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Shop Local and Fill Your Basket at These 9 Best Markets in Denver

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Denver has a bunch of fun markets to check out. Each one feels a little different—some have fresh fruits and veggies, and some have handmade goods, art, and cool little finds. 

A few are outside with music and food trucks, and others are indoors with a chill vibe. 

If that sounds cool to you, then where do you begin? If you’re planning a weekend in the city, this list of the best Markets in Denver will point you in the right direction. Who knows—maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot too. 

1. The Farmers Market at Highlands Square

Website: https://highlandssquarefarmersmarket.com/
Location: 32nd Avenue between Julian and Mead Street
When: May to October, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Sunday)
Pricing: $$$

This market’s got all the good stuff—fresh Colorado produce, baked treats, and ready-to-eat bites. It’s grown a ton over the years, so now there’s even more to check out. 

The coolest part is their pop-up Market Bar with a legit liquor license. Yes, you can sip on an elderflower spritz while picking out your greens. Fancy, right? 

Also, they keep things curated—no three coffee trucks or five soap booths in sight. I love that it’s just a solid, well-picked lineup every time. 

Pro Tip:

Arrive early to enjoy the best selection; if you have time, bring a picnic blanket. There’s a cute little park nearby (Highland Park) where you can kick back and enjoy your snacks and just people-watch. 

2. South Pearl Street Farmers Market

Media credit: proanimalfuture

Website: https://www.southpearlstreet.com/farmers-market/
Location: 1527 S Pearl St
When: May to November 
Pricing: $$

Every Sunday (from May to November) between East Arkansas Avenue and East Iowa Avenue, this market keeps things super local. Everything is grown, raised, or made by vendors from nearby counties. So yeah, you’re basically shopping your neighbor’s tomatoes.

I’m even more impressed by their emphasis on local sourcing, which ensures freshness and supports the local economy.

You’ll find cool things like handmade soap, local honey, and other gems you didn’t know you needed. And the best part? The community’s energy. Regulars actually know vendors by name, and it’s kind of adorable. 

Just a heads-up: it does get crowded. Like “wait in line for peaches” crowded. But hey, it’s worth it. 

Pro Tip:

Park at the mall rooftop deck and take the sky bridge. It’s easier than circling street lots for 20 minutes.

3. City Park Farmers Market

Media credit: cityparkfarmersmarket

Website: https://www.cityparkfarmersmarket.com/
Location: 2551 E Colfax Ave
When: May, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pricing: $$

This market’s kind of cool because it’s the only market in Denver that runs with a permit partnership from Denver Parks & Rec, and it uses the historic Esplanade as its layout plan. So, the vendor setup isn’t random; it’s made for easy walking (and less awkward bumping). 

Typically, there are vendors for fresh veggies, fancy cheese, and baked goods. They even do chef demos sometimes, which are basically a free mini cooking show with snacks. 

Big plus: they take food stamps (including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC), making the whole thing feel more community-minded and accessible. 

Plus, unlike the market at South Pearl Street, the energy here is really chill. Everything’s clearly marked, and the vendors are friendly. 

Pro Tip:

This market is set up right next to City Park, so you can totally pair your market stroll with a morning yoga session in the park. Grab some veggies and do some stretches! 

4. Golden Farmers Market

Media credit: goldenfarmersmarket

Website: https://goldenfarmersmarket.org/
Location: 1019 10th St, Golden
When: May to October, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Saturday)
Pricing: $$

Located in the Golden Library parking lot, this market runs on Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM. It’s a popular market offering a wide range of local products.

Beyond the standard fresh produce, visitors can find local honey, artisanal meats, handmade baked goods, and woven baskets. Plus, it’s right in downtown Golden, so it’s easy to wander around once you’re done shopping. 

They also have the rare approval to operate with creekside seating and offer partnerships with Golden’s tourism board, making the experience go beyond shopping.

Pro Tip:

Combine your market visit with a hike near Clear Creek Trail for a full day of outdoor activities.

5. Cherry Creek Fresh Market

Media credit: coloradofreshmarkets

Website: https://www.coloradofreshmarkets.com/visit
Location: Cherry Creek Shopping Center, East Side (On Steele St. next to Macy’s)
When: May to October, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturday)
Pricing: $$

This isn’t just Denver’s oldest farmers market; it’s the only one hosted by Colorado Fresh Markets with consistently USDA-certified organic producers present. It’s right by the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and runs every Saturday from May to October.

I was amazed by the variety, from Palisade peaches and Rocky Ford melons to organic mushrooms. You can find the staples too. 

It’s nice that they ensure the market’s layout makes it easy to navigate. Besides that, note that most vendors accept cards, though some prefer cash.

It’s also a super family-friendly spot—many locals show up with kids in tow and dogs on leashes. So, if you’ve got furbabies, definitely bring them along. They’ll fit right in (and probably score a few head pats). 

Pro Tip:

Bring your own reusable bags (they’ll fill up fast) and try to get there before 10 AM if you want the first pick of the good stuff, especially the produce. 

6. University Hills Farmers Market

Website: https://farmersmarketscolorado.com
Location: 2500 S Colorado Blvd
When: May to October, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Saturday)
Pricing: $$

The University Hills Farmers Market is just a five-minute walk from the University Hills Plaza, making it convenient if you’re already in the area. This pop-up market has become a neighborhood favorite, with local produce, fresh flowers, and small-batch goodies. 

When I visited, I was pleasantly surprised by the selection—handmade jewelry, artisan home and body goods, and specialty food and treats. While the market is small, the cozy setup makes it easy to chat with the vendors. 

Vendors don’t need big or expensive licenses to sell here; they just have to follow cottage food rules, which makes it easier for small home-based businesses to join. 

They also support on-site bartering and run a community booth that accepts and redistributes extras to local shelters.

Pro Tip:

Bring small bills. Many vendors don’t accept cards due to cottage food regulations. Cash and Venmo are the main ways to pay here. 

7. Southwest Plaza Farmers Market

Media credit: metro.denver.farmers.market

Website: https://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/
Location: 8501 W Bowles Ave, Littleton
When: May to October, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturday)
Pricing: $$

This market is situated in the southeast parking lot of Southwest Plaza. It’s one of the largest markets in the area, offering a wide range of vendors.

Unlike the other markets, where food trucks park outside, this one has a designated licensing pad built into the plaza lot, so you’re guaranteed a strong food vendor lineup, like Ant D’s Fine Foods and Domenico Farms. 

The plaza setup is surprisingly thoughtful. They have these big ol’ shade tents, and the whole layout is ADA-friendly, which is usually an afterthought at events like this. If you’re rolling in with a stroller or wheelchair, you’re good here. 

The food is a chef’s kiss. I went straight for the stuffed pupusas from this Salvadoran truck that only pops up here because of some exclusive license deal. 

Pro Tip:

I strongly suggest checking the market’s website for special events and vendor schedules to plan your visit accordingly.

8. Lakewood Farmers Market

Media credit: metro.denver.farmers.market

Location: 9077 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood
When: June to August, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Tuesday) 
Pricing: $$

This market’s held at Mile Hi Church, and yeah—it’s one of the smaller sides, but it’s got great energy. It’s run by a nonprofit, which means they do income-based pricing for vendors. Booths are way more affordable too. 

It’s also the only faith-hosted market in Denver with partial proceeds to local food security programs. You can see fresh-cut produce alongside stalls for fair-trade coffee and handmade prayer rugs.

There are no commercial brands here; every vendor is an individual artisan, small farm, or food justice group. You won’t find this mix of grassroots and good vibes everywhere else.

Pro Tip:

Buy from the community booth, the church-run stall rotates nonprofits and donates 100% of profits to food access programs.

9. Boulder County Farmers Market

Media credit: downtownboulder

Website: http://www.bcfm.org/
Location: 13th St, Boulder
When: April to November, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Saturday) | May to October, 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Wednesday)
Pricing: $$

This market is approximately 23 miles southeast of Boulder, so it’s easy to get to.

I swung by on my lunch break and picked up some fresh sourdough, microgreens, and even cut flowers. I also love the ambiance here. 

What I really love is that the food hub here does custom orders. It started as an online store during the pandemic and has stuck around, providing fresh produce to different parts of Denver year-round. 

You can get plant-based proteins, healthy harvest olives, local honey, and beverages without the long wait. It’s just disappointing that they don’t offer any delivery.

Pro Tip:

If you’re hitting the market, don’t miss the live music! Local musicians play both the Saturday morning and Wednesday evening markets, so check out the musician schedule before you go.