Here are 8 of the best farmers markets in Arizona

The bright sun shining down on the tents covering the local wares as a light breeze caresses the cheeks of every passerby. The scent of plants in bloom, freshly made food sizzling on the outdoor grills, and kettle corn pop-pop-popping. People leisurely walking around with baskets in hand, either laughing with friends or dreamily smiling and interacting with those around them. Dogs on leashes wagging their tails while sparking “awwws” from surrounding people.

This isn’t just a daydream: This is a typical spring day at the farmers market.

A farmers market is a gathering of local vendors—small businesses, farmers, and sole proprietors—who sell fresh produce, holistic remedies, body care, arts and crafts, as well as other items of well-crafted convenience. Farmers markets have always been an accurately romanticized way to shop for necessities while building community and shopping small.

These outdoor markets make for a great way to enjoy the big sky, support local businesses, meet people, and stock the home with unique and typically higher-quality goods. Regardless of what part of Arizona you call home, there are plenty of markets to choose from.

Below is a list of the eight best farmers markets throughout the Grand Canyon State. (Bonus: Read to the end to find an interactive farmers market map to find a market near you.)

Northern Arizona Markets

Prescott

The city of Prescott is nestled between several farming communities in the north-central part of Arizona. Plenty of surrounding farms equate to an enticing 60+ local vendors present at this Saturday farmers market located in the Miller Valley Parking Lot. Leave your doggo at home to shop the stands, interact with the thousands of weekly attendees, and attend one of the amazing workshops hosted by the nonprofit PFM organization. This market is sure to be a hit.

Tip: In the fall they also host an arts/crafts fair for the weekend, which is a blast for the whole family.

When: Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Miller Valley Parking Lot

Flagstaff

Although it’s one of the snowiest cities in the United States, Flagstaff hosts a fantastic seasonal farmers market! It started 24 years ago in a small dirt lot and is now a thriving community that hosts local vendors and even a second and fourth Saturday flea market. Join the community market beginning May 5 on Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon just outside of City Hall. Unfortunately, this is another non-dog market, but that means you can trust that your food will be free from any shedding (sledding can’t be guaranteed).

When: Sundays 8 a.m. to noon beginning in May
Where: City Hall on Aspen Street

Sedona

What Northern Arizona listicle would be complete without a mention of Sedona? This farmers market, located in the Wells Fargo Parking lot on State Route 89A, deserves clout. It has won several awards, including the 2022 Best Of Sedona Award, for having a positive impact on the community at large. This market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and boasts organic-methods-only agriculture stands, educational programs, as well as table massage — what a perfect combination for some relaxation. Fur friends, although not allowed, are welcome within a 20-foot radius, so you can still keep them within your vicinity while participating in the open-air shopping.

When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays
Where: Wells Fargo parking lot on State Route 89A

Photo courtesy of Sedona Community Farmers Market via Facebook.

Payson

Boasting “locavore” style with vendors that source within 100 miles of the market, the Payson farmers market has grown drastically within just 16 years and now hosts over 50 vendors! It has won Rim Country Best Local Event for several years in a row and serves not just Payson, but the surrounding areas as well. This is definitely a community event at its finest. With fresh produce, spices, artisanal prepared food, live music, and an attendance of 1000+ people weekly, this is a hub to bring your dogs and family and have a fun time. Despite being on a highway, there is plenty of street parking.

When: Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Sawmill Crossing Plaza/ 816 S. Beeline Highway

Central Arizona Markets

Uptown

Located in Phoenix, the Uptown Farmers Market is one of the largest and most talked about farmers markets in all of Maricopa County. With more than 200 vendors, it’s no wonder that it has so many people talking! From fresh produce to prepared food to crafts, holistic remedies, body care, fresh seafood, fresh pasta, and plants, you are bound to find what you are looking for at this market (I personally was so happy to find natural deodorant that actually works in this notoriously high heat).

With a 4-foot leash, your dog can attend this market with you (and there are even treats sold for your pup here, too). If you are around, be sure to go to this Saturday/Wednesday market located at 5757 N Central Ave.

Tip: Give yourself a few hours, or at least a few different days to visit, to find your favorite vendors. This is a LARGE market and takes hours just to see all the stands.

When: Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. / Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 5757 N Central Ave.

Photo courtesy of Uptown Farmers Market via Facebook.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is arguably the place to be. Add 100+ organic and pesticide-free vendors and what you have is a market set up for success. With local produce, prepared food, seasonal items, jams, breads, and so much more, you are bound to find something of intrigue at this family and pet-friendly market! It’s a no-brainer: this is a great market to visit for a fun day out. However, be aware of the shifting times: Vendors arrive every Saturday, but the exact time varies depending on the season; October through April hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May hours are 8 a.m. to noon, and June through September hours are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

When: Saturdays 8 a.m to noon in May / 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in June
Where: 3806 N. Brown Ave.

Southern Arizona Markets

Heirloom FM Rillito Park

This farmers market is Tuscon’s largest year-round market, offering 5000 square feet of shopping! Within this space, vendors sell a myriad of wares, including fresh, local produce, holistic remedies, prepared food (including delicious tamales and churros, yum), fungi, and handmade goods. Located in Rillito Park along the iconic bike trail known as The Loop, the Heirloom Farmers Market Association fought to make this the permanent Sunday market location; It is easy to get to with plenty of surrounding parking. 

Although dogs are welcome at one of the other four Tucson farmers market locations, as of 2023, dogs are no longer allowed at this market (a tough decision in order to comply with local health ordinances and customer complaints). So leave the fur friend at home and spend a lazy Sunday morning enjoying Tuscon’s largest farmers market!

When: Sundays 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Rillito Park along “The Loop”

Photo courtesy of Heirloom Farmers Markets via Facebook.

Bisbee

It may not be a big market, but the Bisbee Farmers Market in Vista Park makes a big impact as one of the few year-round markets with vendor diversity in Southern Arizona. In fact, a few vendors have gained recognition from this market to become successful brick-and-mortar businesses. Vendor wares include produce, artisanal goods, and live weekly music. It was happening enough to entertain my January wedding guests from six different states! It is also dog-friendly (as long as your doggo is well-mannered). Rain or shine, this might be worth the drive for a happy Saturday market perusal and an intense 1000-step climb.

When: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Vista Park

Closing Thoughts

At 13 years old, my first job was to pass out peach samples at a farmers market. The epitome of fun, I continued this weekend job for 18 years! During this time, I gathered some valuable information:

• Farmers markets are some of the safest places to shop, as they are open-air, and they were some of the only full-time “grocery stores” to remain in full swing nationwide (weather-permitting) during the pandemic.
  
• The people who gather at farmers markets don’t mind moving a little more slowly—in fact, they are often there to meet the sellers and growers, they care about the quality of food, and they want to build community (AKA have patience in those longer lines!).
• Most markets are run by nonprofits that seek to better the community. By shopping this way, you are participating in this mission while also supporting your local economy remember, money talks, and where you spend it speaks volumes.

If you are ready to go market hopping but want to either find nearer options or a smaller, more intimate market to peruse, here is a helpful map to find a market near you. While large markets make for a wonderful day out, there is also something magical about having a local, small farmers market to go to. I used to frequent the downtown Chandler farmers market, which hosts many other events right downtown but has an average amount of vendors that make building community rapport easy.

Since moving to a more rural area, I now frequent the Superior Farmers Market (which is too small for a website) and the Globe-Miami Farmers Market for the awesome plant sales. Regardless of where you go, finding a farmers market is a worthwhile endeavor to build community, get fresh air, eat healthy, and invest in the local economy.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.