Portland Farmers and Artists and Chefs, Oh My!

Keep Up With the City’s Farmers and Artisan Market Schedule 2021

Year round, rain or shine, local farmers and artisans haul their harvests and handmade goods into the streets of Portland, and we dive headlong into the magic. Getting lost in the green fractals of romanesco broccoli. Choosing between a dozen varieties of apple. Smelling every candle and bar of soap. Seriously considering if this is the day to finally buy a didgeridoo. Whether stocking up on fresh produce, grabbing a bite to eat or searching for treasures, perusing the street market stalls of Portland is both a valuable resource and a cherished pastime.

Portlanders, for the most part, prefer not to use their purchasing power at big chain outlets. We love to meet and connect with the people who grow our kohlrabi, fold our pierogi and carve our salad spoons. We love to invest in the local economy, reduce waste and pollution, and have access to fresh, organic food and unique, locally made products. 

Traditionally, Saturday is the big day for farmers markets, and this custom holds true in Portland. For the best food and fresh produce vibe, start your Saturday morning at the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. From 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., over 140 vendors converge on the South Blocks to purvey their local produce and edible goods. Stock up on fresh greens and flavorful salad dressings from Farm Punk Salads, or grab some juicy apricots and a flaky seasonal turnover from Packer Orchards. If you’re traveling, bring home an award-winning jar of Rose City Pepperheads pepper jelly or Spoon & Nut’s to-die-for dark roast peanut butter. 

After that, make your way up to Old Town for Portland Saturday Market. Here, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., you can experience the best makers market vibe, with artisans displaying and selling their crafts and wares. Don’t miss the flatware art by original Saturday Market member Spoonman, celebrating their 47th year at PSM. When your appetite finally catches up to you, head to the food court for an authentic Chinese crepe from Bing Mi, and cap off the afternoon overlooking the waterfront as local musicians serenade you. 

There are markets every day of the week around the Portland area, each with its own unique vibe. Finding one that you can walk or bike to is a great way to connect with your neighborhood while further reducing pollution and traffic. Here, listed by day of the week, are more markets happening around the Portland area in 2021.