Denver Farmers Markets This Weekend: Produce and Finds

If you've been putting off the farmers markets, this is your weekend to get out there. Several of Denver's bigger markets are winding down for the season, but a few are still running this Saturday, October 31, and on Sunday, November 1. Cherry Creek Fresh Market wrapped up on October 10, and the Highlands and Central Park markets have already closed for the year. The summer market at Union Station ran through August 16, and its October dates on the 17th, 18th, and 24th have also passed.

Start with City Park Farmers Market, which sets up on the Esplanade at East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It's one of the largest markets in the city, with more than 100 Colorado farmers, ranchers, and food makers. You'll find produce, dairy, baked goods, drinks, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals, and there's usually live music and chef demonstrations. The museum dome makes a pretty backdrop if you want to grab a bite and sit on the grass. The market accepts SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, and October 31 is the last Saturday of its season.

If you'd rather skip the downtown crowds, the University Hills Farmers Market runs the same day from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at University Hills Plaza, in the parking lot of Wellshire Presbyterian Church at Colorado Boulevard and Amherst Avenue. Parking is free and plentiful, which is a relief at a busy market. Produce is anchored by Palizzi Farm from Brighton and Forte Fruits from Palisade, and you can also pick up pasta, honey, locally roasted coffee, eggs, meats, and gourmet dog treats. Denver Urban Gardens, the High Line Canal Conservancy, and Compost Colorado all have a presence there, too. October 31 is also the final Saturday for this one.

Sunday brings the South Pearl Street Farmers Market, which takes over the 1400 to 1500 blocks of South Pearl Street between East Arkansas and East Iowa avenues in Platt Park from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The market has more than 170 vendors, and everything sold has to be grown, raised, produced, or harvested in Colorado or a bordering county. Expect fresh produce, pastries, craft coffee, and flowers, along with handmade goods such as candles and stoneware. Live music is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, when Decaf Muchachos takes the stage. The market runs in rain, snow, or sun, but pets aren't allowed unless they're trained service animals. South Pearl stays open through Sunday, November 8, so it's the one market in this guide that gives you another weekend after this one.