Farmers markets in Colorado start gearing up in June, tracking the progress of summer by seeing what produce is in stock. Right now, it’s things like asparagus, rhubarb, pea shoots and greens. In early July, it’s apricots and beets. And in late July, you’ll find green beans, tomatoes and broccoli.
By early August, it’s those juicy, delicious Palisade peaches.
And don’t forget National Farmers Market Week is the first week of August. It celebrates the role these markets play in helping preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland.
Of course, there are lots of farmers markets outside the Front Range, and one easy way to find them is by downloading the free Colorado Farm Fresh Directory app from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, available for Apple and Android.
It lists more than 200 farms, roadside stands, U-picks and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Or find a complete list of the 2016 Colorado farmers market locations here.
No matter where you vacation in Colorado this summer, you’ll be able to stay connected with farmers and their fresh local produce.
Here’s a list of some of the farmers markets along Colorado’s Front Range, including two new pop-up farmers markets in Greenwood Village and Stapleton.
Boulder Farmers Market: 13th Street, between Canyon and Arapahoe
Wednesdays, May 4-Oct. 5, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Saturdays, April 2-Nov. 19, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Right now they’ve got asparagus, rhubarb, spinach and other seasonal greens, along with hanging baskets and garden starts plus beef, lamb, chicken and products from salsa to kombucha.
Broadridge Plaza Farmers Market: 6905 S. Broadway, Broadway and Ridge Road, Littleton.
Thursdays, June 16-Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Don’t miss Mazzotti Farms from Hudson, which always has seasonal fruits and veggies, including plums, apples, peaches, squash, watermelon, beets and sweet corn.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market: First Avenue and University Boulevard, Denver.
Saturdays, May 7-Oct. 29 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 15-Sept. 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
It’s the largest farmers market in Denver, with produce from Colorado growers and local gourmet food vendors selling items from fresh pastries to artisan jams.
City Park Esplanade Fresh Market: East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street
Sundays, June 5-Oct. 30 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The event, around the historic Sullivan Fountain, combines a vibrant agricultural market with local growers, fresh food vendors and bouquets of cut flowers.
Four Seasons Farmers & Artisans Market: 7043 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge.
Saturdays, June 4-Oct. 31, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
This is a year-round farmers market that goes outdoors in summer. Besides being a farmers market, it’s also a gathering space for community with live music and local artists. It’s also run by farmers who own and operate Colorado Wise Acres Farm in Fort Lupton.
Fresh Market Pop-up at the Landmark: 7600 Landmark Way, Greenwood Village.
Wednesdays, July 6-Aug. 31, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
New this year, it’s a pop-up version of the Cherry Creek Fresh Market, but held after work with music and libations to accompany produce shopping and noshing at the local food vendors.
Fresh Market Pop-Up at Stapleton: Stapleton Conservatory Green, East 49th Street andValentia Court
Thursdays, Aug. 11 – Sept. 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Also new this year, this is a pop-up version of the Stapleton Fresh Market, operating at the height of summer and Colorado’s growing season, aimed at the after-work crowd.
Golden Farmers Market: Golden Public Library, 1019 10th St.
Saturdays, June 4-Oct. 1, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (No market on July 30.)
This creek-side market features local produce, gourmet food products and creative eats — and is close to trails and parks for after-shopping activities.
Greeley Farmers Market: 902 Seventh Ave.
Saturdays, May 21-Oct. 29, from 7:30 a.m.-noon.
Wednesdays, July 6-Sept. 28, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
This agricultural community features a wide range of locally grown fresh produce, the pick of the season, along with meats, cheeses and handmade items from local artisans and crafters.
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market: 9288 Dorchester St.
Sundays, May 8-Oct. 30, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
With vegetables and fruit from local farmers, it’s also got food items from local producers, along with everything from handbags and cooking utensils to garden adornments.
Lakewood Farmers Market. 9077 W. Alameda Ave.
Saturdays, June 18-Oct. 1, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s got produce from Forte Farms and Galicia Farms, which are local, plus breads from Styria Bakery II and other products.
Larimer County Farmers Market: 200 W. Oak St., Fort Collins
Saturdays, May 14-Oct. 22, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
In the Larimer County Courthouse parking lot, it features products from fresh vegetables and fruit to kombucha, cheese, meat and eggs — along with cut flowers and handcrafted jewelry. Master Gardeners and Master Food Safety Advisors from the CSU Extension Office in Larimer County are at each market to answer gardening and food preservation questions.
Littleton Farmers Market: 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive
Wednesdays, June 15-Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s held at the Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center, with local farmers and vendors ranging from Lebanese food and children’s books to Cream City Market, which specializes in cheddar curds.
Longmont Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park: Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road
Saturdays, April to Nov. 19, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
This year’s vendors include Aspen Moon Farm, Blue Sky Farms, the award-winning Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy and Farmer Girl, the popular new restaurant in Lyons. Also, there are also artisan shows every fourth Saturday.
Loveland Farmers Market: 700 S. Railroad Ave., Pavilions #1 and #2, at the far north end of Fairgrounds Park.
Sundays, June 26-Sept. 25, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
In addition to fresh market produce, it’s got tasty treats such as locally made honey, and on the last Sunday of each month, there’s the Front Range Food Rally, which benefits the Larimer County Food Bank — it’s a pop-up scene with food trucks and a beer garden with local craft beers.
Slow Food Farmers Market: 3350 Brighton Blvd.
Sundays, May 29-Oct., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
New this year, created by the Source and Slow Food Denver, it features educational programming — including “Little Locavores” activities for kids — plus culinary and cocktail-making demonstrations, and rotating guest vendors such as Il Porcellino, La Joyia Farm, and Five Points Fermentation.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market: 1500 block of Old South Pearl St., between Florida Avenue and Iowa Avenue
Sundays, May 15-Nov. 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
This festive scene is known for its farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide range of tamales, salsas, artisan cheeses and local honeys — along with Styria’s breads and juicy peaches from Ela Family Farms.
Southwest Plaza Farmers Market: 8501 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton
Saturdays, May 7-Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
They’re supplied by such local producers as Forte Farms — where orchards yield an abundance of apricots, plums and cherries — and Galicia Farms, a small crop farm near Fort Lupton. Vendors sell products from wildflower honey to Danish pastries.
Stapleton Fresh Market: Ea 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street
Sundays, June 19-Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Set around the large grassy knoll of Stapleton Founders’ Green, it’s one-stop shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh culinary herbs, seasonal greens, specialty meats and gourmet food items.
Union Station Farmers Market: 1701 Wynkoop St.
Saturdays, June 4-Oct. 22, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s the second year of this market, and vendors include such local favorites as Il Porcellino Salumi, Black Cat Farm, Bean Acres Farm, Fruition Farms Dairy & Creamery, Modern Gingham Preserves and the Long I Pie Shop.
Zweck’s Fresh Vegetables and Flowers. 10901 Airport Road, Longmont
Daily, July 15-Oct. 8.
Mondays, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
On one of the oldest family-owned farms in Colorado, this produce stand is definitely worth a visit. The Zweck farm has been worked by generations of the same family since 1863. They grow more than 90 varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers that are certified organic. Vegetables are picked fresh daily for gardens on the farm.