You can find spring in all its glory at the Olympia Farmers Market where High Season begins on Thursday April 3, 2025. The perennial favorite place to find gorgeous produce, fresh baked goods and artisan products marks its 50th birthday this year with a party and special events throughout the season.
High Season means the Market is open Thursday through Sunday. Hours remain the same, which are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Since January, shoppers have had only Saturdays to roam the Market. Even with the chill and dampness, its popularity remained strong. People are bundled up and carrying warm drinks, but the spirit is still brisk and merry. Something as changeable as the weather will not keep people away from their favorite things. Fortunately, the days are growing milder. Spring greens are popping up and you can still get a warm beverage if you like. What are you waiting for?!
Consider Thursday for an Olympia Farmers Market Visit
Not only is it usually a bit less crowded on the weekdays, there are also special reasons to visit on Thursdays. Every Thursday is Senior Thursday where multiple vendors offer discounts to people who have reached the age of 55. Just let them know you’ve had enough birthdays. Check out the Lunch and Learn Program. You can talk with guest chefs, local educators and artists about their skills from noon to 1 p.m. The cooking demonstrations will tempt you with samples of local produce and artist demos. The local talent is awesome.
Participate in the free weekly raffle that is open for all. The raffles include items by market vendors. While you’re there, pick up your veggies for the weekend or sit with coffee and a friend.
Olympia Welcomes Over 100 Vendors and 400,000 Annual Visitors
It’s no wonder the Olympia Farmers Market is a bustling place! It’s so multi-purpose. You can pick up basics like bread, cheese, thoughtfully sourced meat, seafood, and eggs. Need plants for your home or garden? No problem. You’ll find chocolate, spirits, honey, hot sauce, jewelry, body care, household goods and of course, vibrant fruits and vegetables. There are gifts for others and gifts for yourself. I find vendors are engaging and interested to share about their special skills.
The Market has been Keeping it Fresh Since 1975
Fueled by memories of past markets in the area, in 1975, the farmers market was organized by a group of Olympia locals. The articles of incorporation for the farmers market were amended from the Olympia Food Conspiracy, a food cooperative buying group of the time. The year prior, a local gardener named Mary Towne made $500 selling vegetables outside the Olympia Senior Center. The funds collected became the seed money for the market to open in May 1975 at its original location at Pacific Avenue and Sleater-Kinney. The Market’s current home was secured in 1996, after a long history of moving to multiple locations within Olympia.
Market Promotes Food Access
Access to healthy, nutritious food is important to all people in our community. The Market promotes several programs including WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Senior FMNP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program), EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and SNAP Market Match. “We feel that it is critical to provide education and access to all members of our community and we are proud to continue to grow in these efforts,” according to the Market.
Stretch Your Dollars with SNAP Market Match
You can eat more for less when you use the SNAP Market Match program. Take your EBT card to the Market Office and receive up to $25per day in additional dollars to spend on fresh vegetables and fruits from the on-site vendors. This possibility comes from a collaborative effort between the Olympia Farmers Market and the Washington State Department of Health. The money can help you purchase delicious vegetables, herbs, mushrooms as well as seeds and plants.
50th Anniversary and Other Celebrations
Keep in touch with all the seasonal events and activities including the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 9, 2025, and the annual Harvest Celebration on Sunday, October 26 by looking on the Olympia Farmers Market website. Also check out the calendar of upcoming musicians–the Market hosts live music every Thursday through Sunday under the covered picnic pavilion. There will be fun for the whole family
Rain or shine, The Olympia Farmers Market awaits you.
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