New Farmers Markets Are Popping Up in Denver

The onset of the summer season brings riding upon its warm breeze a number of culinary, community-oriented events that allow us to partake in the best parts of the season. Fresh produce, good weather and craft beverages are the name of the game. A growing variety in Denver's farmers markets is a fantastic new fixture, both for the local vendors, and for the consumers - bringing the best produce and local goods that Colorado has to offer straight to market and to our kitchens.

Union Station Farmers Market – Beginning this Saturday, June 4, Boulder County Farmers Markets teams up with Denver's Union Station to present a farmers market with the best produce and local foods. The market will take place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 22. In addition to excellent produce and face-to-face contact with the growers, this unique installation will also feature a weekly chef demo program, highlighting local chefs and providing a test space for them to let the creative juices flow. Over 40 vendors have signed on with the inaugural season of the Grower's Only market at Union Station.

FOODIES Festival Market – In its inaugural season, the brand new FOODIES Festival Market will bring local food, music, art and beverages to Belleview Station at 6770 E. Chenango Avenue, a part of the new RTD development located between central Denver and DTC. This market aims for an artisanal, European feel, with its focus on locally produced foods, art, live music, family activities, craft beer/wine, and prepared foods to enjoy under the quaint dining tent. The FOODIES Festival Market will usher in the summertime starting this Sunday, June 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Following the first market, the event will also occur consistently on Thursdays starting June 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Slow Food Farmers Market – Last Sunday, the Denver chapter of Slow Food launched its new farmers market inside The Source. The weekly event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October showcases a collection of Colorado growers and producers, with educational programming, culinary and cocktail demonstrations, guest vendors and in-store special events. Along with City Pretzel (a new mobile tuk tuk style pretzel vendor from Rosenberg's Bagels), this Sunday's lineup includes: Five Points Fermentation, Sweet Jayne's, and special guest Coutelier NOLA.

Disclosure: The editor is married to one of the developers behind The Source, the development in which Slow Food Farmers Market takes place.