It’s official: Fall is finally here. The days are getting shorter and cooler temperatures are replacing our sweltering 100-degree days. Autumn in the Valley also signals the return of many farmers markets that have been closed during the summer months. Vendors differ from market to market, but most will offer local and seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, natural meats and seafood and a good assortment of locally crafted food products.
Farmers markets are a great way to support the local economy, says Laura Oxley of Arizona Community Farmers Markets, whose markets include Old Town Scottsdale, Roadrunner, Downtown Chandler and High Street. “They’re also great community events. You see your friends and neighbors and make friends with the people who actually grow and make your food.”
To get you started, we’ve rounded up several markets opening soon and some that are open year-round. For more information about vendors, visit the individual market’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Ahwatukee Farmers Market: Open Sunday year-round, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix
Carefree Farmers Market: Open Friday year-round, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1 Sundial Circle, Carefree
Downtown Chandler: Opens Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 3 South Arizona Ave., Chandler
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market: Saturday, year-round 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Central Avenue and McKinley, downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org
Farmers Market on High Street: Opens Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 5415 E. High St., Phoenix
Gilbert Farmers Market: Open Saturday year-round, 8 a.m.-noon. 22 N. Ash St., Gilbert, gilbertmarket.com
Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market: Opens Saturday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale.
Pinnacle Peak Farmers Market: Opens Saturday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Deer Valley Towne Center, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale
Roadrunner Park Farmers Market: Open Saturday year-round, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 3502 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix
Sun City Farmers Market: Opens Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 16820 N. 99th Ave., Sun City
Uptown Farmers Market: Open Saturday year-round 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m.-noon starting Oct. 6. 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, uptownmarketaz.com
