Olympia Farmers Market | Olympia

Olympia Farmers Market is one of the most prominent and longest-running farmers markets in the Pacific Northwest. Situated in the heart of downtown Olympia, Washington, it has been serving the region since 1975. This market is far more than a simple place to buy produce-it's a thriving cultural and social hub, known for its dedication to local agriculture, artisan craftsmanship, culinary diversity, and community-centered values.

1. Location & Layout

Address: 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501

Located near Percival Landing, the market sits along the scenic waterfront, with beautiful views of Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.

The structure is semi-covered, with open-air walkways and wooden stalls arranged in long rows. There's a stage area for live music, indoor eateries, and picnic-style seating under a large canopy.

2. Operating Schedule

The market operates across three distinct seasons:

High Season (April – October): Open Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM.

Holiday Season (November – December): Open Saturday and Sunday, with extended hours just before Christmas.

Winter Season (January – March): Open Saturdays only, 10 AM to 3 PM.

This year-round availability makes it a rare example of a four-season farmers market, adapting its offerings with the changing climate and harvests.

3. Vendors and Products

With over 100 vendors, the Olympia Farmers Market prioritizes local producers within a 100-mile radius. All vendors must grow, craft, or prepare their goods themselves-reselling is not allowed.

Farm Produce & Floral Vendors

Fresh fruits and vegetables from small family farms

Seasonal highlights include:

Spring: asparagus, rhubarb, greens, radishes

Summer: berries, peaches, tomatoes, corn

Fall: apples, pears, squash, pumpkins

Winter: root vegetables, kale, and storage crops

Many farmers are organic or sustainably certified

Cut flowers and native plants from small flower farms add color and fragrance

Artisan Foods

Local cheeses (goat, cow, and sheep milk)

Wild-caught smoked salmon and oysters from South Puget Sound

Homemade jams, honey, nut butters, vinegars, and hot sauces

Fresh-baked goods: rustic breads, croissants, pies, and gluten-free pastries

Small-batch roasted coffee and handcrafted teas

Crafts and Handmade Goods

Pottery, leatherwork, hand-blown glass, woodcrafts

Natural soaps, lotions, beeswax candles

Jewelry using local stones and upcycled metals

Woven textiles, art prints, garden décor

Food Booths & Market Restaurants

The on-site eateries are beloved for their variety and use of local ingredients. Options include:

Fresh crepes, sandwiches, wraps, and salads

Vegan and vegetarian dishes from Mother’s Roots Kitchen

Authentic bratwurst and sauerkraut from Bavarian Wurst

Seafood and chowder from Olympia Seafood Co.

Fresh juices, smoothies, and locally roasted coffee

Sweet treats such as pie, baklava, and pastries

4. Community and Cultural Role

Olympia Farmers Market isn’t just for shopping-it serves as a central gathering place where local culture thrives.

Live Music & Entertainment

Live performances from regional musicians take place Thursday through Sunday, typically from 11 AM to 2 PM.

Genres range from bluegrass and folk to jazz, classical, and world music.

The open-air stage adds to the festival-like feel of market days.

Educational Events & Seasonal Celebrations

Cooking demonstrations with local chefs using market ingredients

Garden workshops on composting, pollination, and urban farming

Children’s activities during the summer such as face painting, scavenger hunts, and pumpkin painting in the fall

Annual events like Harvest Festival, Holiday Market Days, and Taste of the Market

5. Food Access & Sustainability

The market emphasizes equity, health, and sustainability through several key programs:

SNAP/EBT & Market Match

Shoppers using SNAP (food stamps) can use their EBT cards to purchase tokens at the market booth.

Market Match provides up to $25 per day in matching funds to spend on fruits and vegetables.

WIC & Senior Farmers Market Vouchers

Accepts Women, Infants, and Children and Senior Nutrition Program vouchers for qualifying produce purchases.

Zero Waste Commitment

Vendors use compostable packaging where possible.

Food waste is minimized, and compost/recycling stations are placed throughout the site.

Many vendors practice regenerative agriculture, supporting soil and ecosystem health.

6. Accessibility & Visitor Amenities

Wheelchair-accessible pathways, parking, and restrooms

Service animals are permitted, but pets are not allowed inside the vendor area (to preserve health standards)

Covered eating areas with communal tables

Bike racks and car parking lots available nearby

Accessible via public transit and even by boat at nearby Percival Landing

7. Governance & Mission

Olympia Farmers Market is a vendor-run non-profit cooperative. Vendors elect board members and help determine policies, ensuring that decisions benefit the local producer community.

Its mission is:

"To nourish the community, support small-scale agriculture and artisans, and strengthen the local economy by providing a vibrant marketplace.”

This grassroots structure keeps the focus on authenticity, local economic growth, and community ownership rather than commercialization.

8. Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

The atmosphere is friendly, casual, and lively. Shoppers often spend hours browsing, eating, listening to music, and catching up with friends. The market reflects the character of Olympia-environmentally conscious, artistic, and people-focused. On sunny days, it’s bustling with families, tourists, artists, and longtime locals.

The marina views, smell of fresh herbs and bread, sound of live string music, and the sight of handcrafted goods make the market experience deeply sensory and memorable.

In Summary

The Olympia Farmers Market is more than a place to buy local goods-it's a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Open all year and deeply rooted in the culture of Washington’s capital city, it offers a full-circle experience that blends food, art, environment, and human connection into a single, vibrant destination.