[Article by contributing writer and Snoqualmie resident, Amanda Rich]
It is nearly summer and with warmer weather come a lot of treats – my favorite among them? Outdoor markets!
Farmers market and outdoor markets are a favorite activity for me and my little. There is food, fun stuff to look at, people watching and usually live music or entertainment for kids. We can walk and not worry about cars and usually head home with full bellies something interesting to enjoy or cook at home.
In North Bend, Si View Metro Parks will host Thursday Farmers Market and Summer Concert series starting June 6th and running until September 12th from 4pm to 8pm. Come for fresh fruits and veggies to take home and enjoy dinner from one of the many prepared food options during the live concert from 6-7:30pm.
Heirloom Cookshop in historic Snoqualmie will again host a summer Green Market on Fridays from 3pm to 7pm starting on June 7. The Green Market offers local growers and makers as well as a beer garden and live music. This summer, there will be new programming for kids.
The organizer of the Tuesday market on Snoqualmie Ridge responded to me that they are not coordinating a market for this summer, but we may see it again in 2020.
There are a few markets already up and running close to the Valley. In Issaquah, Pickering Barn hosts the City of Issaquah’s Saturday outdoor market. It offers hot and prepared food, organically-grown fruits and vegetables, beautiful flowers, vegetable starts and a variety of artisanal goods and specialty foods. If you’ve got young kids, be prepared to stand in line for balloon art by Presto the Peculiar (find him on Instagram @inflatamancerpresto) and have cash for a donation in exchange for a truly amazing creation. I have seen him make everything from flowers to wearable unicorns to ferris wheels and more. Seattle Pops popsicles are always set up at the very front and cannot be missed by little ones loving a cool, sweet treat (make sure you grab a punch card – buy 10 and you get one free!).
There are many outdoor markets to choose from throughout the valley and Eastside. Make sure to bring your own bags – maybe even a wagon – and a stroller if your little one can’t go a while walking (plus it can be used to stash purchases). Payments vary by vendor with some preferring cash and others using mobile payment options, like Square. Check out the links below for opening and closing dates, weather policies and rules about pets.
- Bellevue Farmers Market Thursdays from 3pm – 7pm
- Carnation Farmers Market Tuesdays from 3pm – 7pm
- Duvall Farmers Market Thursdays 3pm – 7pm
- Heirloom Green Market Fridays 3pm – 7pm
- Issaquah Farmers Market Saturdays 9am-2pm
- Redmond Saturday Market Saturdays 9am – 3pm
