8 Farmers' Markets to Check Out This Summer in Colorado

These days, the farmers’ markets in Colorado are more than just a few stalls selling produce they plucked from the earth that very morning, although there are still plenty of those, as well as meat and eggs from local farms. Most markets offer all kinds of things including ready to eat food as well as arts and crafts from regional artisans, and often live music.

Things will inevitably be a little different this year, and regulations may be changed at short notice, so be sure to check the latest guidelines before you head to a market these days.

1. VAIL

Earlier this summer Vail Farmers’ Market launched a virtual market experience which allows shoppers to purchase items via curbside pickup and shipping. Featuring more than 100 vendors, including produce, meat, fish, cheese, local art, and clothing, the online storefront opens each Monday for pick up the following Sunday. The market is working with local and state health officials and the town of Vail and plans to open the physical market in some capacity in July.

2. DILLON

Dillon Farmers’ Market is as much a bazaar as it is a market as it features all kinds of arts and crafts such as artistic glass jewelry, handmade pottery, boutique soaps as well as cheeses, pastries, all kinds of breads and much more. The lakeside market also offers the chance to explore Lake Dillon on a historical boat tour with departures from Dillon Marina (90-minute tour; $40 per person). The market takes place on Fridays until Sept 11th from 9am – 2pm.

3. CARBONDALE

Blending farm fresh produce with arts and crafts, the Carbondale farmers’ market welcomes vendors from around the region as well as having local businesses who take the opportunity to set up shop including Carbondale Beer Works. The arts are well represented by Carbondale Arts and representatives from the Carbondale Chamber are on hand to answer questions from visitors. And even though there are lots of delicious foods on offer, eating is not permitted within the market space. The market takes place every Wednesday through Sept from 10am-3pm at Fourth and Main.

4. RIDGWAY

Lots of local fruits and vegetables as well as flowers and plants, meat, cheeses, eggs, as well as lots of baked goods to enjoy as you peruse. The market also offers a good range of natural bodycare products and all manner of crafts. Another market that currently has live music, the Ridgway farmers’ market takes place every Friday from 10am-3pm in Hartwell Park.

5. CORTEZ

Expect lots of fresh fruit and vegetables from farms in the area as well as dry beans, eggs, local meats, fresh flowers, and local honey. There will also be specialty vendors selling various crafts and prepared food and drinks. As with many farmers’ markets, live music is on hold for now. The market is on Saturday mornings from 7:30-11:30am through Oct 31st in the Montezuma County Courthouse parking lot.

6. PAONIA

Arbol Farm Market just outside Paonia takes place every Tuesday between May and Oct from 5-8pm. The market features wood oven pizzas that are made with farm fresh herbs and vegetables, homemade mozzarella and organic locally cured meats; seasonal fruits and vegetables from Snowborn Farm and Rancho del Gallo (with the latter also providing yogurt and cheese and biodynamic beef); Sweetgrass Bakery; as well as locally made pickles, preserves, jams and jellies among lots of other things.

7. MONTROSE

Possibly the only year-round farmers’ market on the Western Slope, the Montrose farmers’ market is located right downtown and has all kinds of goodies, both those you can enjoy right then and there and others you can take home. If you get there early enough, grab a cinnamon roll from Straw Hat Farm Market before they disappear and grab a coffee and sit in Centennial Plaza and watch the market come to life. One of the few markets to have live music, the Montrose farmers’ market takes place downtown on South Uncompahgre between Main Street and South First every Saturday.

8. CRESTED BUTTE

The Crested Butte Farmers’ Market has lots of organic and certified naturally grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs as well as all kinds of pasture-raised and grass-finished meats, wild-caught fish, artisanal cheeses, local wine, hard ciders, juices, breads, jams, jellies, pickles, fresh flowers and all kinds of arts and crafts. The market takes place every Sunday on Elk Avenue between First and Second Streets from 9am to 2pm with the first hour for senior citizens only. Until Aug. 27th the market will be open on Thursday evenings from 3-6pm in Cranks Plaza.