A Review of Denver, Colorado's Farmers Markets (By a Local)

A Review of Denver, Colorado’s Farmers Markets (By a Local)

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024Denver, Food, things to do in Denver, Uncategorized Michelle@SquareState

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One of my favorite activities that I enjoy is checking out and experiencing one of the many farmers markets across the city of Denver. Every year I look forward to the almost 7 month farmers market season that happens every year. This year (2024) I’ve noticed that there are markets opening in the metro area mid-April. I find this a little surprising because of how unpredictable the weather can be at that time of year. It still snows in April. But, I love any reason to support local vendors, eat fresh produce grown in Colorado and the general vibes of a well thought out farmers market experience. Here is a review of Denver, Colorado’s Farmers Markets. I’m local to Denver and have shopped at all of them several times. Here’s what to expect and consider before you head out to your next market.

* In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please read my disclosure here.*

Cowtown Denver

Denver’s Farmers Market Scene

I truly love it when farmers market season starts up. We have some great local makers, farmers and produce growers in town. You can enjoy sampling your way through many of the markets, enjoy new concepts that makers are testing out and support local businesses. Denver and the state of Colorado is known for nurturing and growing many national brands that started selling at local markets. Brands such as Noosa, Bhakti Chai, and more. Every year I look forward to enjoying a new product or concept and I’m excited to see what those will be this year. If you’re thinking about checking out the different markets here are some tips to help you have a better experience.

Mo’Betta Greens

I’m not sure if this market will be reopening in 2024, but if it does, I will be there and you should be too. I would consider this a micro farmers market with truly immaculate vibes. It truly has the essence of what a farmers market should be-welcoming, warm, and mission driven to serve the community. Black-owned and adjacent to the Blair-Caldwell Library Mo’Betta Greens was one of my favorite markets to enjoy last year. I loved talking to the vendors, buying a cup of freshly squeezed juice and buying a plate of Nigerian food. This stood out because I don’t remember ever finding African food at other markets and the DJ was great too. You’ll find jewelry, produce and locally made food items at this market.

True community feel-Out of all of the markets on this list, Mo Betta Greens hands down has the best community feel.

The DJ is awesome-There’s nothing better than enjoying good music while shopping and meeting new people.

The unique community experiences-such as a dance or fitness class hosted at the market

The free community dinners after the market-This is such a beautiful way to connect with community. Literally breaking bread and enjoying the fruits and vegetables of the vendors’ labor.

Transit Access-Typically you could take the L Lightrail Line from downtown Denver. It’s now being worked on during the summer and will be shut down. Mo Betta Green’s is accessible by walking, bike or rideshare from downtown Denver.

City Park Farmers Market

This market was my top market in 2023 and I’m curious to see it continues to top my list. There are so many things that I love about this market and I thought I would share a few of things that makes this market stand out.

The Market’s Set Up and Design-I really like how the market is designed. Even though it gets busy, I never feel overwhelmed by the crowds.

Equal number of vegetarian and meat forward vendors-While I currently eat meat, I was a vegetarian for 5 years. i love that everyone can enjoy something yummy to eat while enjoying the market.

The yoga class-There is typically a yoga class hosted at the beginning of the day. How cool is that?

Shopper diversity-Real talk, the shoppers are a lot more diverse at this market vs. many of the others around town. Which makes the experience feel a lot more welcoming.

SNAP accessibility-I love this because I’m sure this wasn’t easy for the market to get approved.

Transit access-You can take the #15 or #20 buses to get to the City Park Farmers Market

South Pearl Street Farmers Market

I love this market. It is one of the busiest, if not the busiest farmers market in Denver. There are so many vendors to try, food to eat and it’s a great market for people watching.

So many different types of vendors

You can eat your way through the world-Last year it felt like the market made a subtle shift to focusing more on vendors that offer food to eat and enjoy while you checked out the different offerings.

Live music is a part of the experience

Cool new food concepts are often launched from this market

The fresh roasted green chilies!

How to get there-Accessible by lightrail and bus service at the Louisiana and Pearl Station. I highly recommend using alternative transportation to this market because of how difficult it is to park in the neighborhood and how busy the market gets.

The Highlands Farmers Market

I wasn’t able to visit the Highlands Farmers Market as often as I would have liked last year. There are a number of things that I really like about this market and I think it’s a must visit. I also need to spend more time at this market and in this part of town.

How the market is set up-I like how much space there is to walk up and down the street without bumping into other people in the market.

Food concepts at the market-There were several concepts that weren’t available in other markets.

Farms represented-It’s fun meeting new farmers and discovering the work that they’re doing.

The location is great-I took the 32 Bus from downtown and arrived in 5 minutes.

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

In 2023, I felt like there was a new energy and excitement that I experienced at this long running market. The Cherry Creek Farmers Market is on the same parcel of land as the Cherry Creek Mall. What I noticed last year was that Cherry Creek Farmers Market had more of a retail feel than other markets and I loved it.

Retail vendors-I found myself enjoying the opportunity to buy bags, clothes and jewelry sold by locally based vendors.

Local food makers-There were some truly exceptional food concepts at the Market in 2023.

The Mexican Hot Dog Vendor-True story. I’ve often been confused by the fact that I don’t see these everywhere all across town.

How to Get There-If you live close enough you can walk, bike or take the #83 or #3 bus to this market.

7 Tips for Your Next Farmers Market Visit

Before you head over to check out and enjoy a local farmer’s market here are a few tips to make your visit enjoyable.

Prepare for the weather-Wear sunblock, sunglasses and bring a bottle of water

Prioritize Car Free Visits-Parking around these markets is almost always very challenging to find. Instead, I would recommend:
- Riding a bike
  - Add a basket or back carri er to your bike
- Walking
- Taking public transit

Bring a big backpack and other ways to carry the items you’ve purchased back home.

How to Pay-Not all vendors take Apple Pay.Have a couple of different ways to spend on you.
- Cash
- Card (or tap enable)

Take your time-Don’t go when you have to rush. Several of these markets have significant waits throughout the day.

Each market has a different pacing and times of day that they’re super busy. Learn what those are so you can better time your visit.

Buy something to eat, sit down, enjoy the music and people watching

Bonus Tip

Or, feel free to browse and experience the market. Share vendors with friends and family. Take photos and shout out the markets via social media.