Did you know that Pikes Peak area is home to over a dozen farmers markets?
If you live in or around Colorado Springs, you won’t have to travel far to find fresh Colorado produce, artisan made goods and products, and local culinary creations. In fact, if you love a good farmers market, you can find one to visit every day of the week! Enjoy this curated sampling of five local farmers markets that encompass locations from Black Forest all the way up to Woodland Park.
Spencer’s Market
Spencer’s Market is located at Spencer’s Lawn and Garden Center. Founded in 1934, it is the oldest farmers market in the Springs. Boasting 91years of serving the local community, in addition to their farm stand, their lawn and garden center is open year-round and offers everything you’ll need to start your own garden and beautify your outdoor space.
The fresh produce market heats up in June as locally grown produce becomes available. Sourced from Colorado farms around the state, Spencer’s Market trucks in highly sought after produce such as Olathe Corn, Grand Junction Tomatoes, Pueblo Chiles, and Palisade Peaches.
Dates: June-November daily
Times: 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday; 10am-4pm Sunday
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs, 1430 S Tejon Street
Website: https://spencersgardens.com/
Backyard Market in the Black Forest
The Backyard Market in the Black Forest is the largest producer-only market in the Springs. They only accept growers, makers and bakers from Colorado. This market has over 50 vendors that offer everything from fresh produce to original artwork. In addition, this market offers various programs including chef demos, on-site nutritionist, kids’ corner and young entrepreneur program for kids ages 7-17.
Located in the heart of the Black Forest, market shoppers can enjoy an immersive outdoor experience with towering pines, live music and various food trucks. This sustainable market encourages its vendors to use minimal, eco-friendly packaging. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags and recycling bins are provided, as well.
New in November of 2024, the market added a year-round farm shop that offers locally made food items, artisan gifts, and additional Colorado produce. The farm shop is open daily.
Dates: May 24-October 11, Saturdays
Times: 9am-1pm
Location: Black Forest, 6845 Shoup Road
Website: https://www.thebackyardmarkets.com/black-forest-market
Smith Farms
Smith Farms, located in Rocky Ford, grows about 80-90 percent of the produce they sell at their market in Falcon. This small family farm offers a true farmer to market experience with fresh produce stocked daily. Rocky Ford is said to produce some of the best melons in the state and Smith Farms provides a variety to choose from.
“Our farmland in Rocky Ford has the perfect combination of soil, weather, and altitude. We have a good mix of sand and clay and access to fresh water from the Arkansas River. Our hot days are great for growing and our cool nights raise the sugar levels in the fruits and vegetables, leading to sweeter produce.” Says Adam Smith
This market also offers canned goods, baked goods, frozen meats, dried pasta and pumpkin patch activities in the fall. They host an annual event called, “The Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off” where local pumpkin growers can haul in their giant pumpkins in to be weighed in at the only GPC (Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth) competition event in the Colorado Springs Area.
Dates: July 1-October 31, daily
Times: 8am-7pm
Location: Falcon, 8310 Blue Gill Drive
Website: https://www.facebook.com/smithsfarmmarket
OCC Farmers Market
The Old Colorado City Farmers Market has been proudly offering locally grown produce for over fifty years. This market focuses on sourcing produce from growers in and around the Pikes Peak area and Pueblo.
Market customers will be treated to stunning views of Pikes Peak as they stroll around Bancroft Park. This no-frills farmer market offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, local honey, and culinary products like cheese, salsa, and baked goods. You will not find art, crafts or MLM vendors here. Once shoppers have procured their market goods, they can meander down Colorado Avenue and check out the abundance of shops, restaurants, and galleries located in the area.
Dates: June 7-October 10, Saturdays
Times: 8am-1pm
Location: Old Colorado City, 2408 W Colorado Avenue, Bancroft Park
Website: https://www.facebook.com/OldColoradoCityFarmersMarket
Woodland Park Farmers Market
If hot summer days have you wishing for cooler temperatures to shop outdoors, head up to the Woodland Park Farmers Market. At 8400’ in elevation, the mild weather and spectacular views of the mountains set the stage for a quintessential Colorado farmers market experience.
The Woodland Park Farmers Market requires its vendors to source all produce from Colorado and non-food items like soaps and lotions must have an agricultural base. For example, the base ingredients must come from an animal or plant source like goats milk or tallow from local ranches.
In addition to produce, market shoppers will find items such as handmade crafts, baked goods, health and wellness items, and services like knife sharpening. Every week, shoppers can enjoy live music from well-known local musicians and food trucks that offer both breakfast and lunch items.
Dates: June 6-September 26, Fridays
Times: 8am-1pm
Location: Woodland Park, 200 N Park Street, Memorial Park
Website: https://wpfarmersmarket.com/