Where to Buy Fresh Produce, Seafood and More from the Source

From spring until fall (and sometimes beyond!), farmers markets pop up all around the Tacoma area, bringing fresh and local produce, beautiful flower bouquets, fish and meats, and often some entertainment and food vendors too. No matter where you live in the region, there is a market not too far off; however, some are larger than others.

Broadway Farmers Market

The largest of the farmers markets in Tacoma is located downtown along several blocks of Broadway, starting at 9th Avenue. This was the original market in town and has been running each summer since 1990. All the markets in Tacoma have lots of produce; moreover, what is unique about the Broadway market is the wide array of other vendors—artists ranging from glass art to crochet to henna, ready-to-eat food vendors, and many types of specialty food vendors from creameries to fine chocolate shops to bakeries. Additionally, more food options are available if any of Tacoma’s food trucks come to the party. Because this market is only open in the middle of the day on Thursdays, it is heavily frequented by people who work and live in the downtown area, making it a great lunch spot or a place to kick back and listen to some live music.

If you want to come check it out and don’t live close by, there are several options for how to get here. There are parking garages at 11th and Market and 10th and Commerce. You can park at the Tacoma Dome and ride the Link light rail. Also, you can ride any of the Pierce Transit buses that head downtown and avoid parking altogether. Buses will drop you off at 10th and Commerce, which is very close to Broadway.

Location: 9th and Broadway in downtown Tacoma
Open: From early May to late October
Days: Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

South Tacoma Farmers Market

Many of the vendors that make appearances at the other Tacoma farmers markets are located here as well; therefore, this market offers even more fresh and local produce, meats, and seafood. South Tacoma does not have the upscale grocery stores that North Tacoma has and lacks the fine dining restaurants that downtown features; consequently, this farmers market brings a unique facet to the food scene in this part of town. On-site food vendors feature crepes, ethnic food, and desserts so you can buy some groceries or simply enjoy a tasty bite of food outdoors.

Location: 3873 S. 66th Street, Tacoma (at STAR Center)
Open: From May to late September
Days: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Eastside Market

The Eastside Market is unique in that it’s in a neighborhood that doesn’t have a lot of grocery stores or fresh fruit and vegetable sources beyond your average Safeway or two. With the opening of this market, that’s changed; now, every Wednesday brings local produce and food producers, as well as the usual live music and food vendors!

Location: 1708 E 44th Street, Tacoma
Open: From June to September
Days: Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Point Ruston Farmers Market

Point Ruston is one of Tacoma’s newest places to shop, dine, and walk. It’s also one of the most picturesque places in town with an expansive waterview and a waterfront walking path. Why not make it even better with some fresh fruits and veggies? The Point Ruston Farmers Market is a pilot market, but it’s hard to imagine that shoppers won’t love it and want it to continue. For anyone who enjoyed the nearby North Pearl Farmers Market, it has merged with the Point Ruston market.

Location: Point Ruston Grand Plaza, 5005 Ruston Way, Tacoma
Open: From August to September
Days: Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Proctor Farmers Market

The Proctor Farmers Market is not operated by Tacoma Farmers Market (which does operate the Broadway, 6th Ave, Point Ruston, and South Tacoma markets), so it features a few different vendors than the other Tacoma markets. A creamery, a dairy, and local farms all provide meats and cheese, while there is a good selection of local fruits and vegetables too. You’ll also find beer and wine tasting at this market, a rare treat! Plus, it’s located in the Proctor District that is already filled with restaurants and shops (and the tasty Met Market) so wandering beyond the market is extra fun.

Location: N 27th and Proctor
Open: From late March to mid-November
Days: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Puyallup Farmers Market

If you live farther south or in Puyallup, this market may be the closest to you. It is one of the larger markets around, possibly larger than the Broadway market as it spans all of Pioneer Park in downtown Puyallup. There is a stage on the grounds that often has live entertainment and local bands playing. Puyallup boasts many of the best farms around, including Spooner Farms and Terry’s Berries, so the produce here does not have far to travel!

Location: Pioneer Park at 330 S. Meridian in Puyallup
Open: From mid-April to mid-October
Days: Saturdays 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.