The Fruits of Summer: Arizona Community Farmers Markets

Just because the temperatures are beginning rise again for an Arizona summer doesn’t mean local produce growers and other specialty food vendors are closing up shop. Visit your nearest farmers market to support local farmers and growers, and score some fresh and tasty produce.

AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Farmers Market
4700 E. Warner Road (Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center parking lot)
Sundays, 8 to 11 a.m.
website
If you wander into the community center parking lot on Sunday mornings, you’ll find a mix of fresh local and seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, locally made jams, jellies and salsas, freshly baked breads, natural pork, beef and fish, and even a selection of local arts and crafts. Parking is close by and convenient, and there’s a pay station where you can pay for all your purchases (even from multiple vendors) with just one credit card transaction. (Visa, MasterCard and Quest Card accepted.

CAREFREE

Carefree Farmers Market
Easy Street and HoHum Road, off Tom Darlington Road (Carefree Amphitheater)
Fridays, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
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Stock up on baked breads, salsas, jams and jellies, herbs and flowers, and lots of fresh and local seasonal produce. You may even catch a demonstration by a chef from a Valley restaurant. Parking is adjacent and AZ Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers are accepted.

GLENDALE

The Twilight Farmers Market
59th Avenue and Utopia Road (Citadelle Plaza)
Wednesdays, 4 to 7 p.m. through end of May; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June and July
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Discover “Arizona’s only farmers market under the stars,” a family-friendly and pet-friendly gathering of 10 to 20 vendors offering fresh locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers plants, artisan baked goods, natural pork, beef and fish and more. Take advantage of the opportunity to also explore Citadelle Plaza, offering further shopping and dining experiences.

LITCHFIELD PARK

The Wigwam Farmers Market
300 E. Wigwam Blvd. (front lawn of The Wigwam resort)
Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through end of May; 7 to 11 a.m. beginning June 1
website
Guests of The Wigwam resort and Valley residents alike are invited to join 15 of the area’s top local farmers and artisans. Golo Family Farms will offer fresh seasonal produce including melons, okra, peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumbers and more, with Duncan Family Farms offering summer peaches and blackberries mid-May through June from their famed West Valley farm. Additional vendors include Chile Acres, DeCio Pasta, Health Foodie, Mi Salsa, Poppa Maize, Pork on a Fork, R Sauce, Raging Raw, Relish This, Terra Verde Farms and Torched Goodness. The Wigwam’s culinary team will also be serving up fresh-made-to-order breakfast wraps and thirst quenching beverages including fresh-squeezed lemonade, Arnold Palmers and housemade Bloody Marys.

MESA

Mesa Community Farmers Market
260 N. Center Street (south of University Drive at Rendezvous Green)
Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
website
Located near downtown Mesa and close to cafes, coffee shops, museums and antique stores, the Mesa Community Farmers Market invites visitors to make a morning of it. Peruse handmade lotions and soaps, spices, salsas, natural pork, beef, fish, fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, handmade craft products and more.

PARADISE VALLEY

Roadrunner Farmers Market
3502 E. Cactus Road (Roadrunner Park, between Highway 51 and 36th Street)
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through end of May; 7 to 11 a.m. June through September
website
At Roadrunner Park you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, honey, jams, jellies, nursery stock, natural pork, beef, fish and handcrafted items. Bring the kids, too, because the park features a large children’s playground, and other on-site attractions include a fishing pond, the a Junior Motocross track, swimming pool, soccer fields and open green spaces. Events are going on most weekends. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. The market accepts AZ Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, and you can pay for all your purchases from the vendors in a single credit card transaction. See the information booth on-site to learn more.

SCOTTSDALE

Old Town Farmers Market
Brown and First Street (the City parking facility, next to the Carriage House)
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
website
In the fun and lively atmosphere of Old Town, expect to find local growers and specialty food producers selling a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, as well as flowers, natural pork, beef, fish, free-range eggs, local cheese, artisan breads, Amish friendship breads, jams, picadillies, tamales. Well-mannered pets are welcome.

Visit the Arizona Community Farmers Market website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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