largest markets of its kind in the country. Nearly 10,000 patrons — sometimes upwards of 15,000 — from all walks of life come together to stroll the vibrant market every week during the summer. It’s certainly become a tradition — one that’s centered around food, yet offers much more.

The search for fresh and local is easy. There’s a mix of vendors from more than 100 farms and ranches from within 250 miles of Salt Lake City. Compare this to the market’s first year, 25 years ago, when there was but four vendors. Their tables are posted throughout Pioneer Park, each with inviting spreads offering everything from non-GMO peas to homemade bread.

For Utahns and visitors alike, the benefits of such a robust market featuring local produce are many: It increases direct access to fresh foods; it promotes community-based food production and local business; and it minimizes environmental impacts of long-distance food transportation.

The Downtown Farmers Market has expanded its operations with the inclusion of the Winter Market at The Gateway. The latter is held on Saturdays during the colder months. Opportunities to shop local are offered year-round with these additions. To ensure that products sold at the markets are in line with the market’s guidelines — namely grown by small and mid-sized farms within 250 miles — the Market has established a great vendor integrity protocol and systems, thereby ensuring you get the very best of what’s around.

Once upon a time, farmers markets were only frequented by chefs stocking up on the freshest ingredients for their restaurants. This has changed, and markets are now not only a place for SLC tourists to get a feel for the flare of an area, but also a place for community to congregate.The walkways are bustling with shoppers and the community comes alive for a few hours each Saturday, as many patrons walk and bike to the market — it’s the most ideal way to kickstart your weekend. Furthering the vibrant experience, there are buskers (street musicians) playing at every turn, happy dogs being walked, and families coming together over locally-grown food. It’s a hub, and this is where you’ll catch up with old friends, coworkers, and your neighbors.

It’s a real treat to meet the farmers and makers of the edible delicacies we flock here for. These are people whom have dedicated their lives to growing plants and raising animals with best practices in mind. You can also find makers of things such as world-class hummus, jams, breads, and more. Make sure to pick up a jar or two of local honey, because, after all, Utah is the Beehive State.

The Downtown Farmers Market offers a mix of vendors from more than 100 farms and ranches located within 250 miles of Salt Lake City.

Photo: Austen Diamond/Visit Salt Lake

It’s one of the longest-running and largest markets of its kind in the country.

Photo: Downtown Alliance

Art and Craft Market

Another bonus on Saturday is the Downtown Art and Craft Market, located on the south half of Pioneer Park. The Art and Craft Market features purveyors of cool artistic, decorative, and usable wares and goods; many make for the perfect souvenir, gift, or treat for yourself. With nearly 150 local artists during the season, there’s surely something for everyone. Even if you’re not shopping for anything, it’s fun to travel up and down the stalls to view the wares and get inspired. 

Farmers Market Hours & Location

The Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market is free and family-friendly fun throughout the year on top of the region’s best food. That’s a win-win.

Downtown Farmers Market and Art & Craft Market
Pioneer Park, 300 S 350 W, Salt Lake City
Saturdays, June-October
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Winter Market
The Gateway, 110 South Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City
Saturdays, November-April
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check the Downtown Farmers Market website for specific start dates and holiday closures.

About the Author – Austen Diamond

Austen Diamond is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Salt Lake City. Starry skies, sagebrush and endless red rock trails drew Diamond west from Knoxville, Tennessee, more than a decade ago. After earning accolades for his writing, he picked up a camera to tell stories of Utah's modern pioneers, subcultures and events. Now as a photographer, he blends craftsmanship and authenticity in telling visually arresting stories.

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