Time flies when you spend it at the Olympia Farmers Market. Saturday, August 9, 2025, marked the celebratory 50th anniversary, though any day at the market is special. On that morning, the parking lot filled up early as shoppers and visitors got in lines for their favorite baked goods and coffee. The aisles were overflowing with summer’s bounty of produce (berries are always a favorite). Vendors displayed their artisan wares. Kids were making race cars from zucchinis – it’s a craft you can later eat or recycle! Potter Alan Perillo was busy at his wheel so people could get up close to see how pots are made. The atmosphere was festive from end to end.
You don’t need a reason to visit the Olympia Farmers Market. However, if a reminder is helpful or you simply want to take a moment to appreciate the fullness of our community favorite place, here’s an alphabetical list:
Apples: Bake, stew, dehydrate, sauce or eat raw, apples are versatile in varieties and uses.
Balloons: Though not available every day, balloons are crowd pleasers for both children and adults. There’s something to smile about a unicorn balloon.
Berries: It’s blueberry time. They freeze quite well and are excellent brain candy. Cranberries, another versatile fruit, won’t be around until fall. I hope you have few remaining in your freezer. Use them up to be ready for the new season.
Body products: Find botanicals like creams for pain and inflammation reduction. There’s help for skin, body and hair. Talk to the people who make them and learn what might be helpful for you.
Bread: Sourdough, baguettes, and loaves from various grains. They are worth waiting in line.
Candles: Beeswax candles are twisted, braided and woven into art, but are made to provide warming light. They’re functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Cheese: Exceptional daily products of yogurt, cheese curds, cream cheese and Gouda.
Clothes: Gloves, hats, and wearables from recycled and upcycled fibers and materials.
Coffee: You can get the drink you want.
Desserts and Drinks: There are too many to list – hot and cold. You decide.
Education/Festivals/Fun Activities: The Market hosts food tastings and promotes the moods of the season. You can always find something to learn there and get ideasfor dinner.
Flowers: Depending on the season, you can find fresh bouquets.
Friends: Meet friends for coffee, lunch for an afternoon stroll.
Garden: On the east side of the market between the entrance and the paved area, you can walk through and sit in the garden a moment of quiet.
Gifts: Looking for a hostess gift? Birthday or anniversary gift? Yes, this is a great place for that.
Greens: Leafy, packed-with-nutrition greens are available nearly year-round.
Holiday Decorations: There will be pumpkins for fall time and wreathes and swags for Christmas, along with table décor.
Ice cream, Jam, Jewelry
International food court: Flavors of the world
Leather goods, Live Music, and Supporting Local Businesses
Mead, Meat, Microgreens and Mushrooms and Nuts: Thoughtfully grown and harvested products
Outdoor Art
Parking: The lot north of the Market is always free and street parking is free on the weekends.
Partnerships: The Market is proud to associate with the Community Farm Land Trust,
OLYWA Days of Change, Master Gardeners and others.
Pet Treats, Plants, and Pottery
Salsa, Sauerkraut, Seafood, Shave Ice, and Soap
Senior Thursday: You need to ask for it, so vendors can give you a discount when you reach 55 years of age. Learn about the Thursday Raffle.
SNAP Program: Use your EBT card at the Market Office and receive up to $25 in additional bucks to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and edible plant starts.
Wall Art, Wine, Wooden Tables
WIC Benefits: Use for fresh vegetables and fruits year-round at vendors with the ‘WIC accepted here’ signage.
There are surely more reasons to visit the market. Discover your own.
The Olympia Farmers Market thrives because people return again and again for amazing tasting foods, fresh everything, live entertainment and an upbeat vibe. For a list of the specific vendors, click here.
Stay up to date with the Olympia Farmers Market newsletter. You will also find information on the Olympia Farmers Market Instagram and Facebook.
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